Monday, 23 June 2014

The Crinnan Canal


The Crinnan Canal was quite an experience not to be missed. As we arrived at the Ardrishaig sea lock the heavens opened with the first heavy rain of our time in Scotland.

In the sea lock at Ardrishaig.

With money paid, we were shown the ropes through the first couple of locks by the extremely helpful lock keepers. Sue was on the helm, and I was ashore working the locks.

Rob working the locks

This setup seemed quite odd to Sue, as she was manoeuvring the boat with no crew onboard, and also working the ropes . We soon got in to the swing of things, and by the evening closedown we were at the summit above lock 8 at Cairnbaan.

Moored up for the night at Cairnbaan

After a little rain first thing in the morning, the weather improved considerably, and the midges came out to play ( Arrrrrgh ! ). Once past the first lock on the descent we caught up with another yacht allowing us to share the lock work.

The descent team

As we exited the bottom of the main downward flight of locks a considerable queue of yachts had built up.

Yachts waiting to enter the lock flight up from the Crinnan end.

Nearly back to sea level

Arriving at Crinnan

We spent one more night in the canal before exiting to the sea.

Moored up for the night at Crinnan

Looking out to sea at our new cruising ground

Sue managing the ropes on her own for the last time in the penultimate lock before I joined her 
on board in the sea lock.

Goodbye to Crinnan

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