Panorama taken part way up Neptune's Staircase, a series of canal locks on the Caledonian Canal near Fort William in Scotland. This picture was taken on an overcast afternoon in spring of 2009 standing on one of the lock gates.

Neptune's Staircase - Fort William visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Neptune's Staircase' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Highland.

Neptune's Staircase is a series of 8 locks on the Caledonian Canal. It is the longest staircase of locks in the United Kingdom and links the canal with the northern end of Loch Linnhe at Banavie near to Fort William on the west coast of ccr551,Scotland. The staircase ascends through 19.5m, with each lock gate weighing 22 tons.

Neptune's Staircase has become a local tourist attraction, and on a popular walking circuit from Fort William. Along the staircase are a couple of souvenir shops and a cafe. From the top there are great views over the surrounding area, dominated by Ben Nevis. The Caladonian Canal proceeds northeast alongside River Lochy, entering Loch Lochy through Gairlochy.

Neptune's Staircase really marks the western end of the Caladonian Canal. This canal runs 62 miles across Scotland, linking Fort William with Inverness. It passes through a total of 29 gates, including the 8 at Neptune's Staircase, and is deep enough for some ocean going vessels. The canal maximizes use of the various lochs on the way up the Great Glen, passing through Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness.

Road: Neptune's Staircase is about 3 miles from Fort William. From Fort William take the A82 north and then turn left onto the A830. There is car parking next to the staircase in Banavie.