The Crinan Canal

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. 

When locking in an upstream lock 

1. Check that the top (opposite) gates and sluices are indeed closed. 
2. If the lock is full, first check if another boat isn’t approaching the lock from the opposite direction. If one is approaching, it has preference and should be allowed to enter the lock first. This will save a lock full of water. If there’s no one else approaching, drain the lock by raising the bottom sluices. 
3. Once the lock is empty, open the gates by pushing on the swing bar. The gate will only open if the lock is completely empty, so don’t attempt to force it by bouncing the beam. Apply steady pressure until you feel the gate move. Once both gates are open you may enter the lock. Up to four boats can fit into one lock, depending on their size. If you are on your own in the lock, stay as far back as the gate behind you will allow, to minimise the effect of the turbulence. 
4. Secure your craft by both bow and stern lines, to the cleats on the lock.  Use a bowline over the cleat on shore and control the other end by wrapping it around a cleat on your boat. Avoid using a running line back to the boat. This could jam and cause damage to your boat. Shore crews should not hold the warp as loads are considerable. You will be shown the correct technique by staff at the locks.  
5. Now close the bottom gates and sluices. 
6. Once you are satisfied that all craft in the lock are secure and ready, you can flood the lock by raising the top sluices. Start slowly and only partially raise it until everyone has settled and gotten used to the turbulence. If there is only one boat at the top gate, open the sluice on the same side as the boat so that the incoming water flows past that boat and does not hit it head on. Continue to raise the sluices a little at a time as the water rises. If the turbulence is too great, lower the sluice a little. Once the lock is full, leave the sluices open to make it easier to move the gates. 
7. Open the gates and exit. 
8. Leave a crew member behind to close the gates and sluices. This ensures that the lock chamber is ready for the next customer. As a courtesy you may leave it open for an approaching craft.  

Locking downwards

1. Ensure that the bottom gates and sluices are closed. If the lock is empty, fill it by opening the top sluices. If there is a craft approaching which will use the lock in an upward direction, allow it to do so. Again, this saves water and time. 
2. When the lock chamber is full, open the gates by pushing on the swing bar. The gate will only move once the water pressure has equalised. Leaving the sluices open, apply a steady pressure until you feel the gate move. 
3. You may now enter the lock. 
4. Secure your craft by both bow and stern warps using the cleats provided. Use a bowline on the shore cleats and not a running line back to your boat. 
5. Close the top gates and lower the sluices. 
6. Open the bottom sluices only after you are sure the boats are secure and crews are alert and ready. The sluices should be raised slowly to maximum, keeping an eye on the boat/s in the lock. If they are experiencing any difficulties, or are distracted, close the sluices. 
7.  Open the bottom gates and exit the lock. 
8. Please remember to close the gates and sluices behind you and flood the lock. 

The downward locking is much less turbulent than the upward, however, it is vital to have crew positioned bow and stern to pay off the warps as the craft descends. Failure to do so could result in the boat being hung up by its warps. If this happens, get the shore crew to close the sluices immediately and seek the assistance of the lock keeper. 

Use of locks after closedown

Do not use the canal locks after the canal has closed for the day as water levels are adjusted for the following day and any unplanned locking can lead to flooding or water loss.

Navigation

Maximum lock dimensions:

Length: 26.8m (88ft)

Width: 6.1m (20ft)

Fresh water Draft: 2.4m * (8ft 10in) 

Air draft: 29m (95ft)

Please add at least 100mm (4 in) to your saltwater draft for calculating your draft in the canal. Boats sit deeper in fresh water than salt water. 

* Due to possible weather-related level changes, customers with a draft of more than 2.2m should always check with the appropriate sea lock 24 hours in advance to confirm the draft for the date of passage.

Please note that water conditions continually change and that the maximum draft cannot be guaranteed. Consult the sea lock keeper for the maximum draft of the day. During drought conditions the maximum draft is considerably lower than in the rainy season and managed daily.

VHF Radio

The sea locks work on Channel 74. 

Please note when our team members are performing locking or maintenance duty they will be unable to respond to VHF calls. 

If you do not get an immediate response, you can contact the Crinan Canal office, or approach the lock if open to the sea - it is likely that the Lock Keeper has spotted you.

Navigational Charts and Information

Admiralty charts: Loch Fyne 2381; Lochs and Harbours in the Sound of Jura and Approaches 2476; Loch Crinan to the Forth of Lorne 2326.

Imray charts: Firth of Clyde C63; Upper Clyde & Loch Fyne 2900; Belfast Lough to Crinan C64; Crinan to Mallaig and Barra C65.

Pilots: Admiralty West Coast of Scotland Pilot; Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions - Firth of Clyde; Kintyre to Ardnamurchan; Imray Pilot: Clyde to Colonsay.

Speed limits

Please observe the speed limit on the canal to help avoid bank erosion through excessive wash and please slow down when passing moored craft. The final approach to Crinan between Crinan Bridge and Lock 14 is narrow, with moored craft lying above Lock 14. Please exercise caution while transiting this section of the canal.

Cill markers

To avoid possible contact with the lock cill please ensure your vessel does not pass the cill marker on the lock wall and remains clear of lock gangways during lock operations. If you are in any doubt please ask Scottish Canals staff for advice.

Local restrictions

Please note that to maintain access for emergency vehicles we are unable to rotate Ardrishaig Sea Lock Bridge and Lock 4 Bridge at the same time and must also comply with slight restrictions during school term time, both of which may cause short delays to boating traffic.