Although the Abbey may be the most historic building in Fort Augustus there is plenty of other things to see and do. At the bottom of the locks there is an impressive bridge that takes the A82 over the canal and when the yachts and other large vessels wish to pass the road traffic is stopped, and the bridge swings out of the way, using massive hydraulic rams. If you follow the canal down past the bridge you will reach Loch Ness and a spectacular view gives you just a glimpse of the sheer size of the Loch. Nessie wishes to make an appearance. Halfway up the flight of locks is the new canal heritage centre for those of you who wish to learn more about the canal.
Admission is free.
When you are crossing the stone bridge over the River Oich, if you look up river you will see the remains of a viaduct. It is in this bay that the only island on Loch Ness is situated. Cherry Island or to give it its correct name Eileen Mhuireach which means island of Murdoch. Crannogs date back to prehistoric times and were built to protect people from wild animals, such as bears and wolfs, but it also gave protection from other clans when they came raiding. Laying large beams of oak on silt constructed Crannogs and oak posts were driven vertically down the outside edge of the beams.