Caledonian Canal and Dochgarroch Locks
INVERNESS
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1. The walk begins from the small car park at Whin Park beside the River Ness at the west end of Inverness, near the Leisure Centre. This point can alternatively be reached by walking from the city centre, following the path across the lovely Ness Islands. Begin the walk by heading just to the right of the public toilets and through the park playground to reach the banks of the Ness. Turn right along the riverside path, soon crossing a footbridge over a stream channel. A short distance further on the path goes up some wooden steps to join the towpath of the Caledonian Canal; turn left along this. The towpath runs between the canal on the right, and the river at a lower level on the left.
2. There are usually plenty of canal boats and holiday cruisers all along the wide canal. This section is most attractive, with the views down to the River Ness complemeting the canal and the landscape enhanced by some small wooded hills. No directions are needed; simply continue along the path, passing a bench at one point.
3. After almost five kilometres of canal the locks at Dochgarroch are reached. The lochs on the Caledonian Canal, which was built by Thomas Telford, are very wide, built to accommodate steam ships. The route never did gain its intended traffic as by the time of completion the coming of the railways were beginning to render canals redundant, but the canal is a huge benefit to Highlands tourism today. The canal follows an obvious natural fault across the Highlands, and has felt several earth tremors. The worst of these minor quakes was in 1901 and was centred on Dochgarroch; it left a half-inch wide crack running along the towpath for a distance of six hundred metres. Cross over at the lochs and begin the walk back down the far bank.
4. The path on the north side passes several buildings. At one point the main track goes up left away from the canal; don't take this but instead stay on the smaller path along the canal-side. Further on the path passes some houses and the end of a minor road, before finally reaching the Tomnahurich swing bridge which carries the main A82 across the canal. Cross this bridge and then immediately turn right down the small road (not the tow path). The passes to the right of the Floral Hall to return to Whin Park.
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