Great Glen & Loch Ness
Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus
About
Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus
One of the best spots to see Caledonian Canal in operation is Fort Augustus, which runs the whole length of the Great Glen and is an amazing engineering achievement. This charming village has breathtaking views, a great spot for lunch and even a chance to spot the elusive Nessie. Located at the centre of the town is the Caledonian Canal Centre, which is a great place for visitors to learn about the history of the canal, browse for Scottish gifts, enjoy locally sourced food and artisan ice cream or even watch boats go through the locks. It’s the perfect starting point for visiting the Great Glen, and there are seven luxurious holiday homes available on Airbnb.
Things to see & do
FAQs
Fort Augustus is best known for its flight of five locks on the Caledonian Canal, which lower boats into Loch Ness at the southern end of the Great Glen. It's a popular stop for Loch Ness visitors, with cafés, canal-side walks, and a heritage centre.
Five locks form the flight at Fort Augustus, stepping the Caledonian Canal down to the level of Loch Ness. The canal has 29 locks in all along its 60 miles from Inverness to Fort William.
The fort went up after the Jacobite Rising of 1715 and took its name from Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the same 'Butcher Cumberland' who led the Hanoverian forces at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
The Great Glen Way follows the canal towpath for much of its 79-mile route from Fort William to Inverness. At Fort Augustus, the flat canal-side walk beside the locks is one of the most popular short strolls in the area.
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Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus
with a local expert guide.
Tours visiting this attraction
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