Day 12 Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Ben Nevis, Fort William, Caladonian Canal,

Left Inverness in search of the famed Loch Ness Monster. Stopped off at some lovely spots for photos of the enormous Loch. Even put my hands in the cold..freezing...water to call Nessie. No luck. (though did have visions of that scene from the movie Lake Placid where the alligator leaps out of the water and devours the tourist). Stopped off at Fort Augustus and wondered at the Caladonial Canals, known as the Steps of Jerusalem. These are about 8-10 small lochs and fortunately we were there as a boat was leaving so got to see how they all raise and lower the water levels so the boats can pass through. Amazing. Beautiful place, but probably the worst coffee so far – really tempted to show the lass how to actually use her machine. Stopped briefly to look at the remains of Urquhart Castle. Continued on Ben Nevis, and unfortunately light rain set in. Decided to take the gondola ride anyway, as the forecast for tomorrow is not great and they thought they might close the gondola if the winds were too bad. Still good though, and we got some great views. Would like to have done more – but can’t complain we have been incredibly lucky with weather. On to Fort William for the night – dinner at the pub .