Caledonian Canal, Neptune's Staircase to Gairlochy and back

[allansmitchell]

We werent doing the great glen way, but looks like we done stage one twice. (but we started at neptunes staircase)
On the way out we followed the route from neptunes staircase to Gairlochy. you follow the canal path that is also a cycle route, so this would be great for kids on bikes, or a stroll pushing the buggy.
On reaching Gairlochy we crossed the canal and followed the road a third of the way until we reached Loy bridge, here you cross the bridge and climb the farmers gate, there is a track that takes you down the side of a stream and under the canal. It is a footpath under the canal, however it is slippy, and pitch dark under the canal, we were also warned by the lock keeper that it does flood, we were lucky only ankle high but apparently it can get above your knees.
Once back on the side of the canal we started we just retraced our steps. A lovley stroll in the country with great views of Ben Nevis and the Canal.