|
|
|
|
The Crinan Canal
Ardrishaig to Crinan
Lock 4 (Ardrishaig)
Eastward bound 
The Corran (Lochgilphead)
Eastward bound
Lochgilphead to Ardrishaig (2 miles)
Every year two to three thousand vessels, mostly pleasure craft, use the canal. This is a far cry from the early days when the canal formed a vital link in Scotland's transport system. Until the coming of the railways the fastest way to travel between Glasgow and Inverness was by steamer using the Crinan Canal and the Caledonian Canal, usually calling at Oban en route.
|
|
The Crinan Canal |
Crinan Canal - Ardrishaig
The Crinan Canal's starting point is at Ardrishaig, a little under two miles south of Lochgilphead. After a basin and several locks the canal parallels the shore of Loch Gilp and the A83. It then skirts the western side of Lochgilphead before striking inland to cross the peninsula.
The Crinan Canal is a relic of another age when travel was slower and the world much bigger. But it is an enjoyable and beautiful relic, set in wonderful scenery.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Crinan Canal |
|
Crinan Canal - en route
In the nine miles from Ardrishaig to Crinan there are 15 locks and the canal reaches a height of 65 feet above sea level. The summit reach of the canal is relatively short and every time a boat goes through the locks about 300,000 litres of water are used. No fewer than seven reservoirs feed the summit reach to ensure that the Crinan Canal does not run dry. |
|
|
|
|
|
The Crinan Canal |
|
Crinan Canal - Crinan
The canal enters Crinan along the shore from the east. Here it is locked into Crinan Harbour, one of the most attractive spots in Scotland. Boat users looking to spend time here can make use of the moorings in a side channel off the basin. This originally formed the sea lock until the current one was excavated in the 1930s. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
