The Crinan Canal

Wonderful and beautiful, a perfect place to sail, or to stroll along the towpath, this has to be my favourite canal in the UK! It’s 9 miles long cutting straight across Knapdale in Argyll from side to side, through fantastic remote countryside, from Ardrishaig near Lochgilphead in the west to the village of Crinan (which gives it its name) in the east.

The canal was designed by John Rennie in the 18th century and finished in 1801 – although Thomas Telford altered some of the locks in 1816.

Above: the first lock on the Canal at Ardrishaig

All photos above were taken at, or very near, Ardrishaig

Geoffrey at Cairnbaan a few miles along

Above: more views at Cairnbaan and below, a boat entering the last lock at Crinan itself

Boats moored at Crinan

I loved walking along here in May this year taking in the gorgeous scenery all around and watching the yachts negotiating some of the 15 locks.