Caledonian Canal, Historic waterway in Highland, Scotland
The Caledonian Canal is a historic waterway in Highland, Scotland, that stretches for 60 miles from Inverness on the North Sea to Fort William on the Atlantic. The route links several natural lochs through artificial channels and includes a total of 29 locks.
Thomas Telford designed the waterway in the early 19th century to offer ships a safe passage through the Scottish Highlands and avoid the dangerous route around the north of Scotland. Work began in 1803 and continued for nearly two decades until the route opened fully in 1822.
The waterway takes its name from the ancient Caledonians who once inhabited this region. Along its route, locks and bridges carry Scottish engineering names that recall the craftsmanship of the early 19th century.
Cycling paths and walking routes run alongside the waterway, suitable for both short walks and longer tours. The Canal Heritage Centre near Fort Augustus provides information about the history and mechanics of the locks.
Two-thirds of the route passes through natural lochs such as Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich, with only about one-third excavated artificially. This combination makes the waterway one of the most scenically rewarding routes in Scotland.
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