Located in Banavie, just North of Fort William, Neptune's Staircase is a remarkable feat of 19th-century engineering. Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1822, this series of eight interconnected locks that raises boats by 62 feet (19 meters) over a quarter-mile stretch, making it the longest canal staircase lock in Scotland. Originally operated manually, the locks have since been modernized with hydraulic systems, now taking around 90 minutes to complete your journey through Neptune's Staircase.
Part of the Caledonian Canal, a 60-mile waterway that connects the east coast at Inverness to the west coast at Corpach, near Fort William through the Great Glen. The canal incorporates several natural lochs, including Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy. Today, it is a scenic route for leisure cruises, kayaking, and cycling along its towpaths.
Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides along the Great Glen Way, taking in the serene landscapes and watching boats navigate the locks. The area also offers stunning views of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain, providing a picturesque backdrop to Neptune's Staircase.
Car parking is available at Banavie Locks Car Park.
Address
Neptune's Staircase
Banavie
PH33 7NG
Only three miles from Fort William, getting to Neptune's Staircase should only take around 10 minutes and is well signposted. Heading north from Fort William town centre on the A82. The roundabout near the Ben Nevis Distillery take a left for Bonavie where you will reach the Caledonian Canal.
Banavie train station is just a short walk from Neptune's Staircase, and bus services operate from Fort William.
On foot, you can get to Neptune's Staircase along the Great Glen Way.
