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The Crinan Canal near Lochgilphead is both an engineering marvel and an idyllic part of Argyll & Bute. This part of the west coast has a wonderfully tranquil quality and the scenery provides a perfect backcloth to the day to day activity on the canal.
The Crinan Canal is not to be missed whilst visiting Scotland and it is an absolute must for a day out if you find yourself visiting Argyll & Bute.
The Canal was completed in 1801, it has 15 locks and stretches for 9 miles between the villages of Crinan and Ardrishaig. By cutting out the need to travel around the Mull of Kintyre sailors can sail into Loch Crinan and through the canal, saving 100 miles on their trip. 
The area along the length of the canal is magical. The canal is lined with many small cottages including lock keepers cottages. The scenery is superb and the tow path is ideal for short walks or cycling and a bit of fishing.
The canal basin at Crinan is picturesque and enjoyable for pottering around whilst watching the boats and yachts entering or leaving the canal. Boat charter is available from Crinan Harbour with cruises around the coast and a water taxi service to the neighbouring islands. See our Links Page for details of operators.
There is also a really nice cafe where you can enjoy home baking and hot snacks whilst taking it easy after your exercise.
Within Crinan itself The Crinan Hotel is worth considering as a holiday base or for a meal or a drink.
At the other end of the canal there are good facilities at Cairnbann including The Cairnbann Hotel.
So if you ever visit Argyll make sure you take in the Crinan Canal. If you have the time travel down to the village of Tayvallich which has it’s own natural harbour and enjoy Loch Sween and some of the more remote parts of The Mull of Kintyre. There are also numerous woodland walks to choose from in the vicinity
Kilmartin Glen is nearby. This is a magical place full of Standing Stones, Burial Cairns and ancient prehistoric sites
The Crinan Canal is bordered by the Moine Mhor. This is an area of bogland which was designated as a National Nature Reserve in 1987. It is one of the last remaining raised peat bogs in the UK. The site is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and it provides a very special habitat for wildlife.
If you don’t visit the Crinan Canal and the surrounding area whilst in Argyll, you will have missed out on one of the most enchanting parts of Scotland
 The views of the west coast from the entrance to the Crinan canal are excellent. There is always some activity around the locks as small boats and some not so small use the Crinan Canal to access or leave The Sound of Jura. It’s a very peaceful spot where the working canal blends perfectly with the dramatic surroundings.
There are some old boats still moored at the Crinan Canal Basin. Probably the most interesting and famous is The Vital Spark. The boat has been moored in the lock area and is the vessel which was featured in the BBC dramatization of Para Handy, the famous novel by Neil Munro who was born in Inveraray.
There are ambitious plans to renovate The Vital Spark. Click on the photograph for a much better and enlarged image of The Vital Spark.
At most times of the year the Crinan Canal is relatively peaceful. Given it’s beauty, even during the peak season, the Crinan Canal is certainly still worth a visit.
Click here for more photographs of The Crinan Canal area.
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