Please read our update for more informationWe are unable to guarantee assistance to single-handed boaters, so please ensure you have sufficient crew onboard to handle your ropes. Crinan Canal: The Crinan Canal has 15 locks and meanders through truly magnificent scenery. Approximately nine miles long, the canal connects the village of Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp with the Sound of Jura, providing a navigable route between the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides, without the need for a long diversion around the Kintyre peninsula, and in particular the exposed Mu The canal runs from Crinan to Ardrishaig and provides a connection between the Firth of Clyde and the Western Isles avoiding a long journey round the Kintyre Peninsular. Then it's a simple left turn and you are into the north end of the Sound of Jura. Sea Locks and main road bridges are operated by our staff. Scottish Canals has introduced a new booking system for boaters transiting the Crinan Canal. Allow 30 minutes for last locking before close down to allow staff to make the flight ready for the evening.In light of recent circumstances regarding COVID-19 outbreak in the UK we have decided to close The Steamer Terminal and The Egg Shed for the time being. At Cairnbaan there are more locks and the attractive Cairnbaan Hotel and its restaurant. It is a designated wildlife reserve with miles of forest walks and cycle ways. The locks were one of the greatest engineering works ever to be undertaken when they opened in 1914. The original canal had a total of six steps for a ship's passage. Explore the Crinan Canal, Britain's most beautiful shortcut! No other concrete construction of comparable size was undertaken until the Hoover Dam, in the 1930s. Instead it runs parallel to the shore of Loch Crinan.Those wanting to follow the canal to its natural conclusion should take the sea lock into Loch Crinan. Take a look at boat trips, holidays, things to do and lots more! Built just over 200 years ago the Crinan Canal, a mere 9 miles (14.5km) in length, with just 15 locks, allows easy passage from Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura, avoiding the lengthy voyage around the Mull of Kintyre. Starting at the Crinan Basin, the walk takes you along a tarmac footpath/cycle track, making for very easy walking. Find out more and book your passage below.Book your transit There are two i The conventional swing-bridge over this lock was replaced by a hand-operated rolling cantilever-bridge (NR89SW 40.01) in 1900, as the foundations of the lock were evidently incapable of supporting the weight of … It was designed by John Rennie but later improved by Thomas Telford in about 1817.
Watch the Locks being opened and closed, wave to the people on-board the passing yachts, look out for wildlife including deer and many different species of bird. Sea locks, Lock 14 and bridges are operated for your convenience by trained staff. The Panama Canal locks are a lock system that lifts ships up 85 feet to the main elevation of the Panama Canal and down again. A linear walk along "Britain's most beautiful shortcut": the Crinan Canal, Argyll. But it is an enjoyable and beautiful relic, set in wonderful scenery. Inland locks are self-operated and will require crew members ashore.
The Crinan Canal between Crinan and Ardrishaig in Argyll and Bute in the west of Scotland is operated by Scottish Canals. Dunnardry Locks [NAT] (centred NR 8196 9116) OS 1:10,000 map, 1989.