HMS Exploit Transits Caledonian Canal, UK

Cardiff based P2000 HMS Exploit has recently completed a transit of the Caledonian Canal from Fort William to Loch Ness as part of Operation Celtic Conquerer – Birmingham URNU’s annual Easter deployment.

“Travelling up the spectacular scenic Caledonian Canal through Loch Lochy and Loch Oich with snow capped mountains tumbling down into the sea was possibly the highlight of my 14 years in the Royal Navy,” said Leading Seaman a Paul Shingleton.

Exploit planned the week long passage through the Canal as part of the second phase of the three phase Easter deployment to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. The canal is 60 miles long and takes in four lochs – Ness, Lochy, Oich and Dochfour.

There are a total of 29 locks taking the canal to a summit of 106 feet above sea level. The entrance to the canal is via the sea lock at Corpach near Fort William at the foot of Loch Linnhe and the exit is near Inverness. The canal was engineered by Thomas Telford and opened in 1822.

The canal runs along the Great Glen which is a geological fault line almost splitting Scotland in two. The canal cost £905 258 and took 19 years to build.

One of the most spectacular features of the Caledonian Canal is Neptune’s Staircase – a flight of eight locks at Banavie with a total rise of 64 feet. It takes around 90 minutes to transit this lock system with significant muscle power required by Exploit’s crew of 17.

“Neptune’s Staircase was pretty impressive as he ship was lifted up 20m with the massive bulk of Ben Nevis looming to starboard. Every worked as part of a team and because of this, with the support of the lock keepers, we transpired Neptune’s Staircase 20 minutes quicker then planned”, explained Mid Alex Kay.

The speed limit through the canal was 6 knots which gave time to sight see along the Great Glen. Arriving in Loch Lochy, Exploit increased speed to 14 knots and made a quick passage through the 11 miles of Loch Lochy. The loch is probably the most dramatic of the four lochs in the Great Glen with steep imposing sides of snow capped mountains.

After this the canal enters the tree lined Laggan Avenue before entering he shallow Loch Oich. Telford dredged a channel through Loch Oich which marks the summit of the Caledonian Canal at 106 feet. Thereafter the canal drops to Loch Ness at Fort Augustus.

Fort Augustus was created in 1729 by General Wade but is now a popular tourist spot as the canal descends 5 locks through the town. Loch Ness is the deepest of the lochs in the Great Glen at 305m and also the longest at 22 miles. Leaving Loch Ness, the canal enters Loch Dochfour and travels a five miles more into Inverness.

Exploit paused at Fort Augustus and enjoyed a navigation day in Loch Ness, despite the gale force winds which created an unpleasant sea state on the inland loch!

“At sea in Loch Ness was a little odd. Waves were crashing against the hill, but instead of salt spray, fresh water was giving the ship a good wash! We passed by Urquhart Castle, one of the most photographed sights in Scotland. Despite the best efforts of the XO we failed to see Nessie!” said Mid Charlie Edwards.

“The passage through the Caledonian Canal was too good an opportunity to miss. As we transited through before Easter we had the majority of the canal to ourselves. The students were able to practise canal navigation theory whilst taking in the breath taking views of Ben Nevis and the other mountains ranges in this area of Scotland.

Additionally we were able to fly the White Ensign in a part of Scotland in which it is not normally flown and engage with the local population and tourists informing them of the work of the Royal Navy” finished Lt Simon Shaw, Exploit’s CO.

Exploit is on a 30 port visit expedition around the Northern reaches of the United Kingdom. She is base ported in Cardiff and is the patrol ship allocated to Birmingham University Royal Naval Unit (BURNU). BURNU recruits from 11 universities across the West Midlands.

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Press Release, April 18, 2014; Image: Royal Navy