Notes:
The Canal is due to re-open on 30th April.
Boat movements are between 08.30 and 17.00 hours, daily.
Maximum freshwater draft is 2.5m. I suggest that boats with a draft in excess of 2m contact the canal 48 hours before arrival to ensure the water levels are sufficient for a safe passage.
A transit licence gives you 5 nights / 4 days on the canal.
The canal does not accept cash payments for transit or electricity.
Ensure you have sufficient fenders for both sides to protect your boat in the locks.
There is a strict 4 knot speed limit to protect the banks of the canal.
For a smooth stress free transit use a pilot especially if any of the following apply:
*you are single handed
*you are shorthanded with crew (no shore crew)
*you are in a rush to transit
*you have never travelled the canal before
Full time experienced pilots :www.crinanpilots.uk
The canal runs for approximately 9 miles between Ardrishaig and Crinan. This is an itinerary transiting from Ardrishaig.
My suggestion is to plan for a two or three day transit, especially if you are interested in history or wildlife. Why not spend four days to get the most value from your licence.
It is possible to transit the canal in a day. This requires a prompt start, some luck with traffic and experienced shore drew or pilot. It is not guaranteed.
Ardrishaig to Crinan
As you proceed up Loch Gilp you arrive at Ardrishaig. Sail past the lighthouse towards the sea lock where the arrival pontoon is on your starboard side. Moor up and walk up the steps to the sea lock office where you book in. Make sure you obtain a list of codes for the toilet and shower facilities along the canal.
The toilet and shower facilities are located in Pier Square which is a short walk from both the pontoon and the basin between locks 1 and 2.
Depending on the tide, the sea lock may take 20 minutes to fill. Enter the lock taking heed of the canal staff's instructions. There may be up to 4 boats in the lock. Pass your lines to your shore crew or the canal staff who will secure them. My personal preference is to use a bowline which makes securing and controlling your lines easier. The sea lock is fully automated and operated by the staff. When full the exit gates are opened and you wait for the bridge to open. There may be a short wait for road traffic or permission to open the bridge. This bridge may only be opened when the bridge at lock 4 is closed (and vice versa.)
Then you sail into the basin where you can moor up or go into lock 2, which most likely will be ready for entry. to speed you on your journey.. Boats staying in the basin have water, electricity toilet and shower facilities to hand. There is also food shopping, food and drink and accommodation within a short walk.
Lock 2 has manual gates but automated sluices which are only operated by the staff. As you leave lock 2, locks 3 and 4 come into view taking you to the next level on the canal.
Lock 4 has a swing bridge which has restricted opening times due to the school run. Uniquely the bridge spans the actual lock. The bridge must stay open between 08.30 and 09.15, then 15.15 to 16.00 hours. This can cause delays to marine traffic.
Moving along from lock 4 takes you to Oakfield bridge. Mooring up here gives you the opportunity for a short walk into Lochgilphead.. Shortly after the bridge the Riverside pontoon is on the starboard side. Across the road you can avail yourself of fuel, grocery shop and cafe.
Meandering along the canal for around 1.5 miles / 2.4km brings you to lock 5 at Cairnbaan. The pontoon mooring has electricity, toilet and shower facility. There is a disable facility.
This is a great place for an overnight stop as the Cairnbaan hotel is opposite lock 5. Food, drink and bedrooms are available. They also have entertainment on some nights (***The hotel is currently closed and there has been no date announced for reopening.) Neolithic rock art is nearby. The Cup & Rings are a 15 minute walk via a path alongside the Cairnbaan Hotel. Also quite nearby is the Dunadd Hill Fort where kings were crowned from 500AD to around 850AD. Look for the footprint in the rock.
The Cairnbaan section consists of four locks and a bridge. Passing through locks 5 to 8 takes you to the summit of the canal. Once in lock 5 you rise up and open the gates. Then a short wait for the bridge to open. Boat traffic from lock 6 may cause a longer delay so passing may be effected with one opening of the bridge.
Travelling up the incline from lock 5 to lock 8 will test your shore crew's fitness!
Going across the top stretch to lock 9 takes 10 - 15 minutes. Relax, chat and grab a coffee. When I'm piloting I usually jump on board for a chat before hopping off at the lock.
Local History: Loch A'brahain is next to the canal just before lock 9. This is the site of the MacTavish Castle, the foundations sitting below the water. The area is believed to be the power base of the clan MacTavish since the late 9th century.. To the left of the loch is a gate leading to a path which takes you to Dunadd Fort, used by the kings of Dalriada between 500 and 800AD, and probably the site of their coronation. The walk is approximately 4km long, and takes up to 90 minutes through the woodland. I should advise stout footwear / walking boots.
Lock 9 is the start of the Dunardry section of the canal. There are several basins for passing. You can tie up to avail yourself of food and drink from the mobile catering van. This is located in the car park on the port side.of lock 10. The scene looking down is most picturesque. The five locks are close together so it is another fitness test for your shore crew..
Sailing from lock 13 to Bellanoch bridge takes around 20 minutes. The swing bridge is operated by a solitary canal staff member.so give him a wave. It is best to sound your horn as there is a blind bend before the bridge. The bothy at the bridge has toilet and shower facilities and mooring for four boats.
For those interested in wildlife this is a must stop. in my opinion. The beaver trail is about a mile up the road towards Tavyallich and is well signposted. Moine Mhor is a fantastic place for birdwatching, and about 100m past the bridge is the bird hide just off the footpath. On occasions.long horn cattle can be seen right up to and, even on, the towpath.
For historical interest Killmartin is a bike ride away.. The church yard contains a number of Templar gravestones, the six cairns in the glen have accessible burial chambers and the Killmartin museum (with a cafe) re-opens this summer. No date has been announced. The Killmartin hotel has a good reputation for their food.
20 minutes from Bellanoch bridge brings Crinan bridge. into view. For me this is the most picturesque part of the canal. Along the way you pass Bellanoch marina on the post side. This is for berth holders only.
Wave to the bridge keeper as this is the most solitary post on the canal.
Lock 14 at Crinan is now just 10 minutes sailing time from Crinan bridge. Locks 14 and 15 (the sea lock) are both automated and operated by the canal staff. Your shore crew only have the lines to manage. If the basin is full you can moor up on the pontoon above lock 14. This is a two minute walk from the toilet and shower.facilities. The Coffee Shop (cafe) along side the basin is always busy and the Crinan hotel is just beyond the sea locl office. If you need a chandler follow the road past the hotel for around 100m.
The basin is very pretty and when the sun shines it is a great place to sit and look out over the water.
Crinan to Ardrishaig
The shore crew can relax until they reach lock 13 at Dunardry.. Sailing from lock 13 up to lock 9 is the toughest physical test for the shore crew.. If you are booking a pilot lock 13 is a good place to meet up.. Once again lock 5 at Cairnbaan is a good place to stop overnight..
This itinerary is independent of Scottish Canals
To book an experienced pilot phone 07726-777288 or visit www.crinanpilots.uk
The service can be tailored to meet your needs. The pilots are dog friendly. Multiple boats can travel together as long as they fit in the locks..