Crinan Canal

There was some trepidation about the Canal - we had heard that it would be a challenge 'two-up'.  Our plan had been to pay for an assisted passage but Scottish Waterways have stopped doing this so we were on our own, or so we thought...  

There are 15 locks in total only 3 of which are mechanised, after some instruction at the entrance we prepared ourselves for a couple of days of hard work.  Katie will have it that she did all the work for the entire canal but that wouldn't  be strictly true, although she did get stuck in and was happy to stay on land and manage the locks while Rob handled the boat.  Katie has had some management experience and first there was one gentleman happy to help her open the gates, at the next lock she appeared to have a lady helper and then the Canal team were helping.  For the last four locks we were buddied up with another boat and were lucky enough to have their assistance.  

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We had heard about he prospect of seeing beavers in Knapdale Forest halfway along the canal (www.scottishbeavers.org.uk) so after a long hike we waited, and waited.  We saw evidence of the beavers below, but the beaver responsible was nowhere to be seen.  

It was a very different experience in the canal peaceful, still and very enjoyable.  Now it's off to the islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura for some Whisky tasting.