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.
Scottish Government Covid-19 International Travel and Entry Restrictions
In recognition of the gradual easing of international travel to and from Scotland for leisure purposes, and the adoption of Red, Amber and Green travel lists, the following criteria will apply to leisure vessels wishing to access the Scottish Canal network until notified otherwise:
- Red Countries: No entry for vessels
- Amber Countries: vessels can only enter the canal on completion of their 10 days self-isolation (i.e. the canal cannot be the first port of entry) and evidence of a negative PCR test after day 2 and day 8. However vessels with crew from the UK, EU, EEA and USA who have proof of full vaccination will no longer be required to self isolate and take a test at day 8, but these adults and children 12 or over will still have to provide evidence of a negative PCR test after day 2. Therefore, eligible vaccinated crew will be able to enter the canal after 3 days in the UK when evidencing a negative PCR test after the first 2 days.
- Green Countries: vessels can only enter the canal after 3 days in the UK (i.e. the canal cannot be the first port of entry) and they can evidence a negative PCR test after the first 2 days
- Arrivals from Common Travel Area (UK and Ireland including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands): vessels will be permitted normal entry into the canals
Details of which colour categories countries fall into and more detailed guidance can be found here https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-international-travel-quarantine/pages/red-amber-and-green-list-countries/
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. 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 | |
| Alasdair McCrae | 07772 634 584 | 07379678008 |
| Mike Murray | 07818 857 805 | 01546 830 238 |
| Alan Hutchinson | 01546 830 011 | |
| Charlie Ambrose | 07383 627 241 | |
| Joe Kerr | 01546 603 799 | |
| Piers Milligan | 07887694538 | |
| Dylan Newlands-Steele | 07376 653445 | |
| Andy Grant | 07738 003 955 | |
| Bruce Robertson | 07729 909 428 | |
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.
- Beam 6.09m (20ft). Width of the boat including fenders.
- Air Draught 28.95m (95ft). Boat height above waterline.
Operating Hours 2021
The canal is currently open, with restrictions, please see this page for more information
Thursday 13th May – Monday 27th September
Thursday – Monday, 08:30 – 17:30 CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
Thursday 30th September – Friday 15th October
Thursday – Monday, 08:30 – 16:30 CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
From Monday 18th October – Friday 29th October
Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 15:30
Important Guidance for Overseas Vessels Visiting Scotland’s Canals
Post-Brexit Customs and Immigration Requirements
Overseas vessels wishing to make first UK landfall at the Caledonian, Crinan or Forth and Clyde Canals must now follow carefully these two entry procedures, from UK Border Force, in advance of arrival:
- Customs reporting procedure
- Fly the yellow Q flag on entering UK Territorial waters (the 12-mile limit).
- Complete Part 2 of the HMRC C1331 form (available on Gov.UK)
- Call the HMRC National Yachtline +44 (0)300 123 2012 on arrival.
- Declare any excess goods on the C1331 form and pay the duty/tax using the Online Service for Passengers via Gov.UK
- Immigration reporting procedure
- Before disembarking your vessel, you must contact the local Border Force office to request permission to enter. In all cases for vessels visiting one of Scotland’s canals, this would be +44(0) 300 106 5725 (Border Force North, 24/7)
Canal Works & Updates
Check our Canal Works & Updates pages for details of current works along the Crinan Canal.