Tap or click here for the home page


C subjects

Crinan Canal Sea-lock
Crinan, Argyll & Bute


Crinan Canal, Crinan, Argyll & Bute, aerial photograph
From the east looking towards the Sound of Jura.

The canal is nine miles long and runs from here to Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne, which can be seen on another page. It was opened in 1809 and the chief engineer was Thomas Telford.


Crinan Canal, Crinan, Argyll & Bute, aerial photograph
A little closer in to show more detail.

The canal was built to allow small ships, trawlers, etc to cross the top of the Kintyre peninsula and save an up to 120 mile journey round the Mull of Kintyre, also avoiding the North Atlantic, and sailing direct to the shelter of the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides.


Crinan Canal, Crinan, Argyll & Bute, aerial photograph
From offshore. The remaining and main sea-lock is on the right of the two entrances.

These days the canal is used almost exclusively by pleasure craft.


Crinan Canal, Crinan, Argyll & Bute, aerial photograph
Offshore and close in.