Ahoy there! (Sorry…) The last time we were in Fort William we took some time to visit the Corpach Shipwreck, also known as the Old Boat of Caol, and we just had to share our experience with you. This fishing boat has become quite the tourist attraction and for good reason. Located on the shore where the sea lochs of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil meet, the Corpach Shipwreck rests on a stretch of sand at the far end of the Caledonian Canal between the villages of Corpach and Caol.
The Corpach Shipwreck isn’t a huge ship, but it’s still larger than we expected, with its rusty exterior and broken mast. While the ship may no longer be seaworthy, it’s certainly found a new purpose as a popular photo spot and tourist attraction.
Corpach Shipwreck History
As we stood on the shores of Loch Linnhe, gazing at the rusting remains of the MV Dayspring, we couldn’t help but wonder about the history of the Corpach Shipwreck. Here’s what we found out:
Background
The MV Dayspring was originally built in 1975 by J&G Forbes in Sandhaven as a fishing vessel. She was designed to catch herring and mackerel and was nicknamed “Golden Harvest.” The ship was later renamed the “MV Dayspring” and was used for fishing in the North Sea.
In 2001, the ship was moored at Kinlochleven Pier and was later moved to the Canal in Fort William. Unfortunately, in 2011, a heavy storm caused a chain to fail, and the ship ran aground on the shores of Loch Linnhe, where she has remained ever since.
The Wreck
The Corpach Shipwreck, also known as the Old Boat of Caol, has become a landmark in the area. Despite her rusted exterior, the ship has a certain charm that draws visitors to her shores.
Despite her tragic end, the Corpach Shipwreck has become a part of the local history and culture of Fort William, so, if you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by and pay your respects to the Old Boat of Caol. Who knows, maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis in the distance.
Exploring the Corpach Shipwreck
If you’re looking for an adventure in the Scottish Highlands, visiting the Corpach Shipwreck is a must-do. As photographers, we were drawn to the unique beauty of this old fishing boat that now rests on the shore where the sea lochs of Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil meet. Here’s what we learned during our visit:
Accessing the Wreck
Getting to the Corpach Shipwreck is easy. We parked near the Corpach Basin and walked a short distance along the beach. The beach is accessible to everyone and there are no fees to pay. If you’re coming from Inverness or Skye, you can take the train to Corpach Train Station and walk to the beach from there.
What to Expect
As you walk along the beach towards the shipwreck, you’ll see the beautiful Highland scenery all around you. The stream that runs into the sea and the waterfall in the distance make for great photo opportunities. When you reach the Corpach Shipwreck, you’ll see the old fishing boat, Golden Harvest, that ran aground in 2011. You can walk around the shipwreck and explore the area, but be careful as the boat is unstable and there are sharp edges.
Photography Tips
The Corpach Shipwreck is a photographer’s dream. You can capture the beauty of the Highland landscape, the water, and the shipwreck itself. We recommend bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the full scene. You can also experiment with different angles and perspectives to create unique shots. If you’re visiting during the golden hour, you’ll get stunning light that will make your photos even more beautiful.
Overall, visiting the Corpach Shipwreck is a unique and memorable experience. It’s a great way to explore the Scottish Highlands and capture some amazing photos. Don’t forget to bring your camera and a sense of adventure!
Corpach Shipwreck and the Surrounding Area
Local Attractions
But the Corpach Shipwreck is just one of the many attractions in the surrounding area. For seafood lovers, there are plenty of restaurants that serve up the freshest catches of the day, including herring and mackerel. We recommend trying out the seafood platter at one of the many restaurants in the area, such as the Lochaber Seafood Restaurant.
For those who love road trips, the Scottish Highlands offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. We suggest taking a drive along the A830, also known as the Road to the Isles, which will take you past the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. You can even take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, which runs along this route.
Seafood Restaurants near the Corpach Shipwreck
If you’re looking for a seafood restaurant with a view, Camusnagaul Bay is the perfect spot. The restaurant overlooks the bay, and you can enjoy your meal while watching the clouds roll in over the water. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, Castle Stalker is a must-visit. This 14th-century castle is located on a small island in Loch Laich and can only be accessed by boat.
Road Trips and Hikes
For those who love the great outdoors, there are plenty of hikes in the area that offer stunning views of the Scottish Highlands. We recommend hiking up Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, or taking a tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery, where you can learn about the process of making whisky.
If you’re travelling without a car, don’t worry – there are plenty of public transport options available. You can take a train from Edinburgh to Fort William, or a bus from Glasgow to Lochaber. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even learn a few words of Scottish Gaelic along the way.