The Crinan Canal
The Crinan Canal stretches nine miles from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne to Crinan, on the Sound of Jura.
The canal was originally designed to offer mariners an alternative route from the west coast and islands at one end and the Clyde Estuary at the other, enabling them to avoid the arduous voyage around 'the Mull.'

Welcome to the Crinan Canal
Our Canal guide introduces everything you need to know about boating on the Crinan Canal from booking your licence to safety advice and tips on how to transit the canal, you’ll find details here.
The minimum time you should allow for passage is six to eight hours - subject to there being no delays or heavy traffic.
But why rush?
Relax and enjoy the superb scenery and hospitality.
Your licence allows you up to four nights and five days to complete your journey, take it easy.
Check with our sea lock staff for information on where to overnight and what berthing is available on the day.
Transiting the Canal
Despite covering just nine miles, the Crinan Canal can prove challenging for inexperienced boaters or those unused to operating canal infrastructure.
Boaters should have sufficient crew on board to handle ropes on the bow and stern, as well as operating the lock gates and sluices in the event that Scottish Canals' staff are delayed or unavailable at a specific location.
There are 15 locks and 7 bridges on the Crinan Canal.
The Sea Locks at Crinan and Ardrishaig and at Lock 14 are mechanised and will be operated for you by Scottish Canals' staff.
The seven bridges along the canal are also operated for you by Scottish Canals' staff.
At peak times, such as summer season, you may have to wait for others boats, whilst moving through the inland locks from Lock 5 to 13.
It can take two people to open and close lock gates and sluices from Lock 5 to Lock 13.
Canal Licence
To transit the canal, you need to buy a Transit Licence.
Various licence types/terms are available, ranging from single transit to annual. Short-term licences include all lock-ins, passages and berthing at designated overnight spots. It also includes use of customer facilities such as toilets and showers, laundry room etc.
Long-term berth holders also require a mooring permit.
Our licence fee is calculated according to the length of your vessel.
Use of Pilots
Please note that it is not necessary to engage the services of external individuals or 'pilots' to transit the Crinan Canal - Scottish Canals colleagues are on hand to support your transit. Please be aware, you may have to wait for other boats to arrive to proceed through locks / bridges.
Anyone piloting a vessel must follow instructions given by Scottish Canals staff.
It is the boat owner / operator’s responsibility to ensure that your chosen individual is appropriately qualified and that your insurance covers you adequately.
Locks and bridges
The Crinan Canal can be divided into three sections: upstream, summit, and downstream.
When you approach a lock, the gates ahead of you will be closed. This is because users are expected to close everything behind them – gates and sluices – and to fill the lock. The exception is when another boat travelling in the opposite direction has just left the lock, spotted you and left it open for you as a courtesy. Other than that, or from a specific instruction by canal staff, you always close gates behind you, with locks full and sluices closed.
Operating Hours
Nov 1st to Nov 18th 2024 08:30 – 4:30
Nov 18th – 3rd March 2025 08:30 – 3:30
March 3rd – October 2025 08:30am to 5:30pm
Note that last boat movement is always 30 minutes prior to closing.
- To Book call 01546 603 210 or email transitcrinan@scottishcanals.co.uk
- Give at least 48 hrs notice and be flexible with your dates.
- Sea Lock Office phone voicemails now instruct customers to call the main office line 01546 603 210 as these offices are not staffed.
- Transit will be scheduled to start at 9AM only for navigation, we advise you arrive the night before on the waiting pontoon at Ardrishaig or at the Sea Lock at Crinan.
- Please do not arrive without prior arrangement as we are not able to drop projects and commitments at short notice.
Learn more about ongoing disruptions
Ongoing workImportant contact numbers
Pier Square
Ardrishaig
Argyll PA30 8DZ
T: 01546 603210 (Mon – Fri 9-5)
Emergency contact
In the event of immediate threat to a person, the environment or wildlife please call:
0800 072 9900
To report an issue that is not an emergency, please use the guide: