Yesterday offered another milestone in Natasha Lambert’s Sea and Summit Scotland challenge – the conquering of Neptune’s Staircase, a flight of eight locks. These lie between the Caledonian Canal and Loch Linnie, and their descent allowed the young sailor to continue her passage towards the Clyde.
As Natasha’s Miss Isle Too yacht entered the first lock it was dwarfed by some large sailing cruisers and a 1945 Dutch barge. Her support RIB and team entered the lock behind her. Then the first of the nine enormous gates was closed behind them.
Whilst there was no sailing involved Natasha and her crew still had to keep a close watch. The water flooding out of the lock creates eddies in the loch which can clash the boats together. It has to be said there were a few anxious moments as the barge moored next to Miss Isle Too moved significantly as it descended.
At the last lock the crew were treated to the sight of a huge steam train crossing the lock. Its tracks and the road bridge had to be swung before Miss Isle Too and other boats could get underway. Natasha then moored up for the night in preparation for today’s exit into Loch Linnie.
Next stop Oban on the way to another scenic canal – the Crinan.
Natasha, and her team, are undertaking Sea and Summit Scotland to raise funds and the profile of her charity, the Miss Isle School of Sip Puff Sailing. Natasha is keen to ensure that others with similar physical conditions are inspired to face new challenges and, if they would like to, get on the water and start sailing. Please support Natasha’s efforts by donating online – click here.
