The Caledonian Canal

Julia kicks off her tour with a visit to the Scottish Highlands. Against the stunning backdrop of Ben Nevis, her walk starts near Fort William where she embarks on her eight-mile trip along the Caledonian Canal, the majestic waterway that cuts through beautiful mountain country. Regarded as one one the most ambitious canals of its time, Julia's journey tells the story of one of the greatest canal engineers, Thomas Telford, whose ambition was to create not only an engineering marvel, but also badly-needed jobs and wealth for the Highlands. Two hundred years on, it's now one of the most popular walking trails in the country.