Canal basins are always full of delight and interest, this one certainly is with the addition of the dominating bulk of Ben Nevis as the backdrop to the start of the Caledonian Canal (designed by the legendary Scottish stonemason and genius turned engineer Thomas Telford, and opened in 1822). If you get the timing right there is an added bonus in the summer of the Jacobite steam train which runs along the line just behind the basin (the so-called Harry Potter train which goes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct which has become so well known from the film). A small community-owned marina opened in 2023 (ph 07410 884902), I imagine mostly for local boats. There is a useful café attached to it which seems to be open much of the day (ph 01397 534002). There is a small Coop for supplies, on the main road to the left, just over the level crossing.
Fort William is about four miles away so it might have to be a taxi ride unless you have a folding bike on board. Or you can hire one of the electric bikes that can be picked up outside the Kilmallie Community Centre just over the level crossing. There are docking stations in Fort William itself, and other places of interest such as Neptune's Staircase and old Inverlochy Castle. You could also explore further up the canal towpath to Loch Lochy but there are no docking stations there. The walk or cycle into Fort William is off the main road on Sustrans (Walk Wheel Cycle Trust) route 78 along the Caol waterfront, and then through the Inverlochy estate built for the workers at the Fort William smelter and hydro scheme.
The one-mile walk up the canal to view Neptune's staircase is definitely worthwhile, an amazing series of eight interconnected locks raising the water level by 20 metres. Just before you reach the road and rail bridge at Neptune's staircase you will find 'The Lochy' for pub grub, friendly but no real ale (ph 01397 703587). The Moorings at Neptune's staircase itself is more upmarket (ph 01397 772797).
If you are feeling rich and posh and you don't want to reheat your ready-made dinner on the boat, you could take a taxi the four miles to the Inverlochy Castle Hotel (a grand Victorian pile set in lovely countryside) for a £145 dinner (including coffee). Or arrive by helicopter. I have never done either.
