Crinan Canal (GBCNC)

A small harbour with a pier and breakwater is located at Crinan. The sea locks, Lock No 14 and all road bridges are operated by British Waterways staff, all other locks are operated by vessels' own crews. Cargo handled: Timber/bulk, self load only.

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, Winter Nov 1 to Mar 31, Summer Apr 1 to Oct 31.

A canal of 8nm between Ardrishaig and Crinan in W Scotland which can reduce the alternative open sea distance to the Clyde area by approx 80nm.

Intermediate locks limit the size of vessel to transit the canal to LOA 26.8m, beam 6.0m and fresh water draught of 2.8m. The sea locks are restricted to vessels; LOA 30.5m, beam 7.0m, draught 3.2m.

Approx 20 vessels with approx 15,000t of cargo handled annually.

Anchorage which is good but temporary, can be obtained during N or E winds in the following bays (with positions from Ardlamont Point (55°50'N 005°12'W): Ardlamont Bay (1nm WNW); Kilbride Bay, sometimes called Bagh Osde (2.25nm WNW) and Asgog Bay (3.25nm WNW).

At its S end, from the Firth of Clyde the Crinan Canal is approached through Lower Loch Fyne (55°55'N 005°25'W), then Loch Gilp (56°00'N 005°25'W) and entered through Ardrishaig Harbour. At the N end, the N approach to the canal from the Firth of Lorn is through one of the following 3 channels: Cuan Sound (56°16'N 005°37'W); the Sound of Luing (56°14'N 005°40'W) or the Gulf of Corryvreckan (56°09'N 005°43'W). Then across the N end of the Sound of Jura (56°07'N 005°39'W) and entered through Loch Crinan (56°06'N 005°35'W). Entry into the canal, at both ends, is assisted by lights at both sides of the sea lochs and by a leading light on the inside,

BA 2724, 2381, 2131. Admiralty Pilot NP66A, NP286(1).

Long term (reserved) berths are located in Bellanoch Bay and at Crinan and Ardrishaig in the disused sea locks. As the pontoons and moorings in Bellanoch Bay are all reserved, contact the canal office for berthing advice.

Limit of 3.0m max draught low tide, silt bottom. The speed limit is 4kts.

Range 2.74m.

There are no tugs available.

Prevailing winds: SW'ly.

VHF: Ch 16, 74. A listening watch is maintained on VHF during the hours of operations, details of which can be obtained on Tel: +44 1546 603210.

Crinan Canal is served by Oban/Campbeltown Customs and Immigration offices, 80km.

Notify ETA 48 hours in advance with confirmation 24 hours prior to arrival.

All radar equipment must be off in the port when alongside. Special bye laws are in force for vessels carrying petroleum products or carbide of calcium. Copies are available from the Canal Authority.