Crinan Canal
Visitor information to the areas around the Crinan Canal in Argyll, Scotland, including Kilmartin Glen and Crinan Harbour
Local Phone code for Crinan: +44 (0)1546
Kilmartin Glen is bordered to the south by the Crinan Canal, a nine-mile stretch of waterway linking Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig with the Sound of Jura. It was designed and built by Sir John Rennie in 1801, with the assistance of the ubiquitous Thomas Telford, to allow shipping to avoid the long and often hazardous journey round the Mull of Kintyre and to help stimulate trade in the islands. These days you're more likely to see pleasure yachts and cruisers sailing on the canal than the cargo vessels which once transported coal and other goods to the islands and returned with livestock. You don't need to come in a boat to appreciate the canal. You can walk or cycle along the towpath that runs the entire length of the canal, from Ardrishaig to Crinan, and watch boats of all shapes and sizes negotiating a total of 15 locks.
The best place to view the canal traffic is at Crinan, a pretty little fishing port on Loch Crinan at the western end of the canal. Here you can take a boat trip with Gemini Cruises, based at Crinan harbour, Tel/Fax. +44 (0)1546 830238. They offer two-hour wildlife spotting cruises round Loch Craignish, or longer trips out to the Gulf of Corrievreckan.
Region
ArgyllCastles Nearby
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Duntrune Castle
The oldest continuously occupied castle in Scotland. Now occupied by the chieftain of Clan Malcolm
Crinan Canal Hotels & Accommodation
Crinan boasts one of Scotland's finest hotels, the Crinan Hotel, Tel. +44 (0)1546 830261, Fax. 830292, Not only is this one of the most beautifully located hotels in the country, but its celebrated restaurants are amongst the best on the west coast. The bar next to the Lock 16 restaurant on the top floor offers cheaper lunches, for those who can't afford such indulgence. A cheaper B&B alternative is Tigh-Na-Glaic, Tel. +44 (0)1546 830245, Fax. 830243
Crinan Canal Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
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Dunardry View,Cairnbaan, sleeps 4
Overlooking the Crinan Canal, this original holiday cottage will allow you to enjoy the many walks along the canal, and explore the varied rugged coastline and beaches. Crinan Ferry beach, 4 miles. Central...
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Crinan Canal Cottage - sleeps 4
Traditional terraced cottage right next to Crinan Canal and 5 miles from Kilmartin. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms.
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Anchor Cottage, Crinan Harbour - Sleeps 6-8
With breathtaking views across the sheltered bay at Loch Crinan, Anchor Cottage provides wonderful bright, spacious holiday accommodation. Based at the head of the Crinan Canal visitors can wander around a... -
Lussa Falls nr Loch Sween - sleeps 4
In a superb location adjacent to Lussa Burn and waterfall, with views of Loch Sween and beyond, this spacious detached holiday property boasts a large hillside garden. Built in traditional stone, set in th... -
Harbour House, Crinan - Sleeps 6-8
With magnificent views across the Sound of Jura, Scarba and Mull, this listed building, dating from 1815, stands at the water’s edge in a sheltered peaceful bay known as Crinan Harbour. Attached to t...