Crinan Canal Cruises

The Crinan Canal stretches 9 miles from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne to Crinan on the Sound of Jura, consisting of 15 locks and crossed by 6 swing bridges. The canal opened in 1801 to provide a shortcut for commercial sailing and fishing vessels and later Clyde puffers.

In 1847, Queen Victoria travelled the canal from Ardrishaig to Crinan, her boat pulled by 4 horses, on arrival at Crinan, she boarded the Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert. This royal journey and the subsequent publicity, brought a significant increase in tourism to the canal and by the 1850’s, more than 40,000 passengers passed through the canal. The history of the canal can be viewed in the Scottish Canal’s heritage and community hub, The Egg Shed, at the Ardrishaig end of the canal.

Today the canal is a popular route for leisure craft, providing a navigable route between the Firth of Clyde and the West Coast of Scotland, without the need for the long diversion around the Kintyre Peninsula and in particular the exposed Mull of Kintyre.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’, the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife and history of the famous Crinan Canal.

Experience the thrill of rising from Crinan Basin, through Lock 14, then onwards along the scenic canal to Crinan Bridge, we will pass through the swing bridge here and head on to the picturesque Bellanoch Marina. We will pause to take in the vast expanse of the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve ‘The Great Moss’ before travelling onwards through Bellanoch swing bridge and on to Lock 13 at Dunardry. We will turn at Lock 13 and return to Crinan Basin, once again having an opportunity to experience the thrill of being transported through Lock 14 back into Crinan Basin.

Why not make a day of it and treat yourself to coffee and homemade cakes at the Crinan Coffee Shop or lunch at the Crinan Hotel. Or why not stop off at the delicious Polly’s Coffee Stop at Lock 10 on your way to or from Crinan.

Once in Crinan, there are also many beautiful woodland and canal walks available on our doorstep, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Complimentary glass of Prosecco (or Nosecco) served by our friendly and very knowledgeable crew members. What more could you ask for!!