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Wildlife on the Crinan Canal

Wildlife on the Crinan Canal

Explore the beautiful West Coast of Scotland and discover the rich variety of wildlife along this tranquil waterway.

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New Customer Services for 2012

There’s Never Been A Better Time to Sail the Crinan Canal

23 Dec 2011

With two brand new customer services on the Crinan Canal from Spring 2012, there's even more reason to look forward to a leisurely sail along this stunning West Highland waterway which has fondly been dubbed 'the most beautiful shortcut in the world'.

From early next season, there will be a new facilities building at Crinan and courtesy assistance at the locks for those customers with only two people on board or who feel that they would like help. The new locking assistance will, of course, also appeal to those new to the pleasures of sailing along the Scottish canals.

With the new facilities building open, customers will be tempted to stay longer, enjoying the picturesque setting at Crinan and the spectacular views out over Jura and the Dorus Mor.
Enjoy the Scenery and Tranquility at an Unhurried Pace
Alex Hurst, Assistant Waterway Manager, British Waterways Scotland, explains how the new services will encourage people to stay longer and enjoy more of what the beautiful area of Mid Argyll has to offer:
"With these new services in place, there has never been a better time to plan a visit to the Crinan Canal and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the picture perfect nine mile waterway whether travelling to, or from, the world renowned waters off the west coast of Scotland.
"With up to four overnights included in the transit and return licence, it's easy to shift gear and enjoy the gentle, unhurried pace on the Crinan Canal and the abundant history, culture and scenic beauty of the area."
As well as the wildlife and heritage of the pretty two hundred year old waterway, itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument, there's Kilmartin Glen to explore. Regarded as a heritage area of world status, Kilmartin Glen boasts outstanding prehistoric and early historic archaeology.
The canal, woodlands, lochs and wetlands are home to a wealth of species, from black throated divers, golden eagles and osprey to beavers, wild cat, pine martin and red squirrel.
The seas are rich with coral, marl beds and oysters and an estimated twenty three species of whale and dolphin have been spotted along the coast.
For more information about boating on the Crinan Canal and what to see and do, visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk
If you would like to talk to a member of the Crinan Canal when planning your visit, please telephone the Canal Office on 01546 603210.
To ensure prompt assistance, visitors planning to use the new courtesy locking service are asked to contact the Canal Office during the week prior to arrival by telephoning 01546 603210.
British Waterways Scotland is grateful to the European INTERREG IVA Sail West Programme for jointly funding construction of the new facilities building at Crinan.
-ends-
Issued on behalf of British Waterways Scotland by
Joanna Harrison, Joanna Harrison PR.
For further information or photographs, please telephone: 07884 187404

With the new facilities building open, customers will be tempted to stay longer, enjoying the picturesque setting at Crinan and the spectacular views out over Jura and the Dorus Mor.

Enjoy the Scenery and Tranquility at an Unhurried Pace

Alex Hurst, Assistant Waterway Manager, British Waterways Scotland, explains how the new services will encourage people to stay longer and enjoy more of what the beautiful area of Mid Argyll has to offer:

"With these new services in place, there has never been a better time to plan a visit to the Crinan Canal and enjoy a leisurely cruise along the picture perfect nine mile waterway whether travelling to, or from, the world renowned waters off the west coast of Scotland.

"With up to four overnights included in the transit and return licence, it's easy to shift gear and enjoy the gentle, unhurried pace on the Crinan Canal and the abundant history, culture and scenic beauty of the area."

As well as the wildlife and heritage of the pretty two hundred year old waterway, itself a Scheduled Ancient Monument, there's Kilmartin Glen to explore. Regarded as a heritage area of world status, Kilmartin Glen boasts outstanding prehistoric and early historic archaeology.

The canal, woodlands, lochs and wetlands are home to a wealth of species, from black throated divers, golden eagles and osprey to beavers, wild cat, pine martin and red squirrel.

The seas are rich with coral, marl beds and oysters and an estimated twenty three species of whale and dolphin have been spotted along the coast.

For more information about boating on the Crinan Canal and what to see and do, visit www.scottishcanals.co.uk

If you would like to talk to a member of the Crinan Canal when planning your visit, please telephone the Canal Office on 01546 603210.

To ensure prompt assistance, visitors planning to use the new courtesy locking service are asked to contact the Canal Office during the week prior to arrival by telephoning 01546 603210.

British Waterways Scotland is grateful to the European INTERREG IVA Sail West Programme for jointly funding construction of the new facilities building at Crinan.

-ends-

Issued on behalf of British Waterways Scotland by

Joanna Harrison, Joanna Harrison PR.

For further information or photographs, please telephone: 07884 187404

With these new services in place, there has never been a better time to plan a visit to the Crinan Canal.

Top tips

  • Why was the canal built?
    The canal was initially built for commercial sailing vessels, opening up the West Coast and improving access to the Western Isles. The shortcut saved a 100 mile journey around the Kintyre Peninsula. Clyde Puffers were also a regular sight on the canal, travelling between industrial Glasgow to the West Highland villages and islands.
  • How long did it take to build?
    Construction began in 1794 and the canal was opened, unfinished, in 1801. It was declared finished in 1809, but floods, repairs and redesigns meant the canal was closed several times over the next few years. It was finally reopened to traffic in 1817.
  • How many locks are on the canal?
    There are 15 locks and 7 bridges on this 9-mile waterway. Although the sea locks and bridges are operated by our staff, the remaining locks are operated by those taking boats through.
  • Who uses the canal today?
    Over 2000-3000 vessels use the Crinan Canal every year, mainly pleasure craft and fishing boats. The Vic 32, one of the last seagoing coal fired steam Clyde Puffers, can also be seen on the Crinan Canal.
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