Background image - crinan_canal__ardrishaig_heathery_heights.jpg

4 Ways to Explore the Crinan Canal

Updated: Oct 2026

The Crinan Canal stretches nine miles through Argyll, linking Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne with Crinan on the west coast.

Whether you fancy a towpath walk, a family cycle, a paddle or a boat trip, there are plenty of ways to enjoy ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’.

1. Crinan Canal on Foot

Follow the Crinan Canal towpath for an almost level walk through Argyll. Walkhighlands lists the full one-way route from Crinan to Ardrishaig as 14 km, taking around three to four hours. Choose a shorter section to suit your group, and plan your return journey before setting off. If you’re bringing a buggy, check the surface and access points for your chosen section first. For a detailed description of the full route, see the Walkhighlands Crinan Canal walking guide.

Background image - Crinan Canal Bellanoch (1) Drone

2. Crinan Canal on a Bike

Cycling along the Crinan Canal towpath on a sunny day must be one of life’s great pleasures. You can easily complete the round trip in a day, with plenty of time to take in the beautiful views, spot wildlife, and enjoy a picnic along the way. Because it’s flat and traffic-free, the towpath is perfect for a family ride. Kids will love stopping to watch the boats navigate the locks. Choose a section to suit your family’s confidence and stamina. Check the route before setting off, including road sections and crossings.

3. Paddle the Crinan Canal on a Kayak

The Crinan Canal makes for an unforgettable day’s paddling. The canal’s calm, protected waters are perfect for kayaking beginners. Take advantage of the long, uninterrupted stretches between locks 4 and 5 and locks 13 and 14. If you’re a more experienced kayaker, you can join the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail at Crinan or Ardrishaig for a sea kayaking adventure along Argyll’s beautiful coastline.

Opened in 1801, the canal provided a transport route between the west coast and Scotland’s industrial heartland. Paddling past its harbours, locks and bridges brings you close to this engineering history. Kayaking its length is an unbeatable way to feel its intriguing history. As you paddle past harbours, locks, and bridges, you’ll get tantalising, atmospheric glimpses of the canal’s past. Before setting off, register your paddle with Scottish Canals and check its current access notices. Wear a suitable buoyancy aid and plan to carry your kayak around locks. Choose a route suited to your experience and safety skills.

Background image - Crinan Canal Westcoastwaters Kayak

Background image - Steamer Boat Crinan Canal

4. Sail the Crinan Canal on a Boat

The Crinan Canal is popular with sailors because it provides a route between the Clyde sailing grounds and the Western Isles without sailing around the exposed Mull of Kintyre. Allow at least six to eight hours for a passage, with extra time for delays. Check Scottish Canals’ current operating arrangements and arrange your transit before travelling. Winter passages operate by request on specified weekdays.

You’ll find more than sailing boats on the canal. In the past, Clyde puffers, small coal-fired cargo ships, used to steam up and down the canal delivering supplies. You can take a trip up the canal on board the Vic 32, a refurbished puffer. Check timetables with the operator.

Or 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. For a shorter trip, Crinan Canal Cruises offers two-hour boat trips departing from Crinan Basin. Check available dates and book ahead with the operator.

Heritage and Wildlife Around the Crinan Canal

Whichever way you tackle the journey along the Crinan Canal, you’ll have opportunities to learn about both the canal’s history and the fascinating landscape it passes through. You can take plenty of detours and side trips from the canal. Highlights include the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, Dunadd, a hill fort and stronghold of Dalriada, and Crinan Wood, a wonderful ancient Atlantic oakwood. The canal is also a haven for wildlife. Take time to watch for birds along the canal and enjoy the views across the surrounding coast.

Discover Crinan: Places to eat, drink & stay

Background image - Chaotic Scot Crinan Canal 30 1365X2048

Eating and drinking along the Crinan Canal

At the Crinan end of the canal, the Crinan Hotel’s Seafood Bar serves lunch and dinner. The Crinan Coffee Shop, just a few yards away from the hotel, is a favourite haunt of many day visitors to Crinan. Part of the hotel, it offers a great range of fresh home baking and light lunches.

Places to Stay in Mid Argyll

Turn your visit to the Crinan Canal into a longer break and explore more of Argyll. These places to stay are spread across the wider area, from Craobh Haven to Inveraray and Loch Awe, so check their locations against your plans before booking.

At Ford, near Loch Awe, Ederline Estate offers self-catering cottages on a working hill farm covering around 13,000 acres.

For a coastal stay, The Pier House on Buidhe Island B&B offers relaxed waterside accommodation, overlooking Loch Melfort.

Near Inveraray, Killean Farmhouse Inveraray B&B and cottages offer a historic getaway nestled in the Scottish Highlands, just minutes from the picturesque town of Inveraray.

Further inland, Portsonachan Hotel and self-catering has award-winning accommodation on the shores of Loch Awe, close to Inveraray and Dalmally.

Blarghour Self-catering Holiday Cottages offers self-catering accommodation on a farm beside Loch Awe, providing another option for a longer stay in the wider area.

Find out more about things to see and do in the Heart of Argyll.

FAQs

How long is the Crinan Canal walk?
Walkhighlands lists the full one-way route between Crinan and Ardrishaig as 14 km, taking around three to four hours. This is a one-way route, so plan your return journey, or choose a shorter stretch for a more leisurely outing.

Can you cycle along the Crinan Canal?
Yes. The mostly level towpath makes an enjoyable cycling route, with opportunities to stop for views, wildlife and boats passing through the locks. Share the path considerately with walkers and choose a distance suited to your group.

Can you kayak on the Crinan Canal?
Yes. Scottish Canals welcomes paddlers and asks you to register before your trip. Wear a suitable buoyancy aid, check access notices and carry your kayak around locks.

Are there boat trips on the Crinan Canal?
Crinan Canal Cruises offers two-hour passenger trips from Crinan Basin. Check available dates and book ahead. VIC 32 passenger trips are paused during 2026 for maintenance.