Neptune’s Staircase

Neptune’s Staircase is a magnificent, historic flight of eight canal locks that lifts boats high up the hillside. Located in the village of Banavie, just a few minutes outside Fort William in Inverness-shire, it uses the postcode PH33 7LY.

What to Expect and Enjoy

This is an incredible engineering marvel designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford. It is the longest staircase lock system in Britain, lifting vessels an amazing 64 feet over a quarter-mile stretch of water, and it offers an incredibly relaxing place to watch the world go by.

• Watching the Boats: The absolute highlight is watching yachts, classic fishing boats, and grand barges navigate the eight different chambers. It is fascinating to watch the water levels rise and fall as the massive wooden lock gates are opened and closed by hand.
• Stunning Ben Nevis Views: The staircase sits directly opposite Britain’s highest mountain. On a clear day, you get a completely unobstructed, postcard-perfect view of the snow-capped peaks of Ben Nevis towering over the canal.
• The Canal Towpath: There is a beautiful, wide, and completely level path running right alongside the water. It is absolutely perfect for an easy family stroll, a relaxing cycle ride, or pushchair walks away from any traffic.
• The Swing Bridge: At the base of the locks, you can watch a historic iron bridge swing open to let tall-masted boats pass through from the sea loch beyond.

Best For and Time Spent

This attraction is fantastic for families with young children, seniors, walkers, cyclists, and anyone who appreciates historic engineering and slow-paced outdoor relaxation.

• Duration: It takes about 90 minutes for a boat to travel from the bottom of the staircase to the top. Spending 1 to 2 hours here gives you plenty of time to see a boat pass through, take photos of the mountain, and enjoy a lovely level walk.
• Tone: Peaceful, slow, and fascinating. There is a wonderfully lazy, hypnotic feel to watching the water move through the locks while chatting with the boat captains.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

• Parking: There is a spacious car park located right at the base of the locks which is completely free for visitors.
• Food & Drink: You will find a lovely traditional hotel pub and a cozy café right on the canal banks serving hearty lunches, hot coffees, and ice creams. The grassy banks are also ideal for a family picnic.
• The Train Station: Banavie railway station sits right next to the canal basin, making it incredibly easy to visit by train.
• Savings: It is completely free to visit the locks, walk the towpaths, and explore the area, making it a brilliant, zero-cost day out for families.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

Because it sits right on the edge of Fort William, Neptune’s Staircase is perfectly placed to combine with a tour of the historic Ben Nevis Distillery just up the road. It is also a stone’s throw from the departure point for the legendary West Highland Line – The Jacobite Steam Train. After your canal walk, you can easily drive north to start a monster-hunting adventure at Loch Ness.