Great Glen Canoe Trip: page 2
Day 1.
After a very long journey from Nottingham to Fort William followed by another 2 hour return trip to Inverness to deposit the cars at the finish point, we all arrived at the Linnhe Lochside Caravan Park near Fort William for our first night’s stay before departure on our trip. Our party consisted of 6 people, Robin (our Leader and organiser), Virginia, Martin, John and Sandy and me (Bob). We would be traveling in three open canoes.
Day 2.
We left the camp site late and in a bit of a muddle caused by confusion after the long journey. After finally clearing camp we paddled around the headland on the ebbing tide and across to the sea lock at the entrance to the Caledonian Canal. At each lock we portaged along the conveniently provided path to beyond the top of lock where we slid the boats back into the water. After a couple of miles paddling along with the sea level below us, we arrived at the lock known as “Neptune’s Staircase”. We had to cross the road and then climb this flight of locks that raised us up to a beautiful wide canal with views across to the mountains. At the end of the canal was the final lock that took us out on to Loch Lochy. We paddled part way down the north shore of this lake before finding a convenient beach to camp for the night. As the evening came on the midges came out by the million and attacked us! Scottish midges are a breed of insect that are very small but inflict a giant bite. The only defence is to cover all parts of the body including using a head net and use plenty of repellent. After tent pitching and a meal, only a smoky fire or retreat to a closed tent would bring relief!
