Corpach to Banavie

Neptune's Staircase and Corpach

Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 kms

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours walk

Map

This walk starts at the carpark at Banavie with easy access to the infamous Neptune's Staircase, named after the Roman God of the sea. This impressive flight of 8 locks lifts boats 20 m over a distance of 500m, and is considered to be the single most impressive engineering feet on the canal. Its also a great viewpoint for the northwest side of Ben Nevis. Begin by walking up the nearside of the staircase to the mooring area at the top. You can cross over via the lock gates and return down the other side. There are a number of interesting buildings along the way: Look out for the bow fronted former lock keepers houses, Telford, c.1815; and the old smiddy - now a gift shop and cafe.

To walk to the sea lock at Corpach you need to cross the busy main road and railway line. TAKE CARE. From here you follow the canal out to Corpach, an interesting basin with a pepperpot lighthouse and other lockside buildings. The towpath is good on both sides of the canal, with great views of Loch Linhe and Ben Nevis. 


Points of interest:
Neptune's Staircase + associated buildings - old smiddy,joiners shop, Telford houses
Swing bridge
Corpach - Gateway to Great Glen - basin cut from solid rock
Trees
Pepperpot lighthouse
Dramatic Views - Ben Nevis, Loch Linhe

Entrance from Banavie carpark. Great view of Nevis in the background.

Swing bridge

Corpach sea lock