Book Your Transit
Scottish Canals has introduced a new booking system for boaters transiting the Crinan Canal. Find out more and book your passage below.
Covid-19 guidance
Border Restrictions – Quarantine
From 8th June 2020 Scotland and the UK have had in place entry restrictions at borders for Covid-19 security. People arriving from countries without a current ‘travel corridor’ are subject to 14 days quarantine.
A list of countries with current travel corridors with Scotland can be found here. Please note this list can and does change at very short notice.
Boaters are advised that it is NOT possible for people arriving into Scotland from a country without a current travel corridor to be aboard a vessel transiting through any of the Scottish Canals during their period of quarantine. People already aboard a vessel which has begun transit through one of the Scottish Canals when one of the travel corridors closes will however be allowed to continue their journey with the minimum number of overnight stops to complete their transit.
For more information relating to Covid-19 and how it may affect your transit please click here.
Skipper’s Guide
Our Skipper’s Guides are your complete reference guide to boating on the Scottish Canals. Your guide includes important safety information as well as details of moorings and facilities and can be purchased on arrival (£4.50) or download your free copy of the Skipper’s Guide beforehand.
Transit & Short Term Visitor Licences
All powered craft using the Scottish canals require a licence, and we have a variety of short-term and transit licences available to suit your requirements. 2 Week and one month licences are still available, and can be purchased at the sea lock on arrival. Price information is available here.
Locks & Bridges
The Crinan Canal is 9 miles (14.5km) in length with 15 locks (3 automated) and 7 bridges. Sea locks, Lock 14 and bridges are operated for your convenience by trained staff. Inland locks are self operated which involves pushing lock gates and winding sluices.
Assisted Passage
We recommend you employ an experienced Private Pilot if you are:
- shorthanded with crew
- in a rush to transit
- have never transited the canal before.
Private pilot contact details:
| Micky & Mark Williamson | 07917 622 553 | 07501 444 559 |
| Alasdair McCrae | 07772 634 584 | 07379678008 |
| Mike Murray | 07818 857 805 | 01546 830 238 |
| Tom Pitman | 07712 474 280 | 01546 606 555 |
| Charlie Ambrose | 07383 627 241 | |
| Joe Kerr | 01546 603 799 | |
| Piers Milligan | 07887694538 | |
| Dylan Newlands-Steele | 07376 653445 | |
Please note that Scottish Canals are not liable for private pilots.
Single-Handed Boaters
We are unable to guarantee assistance to single-handed boaters, so please ensure you have sufficient crew on board to handle your ropes. Single-handed boaters are likely to experience delays.
Dimensions
- LOA 26.82m (88ft). Length overall including fenders, bowsprits, davits, tenders, rudders and any other extension fore and/or aft of the boat. This can be reduced by retracting bowsprits.
- Draught 2.2m (7ft 2in). Boat depth below the waterline. Remember to adjust your draught for freshwater by adding 0.1m per metre of your draught. We advise owners with vessels deeper than 2.2m draught to contact the Canal Office. *Please also see note below regarding sharing locks and water conservation
- Beam 6.09m (20ft). Width of the boat including fenders.
- Air Draught 28.95m (95ft). Boat height above waterline.
Operating Hours 2020
Thursday 16th of July – Friday 2nd of October Thursday to Monday 8.30 – 17.30
The canal will be closed:
Every Tuesday & Wednesday
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th September
Crinan Canal Winter Operating Hours 2020
Last Sunday = 27/09/2020 (08:30 – 17:30)
Last Saturday = 03/10/2020 – (08:30 – 16:30)
Monday 05/10/2020 –Tuesday 20/10/2020
Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 16:30
Wednesday 21/10/2020 – Friday 04/12/2020
Monday to Friday 08:30 – 15:40
Closed on Monday 02/11/2020
From Monday 26th of October – Thursday 01/04/2021, the canal will partially close.
Vessels will be unable to make full transit of the canal in either direction.
Crinan Sea Lock, basin and bridge will remain available for boat movements by long term berth holders and the basin will be available for overnight haven.
Please book online in advance, or contact the main office on 01546 603210
Inland locks are self-operated and will require crew members ashore. Sea Locks and main road bridges are operated by our staff. Allow 30 minutes for last locking before close down to allow staff to make the flight ready for the evening.
Canal Works & Updates
Check our Canal Works & Updates pages for details of current works along the Crinan Canal.