Caledonian Canal Mooring

[Halo]

Has anyone left thier yacht on the Caledonian canal for a couple of weeks whilst they go home to work? Just wondered about a suitable place towards the Corpach end where hire boats and thieves are not likely to cause damage. The skippers guide makes it clear that the Corpach basin is not suitable due to mechant vessel manoevers. I dont have time tgo get right through to Oban before I retgurn south
Ideas and advice greatlly appreciated
Martin

 

[ctva]

The Calley Crusiers are not allowed down Neptunes Staircase so the bottom reach between the railway bridge and the Corpach basin is used by boats left for a week or two, no security but I've not heard of any problems. However the top of Neptunes Staircase has plenty of space and if you check with the lock keeper or office there may be a slot on the west side where you could leave her, just put out some fenders. I've spent several nights there on several occasions and nit seen any prangs. The Calley Crusiers tend to tie up on the east side.

 

[NormanS]

I wintered for 20 years at Gairlochy, 8 miles up from Corpach, with no worries at all. It is out in the sticks, so has transport problems. Your best place is probably at Banavie, at the top of Neptune's Staircase. The reach at the bottom used to have a bit of a reputation, although I believe it may have improved.

 

[Fascadale]

I once had the offer of a mooring for a couple of weeks from Lochaber Yacht Club . A very friendly bunch with clubhouse and moorings on the front in Fort William

 

[Quandary]

The pontoons on both sides above Banavie are used by hire cruisers but they do not raft so the risk of a collision is small, big advantage is railway station and bus route at the foot of the lock flight, the safest spot is on the north side pontoons just east of the quay, some private berths here but some of the labels are for boats long gone. The 'new town' housing estates are on the south side between the Staircase and Corpach and lots of youths roam the path on that side, however the other side is quiet and only used by more serious walkers and boats are often left there, I suspect this would not happen if there were problems. Bit of a walk to the car park/station at Corpach basin but otherwise quiet. Sometimes boats are directed to wait at these pontoons before going down Corpach double lock so there is a slight risk that you might have a yacht alongside for an hour but this is unlikely. Gairlochy is well inland and remote and while there are finger pontoons and boats are often left there long term it is not the easiest place to reach without a car.
I would recommend consulting the lock keepers in the office at the quay aboce the staircase and going with their advice at the time. The canal office at Muirtown will not be as sensitive to the security issues at the other end as Corpach sea lock office or the guys on the staircase. In Scotland we happily go off for the day with the boat unlocked and theft and damage is almost unheard of.

 

[kacecar]

+1 for Banavie. Work issues meant I had to interrupt a my journey for three weeks (May into June) and I was able to leave my boat at Banavie, on the west side, for the duration. Shouldn't be a problem for you if they still have the space.

 

[LittleShip]

I left Little Ship at the top of Neptunes staircase for two weeks. No problems.

Tom.