Crinan Lighthouse

This attractive small, hexagonal, lighthouse, built in 1851, is located at the westernmost lock of the canal in Crinan. It’s 6 metres high and the llight is 8 metres above sea level. The light flashes every 3 seconds and is white or green depending on the direction.

There’s a ladder attached to the outside wall and a door but no admission to the general public. Apparently the interior is used as a storeroom by British Waterways.

We visited Crinan several times in May when we were staying in the area. I enjoyed sitting on the seat beside the lighthouse to look out at the beautiful views across the Sound of Jura to the islands on the horizon – really a wonderful place to visit!

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.

Loch Sween

We visited this beautiful and remote sea loch in Knapdale last month, driving down from Crinan. Tayvallich is the larger of the two villages found along the west bank (Carsaig being the other), wrapped around a sheltered bay.

Tayvallich