FACT FILE
Dalriada Project
The entire Crinan Canal is listed with Historic Scotland as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Along the canal towpath, there are many information panels and ‘podcast’ signs – these form part of the Dalriada Project, a series of projects to consolidate and enhance people’s experience of the archaeological and natural heritage of this ancient area. The project also set up a series of podcasts, which are available to download to a phone or tablet in order to find out even more before following the canal route. www.thedalriadaproject.org
Moine Mhor
The Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve’s name means ‘Great Moss’, and moss definitely has its way not just with the landscape, but any green-coated wooden signpost. A panorama has water to the left, the lure of mountains to the right and the bonds of moss between. It’s one of Britain’s best examples of an estuarine lowland raised bog, with sphagnum moss, dwarf shrubs, dragonflies, butterflies, deer and curlews. Some of the best views of it are from the canal towpath. www.nature.scot www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
Beavers
Beavers have been released in the area around the Crinan Canal as part of a scheme to reintroduce the beaver to Scotland, and the Moine Mhor (‘great moss’) Natural Nature Reserve, one of Europe’s rarest wildlife habitats, can be seen alongside the canal near Bellanoch. www.scottishbeavers.org.uk Scotland’s National Nature Reserves www.nnr-scotland.org.uk
Clyde Puffers
On this canal, Clyde Puffers have a special place in the hearts of boat spotters. They were little vessels designed to fit the Forth & Clyde and Crinan Canals, delivering coal to the west coast and carrying whisky and other produce back to Glasgow. There are only a few Puffers that have survived and two of them, Auld Reekie and Vic 32, can sometimes be seen at Crinan Basin.
Location
Crinan Canal Length: nine miles OS Grid refs: NR855853 (Ardrishaig) and NR789944 (Crinan Sea Lock)
How to get there By train
Nearest train stations are Oban and Glasgow
National Rail Enquiries 08457 484950
Scotrail 0330 303 0111
www.scotrail.com
By bus
Traveline Scotland T:0871 2002233 By car
Roadside or public car parks in Lochgilphead On foot or bicycle
The entire nine-mile length of the canal forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 78. By boat
Nearest boat hire:
Argyll Yacht Charters, Ardfern. Yacht charter. www.argyllyachtcharters.co.uk
Crinan Classic Charters, Crinan. Yacht charter. www. crinanclassiccharters.com
Crinan Yacht Charters, Crinan. Yacht charter. www. crinanyachtcharters.com
Kadore Yacht Charter, Crinan. Yacht charter. www.kadore.co.uk Boat trips:
Venture West, Crinan. Short and day trips, also boat hire. www. venture-west.co.uk Moorings
There are visitor moorings available along the Crinan Canal and in Crinan Harbour.
Local Tourist info
Scotland Tourist Info www.visitscotland.com
Scottish Canals
Visit the Scottish Canals website to find specific local information about the canals. www.scottishcanals.co.uk