On the last day of our holiday in Scotland ,we discovered the serenely beautiful Crinan Canal. Often described as ‘Britains Most Beautiful Short Cut’ , the waterway was completed in 1801, as a quick link between the West Coast and Islands and the Clyde Estuary. The 9 mile stretch of canal vanquished the need to travel round the coast of the vast Kintyre Peninsula, a very handy short cut indeed. π
After noticing a sign for Crinan near the village of Slockavullin, where we were staying, we decided to go exploring in the car. 15 minutes later and we found ourselves in this picturesque wee harbour village. It is here that the canal enters the Sound of Jura.
The quayside is an ideal spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world ( and their beautiful boats) go by. Queen Victoria herself took a trip up the canal in 1873.
We decided to take a short stroll along the tow path, keeping Hugo on lead, as he is prone to jumping into canals given half the chance. The beauty of this walk, the wonderful watery views! On one side you have the calm Crinan canal, and on the other, the coastal vistas of the River Add Estuary.
Our short stroll took us past several boats negotiating the locks. It feels rude to stop and watch though. I’m sure I would get pretty flustered if I had a crowd eyeing my every move! In days gone by the Crinan Canal saw sailing and fishing vessels pass through, as well as Clyde Puffers.
We soon came across a man fixing his waterside cabin roof. I am pretty sure he is the artist who uses the colourful caravan below as a studio.
I helped myself to a leaflet that says ‘ Canadian artist Fraser MacIver has lived on the Crinan Canal since 1997, taking inspiration from his canalside environment; as well as from the beautiful surrounding Argyllshire countryside’. I left money for a couple of pretty painted postcards.
Has anyone ever explored more of the Crinan Canal?
Would you be tempted to try a canal boat holiday?
It looks so peaceful and idyllic. So beautiful.
It was exactly that. π
Great photos of a stunning place. Didnβt Pru and Tim pass by that way? Hugo was very good guarding the cake rather than eating it π
I think Pru and Tim probably did. I think Hugo was willing that piece of carrot cake to jump off the table! X
Congratulations to Hugo for protecting your cake so well. I would love a canal boat holiday but my pleas over the years have fallen on deaf ears. The canal gave you a really nice walk.
Canal side strolls are perfect , being so flat. My kind of walk! Hugo was probably hoping that cake would find its way off the table. He is very food obsessed..xx
A dog after my own heart.
We went there 3 years ago. It is a beautiful place unfortunately we couldn’t see a lot as it was raining that day.
Aw thats a shame. We were really lucky with the weather fortunately!
I love the looks of Duntrune Castle. The whole scene at the canal looks just beautiful.
It is a lovely area. I wish we had time to explore more. X
Itβs so beautiful. As I mentioned before, we stayed in the hotel once but it was a long time ago and I now think we should go back soon!
I think you should! X
Oh, how beautiful!!!! It made my heart do hiccups of joy, if that is how I can put it. Thanks for sharing Shazza. Have a lovely week & take care.
Aw you are too kind. I love it.. π doing hiccups. X
Think I just posted a comment above using my wordpress login, which I don’t usually do, so sorry about that.
That’s ok. X
Had a holiday there a few years back – very nice. The walking was very easy!
Yes it’s quite flat round about. I enjoyed our time there. π
Wow, looks so gorgeous and such lovely snapshots of all its little corners in your photos! Iβve never been, putting it on the list! Have done a canal boat holiday though and it was the loveliest experience, one of the most relaxing holidays ever (once we got the hang of the steering and locks that is!) x
It sounds lovely. I’m not sure I would trust Hugo not to jump in the canal though. Haha. That stretch of canal is particularly stunning. X
That looks like a very beautiful short cut indeed – and so peaceful too. A lovely way to travel!
It would make for a wonderful canal boat holiday that’s for sure. X
I’d love to! We were there about 27 years ago, when our son was a tot. I loved the place, even though it never stopped raining. Pinching this for a Monday walk, for old time’s sake. π π
Thanks Jo. We definitely should have walked a bit further to make it a proper walk. But pinch it all you like. Xx
Next time you will π π
Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. π
π
I love walking along canals and this one looks really picturesque. I love the moorhen hitching a ride but I’m just wondering how the ghostly piper managed to play the pipes if he had no hands π
The moorhen was so comical. I watched it make its way up the ropes ~ it really was hitching a lift.π. I did wander that about the Piper. X