After an overnight stop on Loch Oich, we arrived at Fort Augustus. Loch Oich is the highest point of the canal so we are now descending. This is easier than going up because you start of level with the top of the lock and can easily place the ropes over a bollard rather than having to throw a rope up to a lock keeper. We have been advised to moor at the top of the flight of four locks and will therefore pass through them later.
We walk down past the locks to the start of the famous Loch Ness. It stretches into the distance for twenty miles and a considerable swell reaches into the bottom moorings – which is why we are moored at the top. The small town itself is delightful with an interesting canal museum, post office and small super market. We take the opportunity to stock up with supplies because we may have to moor next time at a much more remote location.
In the evening, we visit the local pub, which is full of many nationalities. A number of boats from Finland and Holland are moored in the basin and we learn that there is a coach party, mainly of Australians, staying at a local hostel. The cosmopolitan crowd are good fun and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves.
We wake up in the morning to heavy rain and wind against us - if we decide to cross Loch Ness. It was an easy decision to stay here for another night.
We walk down past the locks to the start of the famous Loch Ness. It stretches into the distance for twenty miles and a considerable swell reaches into the bottom moorings – which is why we are moored at the top. The small town itself is delightful with an interesting canal museum, post office and small super market. We take the opportunity to stock up with supplies because we may have to moor next time at a much more remote location.
In the evening, we visit the local pub, which is full of many nationalities. A number of boats from Finland and Holland are moored in the basin and we learn that there is a coach party, mainly of Australians, staying at a local hostel. The cosmopolitan crowd are good fun and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves.
We wake up in the morning to heavy rain and wind against us - if we decide to cross Loch Ness. It was an easy decision to stay here for another night.
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