I reviewed these notes at the end of July 2022. Everything up to date. Note that because of post Covid staffing problems they have introduced a "capping" system limiting the number of boats entering the Canal on a daily basis. You have to book ahead and pay on line to get in

I reviewed these notes in June 2021. New price for transit not yet uploaded to the Scottish Canals website. We have given a link to a list of skippers available to give an assisted passage.(about £60) .But if you are comfortable with the canal and can manage on your own without delaying others, single handed passage is still permitted - but it will take a wee while. They have rebuilt locks 1 to 4 at Ardrishaig and the finishing work is still in progress so expect to take a little longer getting through there (about an hour)

There is no visitor pontoon anymore. I arrived too late to get through into the basin at5pm. I tied up in the sea lock which was noisy but sheltered. Getting into the sea lock was interesting as there area few boats moored in the basin in front of it. You have to weave your way in and I grounded once on a patch of soft mud before trying an alternative route!

These notes were reviewed in May 2019. A link to this year's prices and Skippers Guide has been updated. Note that, this year, they have started charging £4.50 for hard copy of the guide (at least, they say they are - I already have reports of it being issued free of charge!) If this summer turns out as dry as last year's, expect closures and restrictions on passages.

These notes were reviewed by Don in April 2017. Having transited this canal last summer I can vouch for the fact that only the price has change, downwards, and that you need a crew to do this unless you can piggyback on a willing boat with enough crew to compensate for your lack!

The Yotspot assistance is worth every penny of £60 if you are short handed or new to the Crinan. We transisted over 4 days and simply booked them by phone. 01546 602777. They have a website - theyotspot.com. Good restaurant at the Ardrashaig end of the canal. Cost for a licence for a 37 ft yacht 2016 was £131 Note that because of the dry Spring the water levels are low and it is taking time to fill the locks with water, no problem so long as you are not in a rush.

Due to the storm of protest at the hike in prices to fund the extra manning at the locks they have had to return to the previous modus operandi and lower the prices. This means that if you require assisted passage due to short handed or disability you will have to contact a contractor called "The Yacht Spot" who will provide an assistant for not more than £60. If short handed do not prematurely opt for an assistant - you will probably be able to piggy back one of the other yachts going through. The Yacht Spot is a new venture which has a store with a selection of the more obvious chandlery bits and bobs, it also does Gas and Gaz and has a restaurant open until 10pm.

Good passage through on 8th June with just 2 on board and one other boat, also with 2. Staff at each lock, no need to go ashore. Facilities now excellent.

These notes were reviewed by Don in March 2015. The price of a transit licence has gone up by 50% to pay for the new staff manning all the locks; it will be £15.95 per metre from May.
The other main improvement is the provision of a new amenities building at the Crinan basin containing showers and toilets for the sole use of those holding a canal licence.

This scheme is not operating this year although they claim to be reviewing this decision regularly and there is a survey on their website to encourage them.

I went through singlehanded earlier this month - arrived at Ardrishaig just in time to get through the sea lock and asked for a pilot for the next morning - Hugh and Jim arrived at 0830 and I was through in 5 hours!