Broads01

Gairlochy was the deepest lock. Morning swallows at Laggan. Canal approaching Banavie. Berthed at Gairlochy

Thursday 2nd September The day started misty as we continued our journey south-west across Loch Lochy. The mountains and fells aside Loch Lochy are noticeably higher than those of the other lochs - we were getting nearer to Ben Nevis after all. Unfortunately the mountain tops were shrouded in mist but it was beautiful nonetheless. It's also very wild - there's no moorings on the loch at all. By the time we reached Gairlochy at the bottom of the loch around 11-30am ( we'd set off at 9-15) the sun was warming up. We had a relaxing stop on the pontoons near Gairlochy lock and wandered along to take in the scene. We didn't seem close to civilization and yet there was a red phone box still containing a BT phone - they still exist it seems and it captured the feel of the area perfectly, being something unchanged from an earlier era. In the afternoon we descended the lock and it was then a one and a half hour gentle canal cruise to our overnight at the limit of navigation for hire boats - the top of Neptune's Staircase at Banavie near Fort William. Ben Nevis was in clear view only a few miles away. It's a shame we weren't able to navigate through Neptune's Staircase. It's 8 locks in height and is the longest continuous staircase in the UK (no lock pounds in between like the flights I've seen on English canals). We enjoyed eating out again (normal pub in a building this time!) at a pub called The Lochy (what else).

I remember briefly in the mid 80s there was a one way option between Hearts at Thorpe and Herbert Woods. I think there was a small number of boats involved, possibly including the identical Knave of Hearts and Delight which were the Broom 30 variant with the different shaped windows.

VID_20210901_144433.mp4 Wednesday 1st September The locks open at 0830 and we didn't want to hang about on the limited lock mooring so we were all ready for the off. Before we could go anywhere, the "Lord of the Glens" came through once again on its way to the west coast. Once they were out of the way the cheery lock keeper was waving us in to the lock and on we went. Locking with us were a couple who'd motored across from Northern Ireland and were on week 7 of their time away from home. Their little Cairn Terrier was hilarious as he never seemed to tire of trotting continuously around the side decks. Lock complete we continued for around half an hour through pretty canal to the next lock at Cullochy. We were then on to Loch Oich, the smallest loch of the three main ones in the navigation and arguably the prettiest. Where better to stop but the pontoon at Invergarry Castle. The weather was glorious and we made the most of the idillyc spot. If you think the Broads is sparse for facilities, bear in mind the only shop close to the waterway in the 30 miles or so between Fort Augustus and Fort William is the petrol station 15 minutes walk from where we stopped. It has a tiny shop, it's a good job we didn't need much! After a relaxing 3 hours or so we continued across the remainder of Loch Oich, through a swing bridge that carries the main A82 road and on to the short stretch of canal known as Laggan Avenue. It's named as such due to the beautiful tall trees that were planted when the canal was built in the 19th century. Another cheery, helpful lock keeper assisted us at Laggan Lock, straight after which we made our overnight stop at Le Boat (formerly West Highland Sailing). It's as pretty a location for a boatyard as you'll ever see, being on the edge of Loch Lochy. We enjoyed a meal out for the first time at the only pub at the location, a floating one called The Eagle. VID_20210901_144433.mp4

Our boat: https://www.caleycruisers.com/boat-class/highland-glen-class/ Fort Augustus: Our mooring at Kytra Lock (with me waving my arms about)

Tuesday 31st August Loch Ness was millpond calm as we set off about 9am. Whilst Urquhart Bay is the only permitted overnight mooring on Loch Ness, you can moor at Foyers for a maximum of 2 hours and walk to the "Falls of Foyers" waterfall. This we did and enjoyed the half hour or so walk up through the trees to see the spectacle and it was well worth the effort. We were careful not to outstay to the maximum time and so set off again for a cruise of about an hour and a half to Fort Augustus at the bottom end of Loch Ness. There we needed to negotiate the staircase of 5 locks. In contrast to the quiet of the lock Fort Augustus is a busy little tourist haven. Pubs and cafes sit aside the locks and there were plenty of people around watching what was going on. There were plenty of boats also, so we had a wait of around 2 hours to pass through, not least because the "Lord of the Glens" luxury hotel boat had priority. Once it was finally our turn, it was a fun experience. The lock keepers helped us to secure the boat in the first (deep) lock and from then on we were required to pull the boat manually up the flight. The whole process took an hour. We were planning to overnight immediately above the locks but alas the moorings (berths?) were all taken so instead we continued down to a lovely peaceful spot at Kytra Lock.

Soon after setting off down the Canal we needed to negotiate a pair of swing bridges a couple of hundred metres apart. Unlike the Broads swing bridges, these are very low to the water so nothing can pass until they're opened. It was a matter of holding station whilst the first one opened, passing through and then holding station further to await the bridge behind us shutting and the bridge ahead opening. Holding station proved very easy given no tidal flow, little wind and powerful bow and stern thrusters I could nudge when we drifted slightly. The Caledonian has locks as well as lochs and a little later we arrived at the first lock at Dungarroch. Locking is similar to the Thames experience with each one manned and automated, so all pretty straightforward. Leaving the lock we were soon in to Loch Ness. Here I was able to open up the taps fully for the first time and wow, did we go. The bows of the boat lifted slightly and there was a big sense of power. We were actually only doing about 9mph but it felt much faster. Loch Ness is 23 miles long and flanked by fells and trees. It has a wild feel about it given in all it's length there's only one permitted overnight stop being Urquhart Bay, so that's where we were headed. We arrived there after the best part of an hour and made our stern berthing manoeuvre on to the quay (in Scotland it's "berthing" as opposed to "mooring"). Save for the A82 road being close it was a peaceful and beautiful location.

As I write this I'm in departures at Inverness airport, awaiting our return flight after an amazing week cruising the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen. My daughter, Natalia and I hired Highland Glen 2 from Caley Cruisers. It's been a first visit for both of us. I flew from Bristol on Sunday 29th and Natalia joined me on Monday morning. We met up at Caley and received a very warm and professional welcome when we arrived. We'd watched the mandatory half hour safety video before our arrival. There are a few key differences to Broads boating, for example if you break down out on a loch it's unlikely the anchor will be much use given the depth so you need to deploy the "drift anchor" instead (floats on the surface). On the canal sections, unlike English and Welsh canals you can't moor on the towpath due to the depth and stony banks. On our arrival we received an in depth handover which was a welcome change from the ultra brief ones I've tended to receive on the Broads. Highland Glen 2 is a 35 foot dual steer 4-6 berth, having a similar layout to the 32 foot versions on the Broads but with a more luxurious stern double cabin. There are no low bridges to worry about so the stern deck is high and with a large fixed windscreen. The engine has just been replaced and is a Nanni 115 so more than twice the horsepower of the average Broads hireboat. On the handover, we were taken through low speed manoeuvres and I was struck by how the engine's power meant only very limited throttle was needed. Handover complete, we were away down the Canal bound for Loch Ness.

That's a shame. Only in July that stretch was available and being used.

Immediately downstream of the bridge is private but below that are some short-term paid moorings which are quieter than the free ones above.

What he said! Malcolm and I share favourite north and south. I've also been to the Bridge Inn probably as much as The Lion.

I guess you weren't the only ones to complain about the wheelhouse. I remember the later wheelhouse. As I recall, in its Richardson's days, there was an additional berth in that wheelhouse the use of which must have felt like camping.

Definitely.

This Brooms brochure captures the period well. I particularly like the boatyard photo at the bottom of photo 7 of the listing. The former Brundall Riverside Stores is visible on the left - happy childhood memories for me. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brooms-Norfolk-Broads-boating-holiday-brochure-1987-/284431549830?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

And as I recall, Malcolm, your favourite south Broads pub is also the same as mine.

The Lion is my favourite pub, I never fail to enjoy it.

I'm in Scotland this week, boating on the Great Glen (holiday tale to follow). The weather has been amazing so far, I had shorts and sun cream on today.

Yes I spotted that on eBay a couple of weeks back. Full details in the listing. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Boat-share-on-the-Norfolk-Broads-LIGHTNING-43ft-7-berth-cabin-cruiser-/255089286108?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Are you able to share the photos, Andrew?

Is that the former Aston Sunbird?

John, I feel for you in this situation which must be very upsetting. Like you, in situations where I know someone else is in the wrong I still take it upon myself somehow, so I know how hard it is. However, move on and be assured you're in the right.

What a fascinating historical insight, Vaughan, thank you.

Dear old Hoseasons, I do wonder if they ever look at their own website. I'm trying to work out where the sundeck is on Silverline's cruiser... https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/boat-holidays/silverline-marine-silv/silver-sapphire-bh2706?start=27-08-2022&adult=2&nights=7&range=3&sortorder=12