Crinan Canal, Scotland. A passage from Crinan to Ardrishaig. Sailing Scotland [Ep 23]

A lovely passage through the Crinan Canal, Scotland.
Early May 2024
Day 1
From the Sea Lock at Crinan, through locks 15 & 14 and the Crinan Swing Bridge to meet our Canal Pilot, Peter at the Pontoon at Lock 13.
We travelled up through Locks 13, 12, 11, 10 & 9 for our first overnight stop at the Pontoon just after Lock 9.
Day 2
From Lock 9, we travelled down through Locks 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 & 2 to the Ardrishaig Basin where we spent our second night.
Day 3
We were the first boat out at 0830 and off back to Largs Yacht Haven.
We really enjoyed the transit through the Canal, all the staff were very helpful and friendly. We paid and sorted the licence at the office in Crinan when tied up in Lock 15 [Sea Lock].
The canal was quiet with not many boats travelling from Crinan to Ardrishaig and so we had all the locks to ourselves which I imagine makes it easier.
The canal really forces you to slow down and enjoy all the beautiful scenery and surroundings as well as listening to all the wildlife and birdsong.
We found the locks going down [8 to Ardrishaig] very straightforward, where you had to let out the lines. It was slightly more involved going from locks 15 to 9 [but still straightforward] where you feel the turbulence from the locks filling.
The Canal staff radioed ahead to alert the next keeper to raise the bridges or prepare the lock.
The website for Scottish Canals www.scottishcanals.co.uk has everything you need to make the passage including a comprehensive Skipper's Guide.
Thanks for watching 😊
Sula
Hanse 385 [2013]

[@johnwhite626]

Another nice one, well done.

[@SailingSula]

Thanks John. 👍

[@sailingnovavita]

Another great video. We haven't done it yet. maybe later this year..... As a 2 handed boat would you recommend a pilot/helper? 😁👍

[@SailingSula]

Hi, thanks for the comment. I would recommend especially for first time through. it was a lot easier and stress free.

[@StuartSutherland-1]

Love your videos, I too enjoy the West Coast. Sea Kayaking though. I’d love to buy a boat one day but live further East.

[@SailingSula]

Thanks Stuart, sea kayaking must be amazing too. cheers

[@StuartSutherland-1]

Yeah, easy access to beaches and shallows. Although at some point we will get fed up of packing up tents. No midges at sea, right? 😂

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

Wonderful. Still always surreal seeing a yacht in a canal not a narrow boat! What’s the max draft in Crinan.

[@SailingSula]

Thanks Ruaraidh. Crinan Skipper's Guide recommends you contact them in advance if more than 2.2m. Also you will sit slightly lower in the fresh water than sea water.. Sula is 2.1m and had no issues.