Situated on the Caledonian Canal, Neptune's Staircase consists of eight locks at slightly different levels, overcoming a total height difference of 64 feet. The staircase was designed by renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford, in a bid to make inland navigation feasible in northern Scotland - and for the most part this was successful.
The 22-ton lock gates were originally hand-powered, but are now operated by hydraulics. It now takes approximately one-and-a-half hours to pass from one end of the staircase to the other. The journey through the staircase on our Scottish cruise is a fascinating sight to see, as the water allows the barges to overcomes gravity and nature to climb the hillside.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
Classic
Classic
10/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley
Champagne amid snowy scenery, travelling through frosty landscapes, and having your Christmas lunch served to you in luxury, there’s no Christmas and New Year quite like the one you’ll experience when on a festive trip. But some places do the celebrations better than others and some destinations just seem to embody the season. Here’s our pick of where to spend Christmas and New Year.
Read more
21/04/2021 · By Sukie Chapman
Discover Scotland's outdoor wonders with Great Rail Journeys. Explore our top 6 experiences in Scotland and book now for an adventure of a lifetime.
Read more
