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

Dumfries: Friars' Vennel

This medieval thoroughfare - one of the oldest streets in Scotland - was the route travellers used to reach the ford to cross the River Nith into Galloway. At one time a monastery stood at the top of the Vennel looking down to the river.

Since we last visited the town there are many fascinating murals and wall plaques which were commissioned by Dumfries and Galloway Council in partnership with DG Arts and the road seems to have been repaved as well.













There are also some interesting shops in the vennel and especially the excellent Pumpernickel Cafe (not to be missed - it's highly recommended by us!)

In fact, you can read my review on Qype by clicking here