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Crinan Canal

Crinian Canal

Revelling in the title of 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut' you'd be hard pressed to find a more picturesque stretch of water than the Crinan Canal.

The canal

At just nine miles long it links Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig with the Sound of Jura, creating a pathway for ships through the Kintyre peninsula on their way to the Western Isles.

The Crinan Canal is both an engineering marvel and an idyllic part of Argyll & Bute. Every year, two to three thousand vessels, mostly pleasure craft, pass through this canal. But you don't need a boat to appreciate what it has to offer. Visitors can watch boats negotiating the 15 locks along the canal, or perhaps walk or cycle along the towpath and enjoy the tranquillity and breathtaking scenery to be found in this part of the west coast.

For more information on Scottish canals, visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk.

Notice to Mariners

Crinan Canal Draught Resriction
We advise owners with vessels deeper than 2.2m draught to contact the Canal Office on 01546 603210 for advice since levels can vary during summer months.