Crinan Canal Information

Link to Crinan Canal website below

http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/our-canals/crinan-canal/boating

New Customer Facilities Launched for the 2012 Season 

The Crinan Canal team is delighted to announce two new services for the 2012 season which will add not only value but to your enjoyment of what has been fondly called ‘the most beautiful shortcut in the world’. 

Assisted Lock Operation 

Early next season, there will be courtesy assistance at the locks for those customers with only two people on board or who feel that they would like help. 

The new service has been introduced in response to feedback from those who find lock operation difficult. It will, of course, appeal equally to those new to the pleasures of sailing through the Scottish canals. 

It is expected that those with well crewed vessels will still operate the inland locks themselves and the team will be able to focus the service at Ardrishaig Sea Lock, Lock 4 and on the main inland flights between Lock 5 and 13, on those who need it. 

To ensure prompt assistance, visitors planning to use the new courtesy service should contact the canal office during the week prior to arrival by telephoning 01546 603210. 

Crinan Facilities Building 

A new facilities building* will also open at Crinan during the 2012 season. With new amenities on site, customers will be free to stay awhile and take pleasure in the picturesque setting at Crinan and the spectacular views out over Jura and the Dorus Mor. 

Enjoy the Scenery and Tranquillity at an Unhurried Pace 

With these new services in place, there has never been a better time to plan a visit to the Crinan Canal and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the picture perfect nine mile waterway whether travelling to or from the world renowned waters off the west coast. 

Currently, with up to 4 overnights included (at no extra cost) in the transit and return licence, it's easy to shift gear and enjoy the gentle, unhurried pace on the Crinan Canal and the abundant history, culture and scenic beauty of the area. 

As well as the wildlife and heritage of the two hundred year old waterway, itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument, there's Kilmartin Glen to explore. Regarded as a heritage area of world status, it's rich with outstanding prehistoric and early historic archaeology. 

The canal, woodlands, lochs and wetlands are home to a wealth of species, from black throated divers, golden eagles and osprey to beavers, wild cat, pine martin and red squirrel. The seas are rich with coral, marl beds and oysters and an estimated twenty three species of whale and dolphin have been spotted along the coast. 

We look forward to welcoming old friends and new to the Crinan Canal during the 2012 season. 

Further information on the new services will be circulated pre-season. If you require any help planning your visit, please telephone the Canal Office on 01546 603210