Its said that the Crinan Canal can be transited in 6-7 hours, well that’s just pipe dreams as far as we can make out! Boat movements are supposed to start at 8:30am, however as you have to wait for the lockeeper on the first two locks, our actual start was 9:30am. Then the next 10 locks you operate yourself, which is a minimum 3 person job, a bit tricky with just two of us. Fortunately we paired up with a french family and pooled our resources. Having lived next to a canal as a child I was always “helping” the lockkeepers, so I had some basic knowledge of what we needed to do, and once we had got through the first lock it all became a lot easier.
By 3:30 pm, even with a stop for lunch we’d completed 10 of the 14 locks we had to get through, but with only an hour and a half before the canal was shut down for the night, we were advised that it would be best to stay where we were. There was a pontoon with water and electric, there were facilities, a hotel with restuarant and bar. What more could you want? After the exertions of the day, just an early night would do.
Next morning was cool to start but soon warmed up as we set off for the final 4 locks. We saw two boats moving onto the lock above us, so made off sharply so as to get in front, and just as well. The final four locks took an age, the last two taking an hour and a half. No explanation, no apologies from the lockeepers. Luckily it was warm and sunny and people were fairly relaxed.
Once through the sea lock, we turned south with the Isle of Arran dominating the horizon. Dropping in at Portavadie marina to refuel before heading for Broddick on Arran. At 4:30pm a strong headwind blew up and slowed our progress considerably, so we diverted to Lochranza where we anchored overnight. We even saw the Waverley passing us south round the north-east of Arran. (Long range photo)
Tomorrow we go to Campbeltown.
The Wessex Kidney Patients Association is a charity that helps patients and their families deal with the upheaval caused by Kidney disease. If you enjoy reading our blog please consider giving to this cause . Many thanks Louise & Martin
4 Kidneys and a Wonky Leg 