A new viewpoint on Neptune’s Staircase is set to offer visitors to the Caledonian Canal a unique view of the waterway and the surrounding landscape this summer.
Created as part of the Scottish Scenic Routes initiative and designed by architecture students Angus Ritchie and Daniel Tyler, the eye-catching installation takes the form of a mirrored, wood-framed cabin set on the banks of Banavie’s Neptune’s Staircase – the longest lock flight in Britain – and in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain.
Entitled Neptune’s Mirror, the pavilion features benches built at various heights throughout its structure, each offering a unique view of the surrounding landscape. The exterior of the installation is clad in mirrored stainless steel to create shifting reflections that help the structure blend in with its surroundings and offer mesmerizing views of the famous lock flight of Neptune’s Staircase, Ben Nevis and the wider landscape.
Helena Huws, Architect at Scottish Canals, said:“Scotland’s canals are home to some of the nation’s most breath-taking scenery and we’re delighted to welcome Neptune’s Mirror to Banavie to offer visitors a new perspective on the area’s iconic sights.
“Set on the longest flight of canal lock gates in Britain and providing fantastic views of the Great Glen, the new viewpoint is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and watch the world – and one or two boats – pass by. We hope it will encourage even more people to pay a visit to Neptune’s Staircase this summer.”
Neptune’s Mirror is the traveling counterpart of ‘Lookout,’ a permanent viewpoint within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park at Loch Voil. Neptune’s Mirror will feature at Banavie throughout the summer.