Libster To Oban Via The Canal

Guess what, more motoring, left Libster surprisingly early, we heard the the stanchion scrape on the wall as the tide lifted us up. 6AM well I’m up, Adrian is up lets go, while we can. Engine on an start the long motor to the entrance of the Caledonian canal 50 miles away in inverness. The weather is clear and blue and there is every chance of some great wild life spotting in the glassy water.

First spot is n unknown hawk bombing a Fulmar that is sitting on the water as soon as the Fulmar is foolish enough to try and get airborne the predictor knock him to water again where the assault continues eventually there are 2 hawks and 2 fulmars in a battle. (I think the Fulmars escape) next is a skua busy drowning a gannet. I had heard of this behaviour but wasn’t expecting to see it so often. Again on this occasion the gannet finally got away . Eventually we reached the entrance to the estuary, still best part of 20 miles to go. There is rumour of dolphin pods in the narrows and they did not disappoint. 2 groups of 6 ish being harrissed by viewing boats. Not really the type of wildlife spotting I like. We wind down the meandering estuary through town and under the bridge arriving bang on top of the tide, as planned. (Luck) shame the lock keeper had gone home for the day so we tie up at the entrance of the sea lock. Luckily a grea little pub just 200yards away. Locals friendly and knowledgeable about fishing. Next morning Adrian up early for a run and on his return the lock keeper calls us Ito the first of 29locks and 11 swing bridges
Caledonian canal is 60 miles long and will lift the mighty Morvenna to height of 33 metres through the highlands.
When I went through the Crinan canal I had the Mark and the lovely lock maidens Lizzy and Sarah to help, this time it was to be Adrian. I’m sure we will cope. As with the Crinan. Everyone is friendly and positive, getting through the locks is a social event. After the sea lock we nip into the coop to stock up and we climb the first lock ladder with an exclusive tourist boat full of Americans. One lady doing yoga, stood on her head for most of the process. Next stop was Loch Ness with full 20 knot head wind. We decided to sail anyway beating side to side up the loch. Progress, but slow. After about 10 miles progress it was back to motor sailing to the windless haven of Augusta. Here we found nice pub , food, and Eric the Viking from No bullshit sailing on his way back from St Kilda. Decided to spoil his evening introduce myself. Adrian had no idea who he was. I am sure Eric told his mates who he had met.
Next stop the lock ladder and a long run of Canal top negotiate. Final destination for the day will be the basin at the end of loch oich. Beautiful quiet spot only disturbed by the crashing into pontoons of hire boats as the holiday makers learn how to drive them.
The next day is the final run to the sea, it seems a shame to have rushed through, there is plenty of opportunity to have a whole cruise within the canal and lochs. Neptunes ladder awaits but while waiting we meet a young chap called Sam who is circumnavigating the UK in a Hurley 22 he bought on eBay for 900 quid. He has a you tube channel called Samsails. Makes you realise that you can have a proper adventure on a shoe string. Top chap hope he does well.
So down Neptunes ladder like a well oiled machine. Even flicking the ropes on and off from the bottom of the lock with no help. As always we are running late as we hit the final sea lock and it looking as if we could miss the tide through the narrows in Loch Linhe. Which could be embarrassing as Rob was already in Oban and has no where to stay apart from on the boat. We had better get the motor running again. We took all the short cuts we could and just snuck into Oban transit marina in the dark and mist at 10pm. Rob had been keeping warm in the pub and we were going to sneak in for last orders. We meet a young couple while trying to get a seat in the pub they are impressed we had sailed from Norway and asked to see a picture of our boat as they weren’t to sure we were telling them the truth. They were properly impress when Rob showed them a picture of one of the tall ships from Lerwick. 3 masts 120 metres and staff on all the rigging. I’m pretty sure they are still dining out on that story.

Oban, Time for Adrian to get the train home, so up early to walk him to the station. Rob and I have to continue south.Read more