Clyde to Tobermory

[RMA]

I have done the Crinan Canal once before but with three of us it was easy to work the locks and manage both ends of the boat at the same time. Next time we do it there will be two of us. Any advice on the best way to approach this (37’ boat)?

I am sure I have read somewhere that it is possible to get from Crinan to Tobermory on one tide. Given reasonable conditions it’s not hard for the boat to average 5 knots through the water, so it does seem feasible if you can keep the tide with you all the way. If that’s right, what’s the best time to leave Crinan?

 

[seabright]

Done the canal many times with 2 on board (plus baby and dog!). Usually you will find yourself transitting with other boats and can help eachother out to ease the strain. We would struggle to get through by ourselves in one day and would take a leisurely 2 days. No problems - just take your bowline through a block and back to a winch in the cockpit so you can adjust it from there.

As for the tides - not sure - but lots of lovely anchorages on the way up.

 

[Billjratt]

Good to fit a block on the "offside" quarter as well. One person can control both ropes easily and they don't jump out of fairleads. As for the trip, the Cuan sound is the only gate worth mentioning, don't try to go against it! I assume you have a tidal atlas and know how to use it. Enjoy!

 

[Sgeir]

Umm, we have unsuccessfully tried to beat Dorus Mor with combined sail and engine - but to no avail. Also, you'd need a strong engine to beat the Sound of Luing.

EDIT: Probably best to time yourself through Dorus Mor before the tide turns in your favour ie against a weak opposing current. You'll then fly up through the Sound of Luing. Hold on to your hat.

 

[JayBee]

You can also hire a canal "pilot" who will do most or all of the hard work ashore, including handling your lines, operating gates and sluices etc. They are freelance, but can be contacted through the canal office. Can't remember how much they charged last year, but it used to be very reasonable and good value for money.
The first of the favourable tide through the Dorus Mhor will take you all the way to Tobermory, although once clear of the Sound of Luing the tidal streams are not that strong.
Have a good trip!

 

[bhud]

I agree my wife and I have passed through the canal on a few occassions if you contact the sealock they will organise a canal pilot, we tend to try and get through early and on many occassions he will set up the locks before hand. The last time we passed through coming out at Crinan we did it in 7 1/2 hours. If the tide is against you pop up to the Lagoon in loch Craignish there is marked off area for anchoring. The only problem is you might not leave we didn`t!! Dorus runs north 4.30 after HW Oban

 

[Steve_N]

It was £50 for a canal pilot last year.

Probably the best £50 you'll ever spend: it transforms an ordeal into a pleasure.

 

[cliffb]

I second that. It's a lovely trip... but two handed is hard going I found. If you dont want to do the pilot, then do try to go with another boat or two.
Cuan Sound... been there done that... it's scary. Next time I'll do it at high water.
Dorus Mor nowhere near so bad. But get your tides right. Even then there's some strange water movements that can be more than a little spooky the first time.
But do you have to bash up to Tobermory. There's some lovely...really stunning anchorages and lochs on the way up. Take your time...smell the flowers.

 

[rhumlady]

Cuan Sound at 13 knots over the ground is wonderfull but you do have to get fairly close to the Cleit Roch which is marked with a yellow (?) perch. When heading into the Sound from Loch Shuna you have to pass very close to the headland as you turn in or go quite a way up to Balvicar and then turn as the two rocks of the headland are vicious. Seen them both a few times at very low water. Once out, don't go too close to Easdale Island as there are rocks quite a way south of the island. As said by others the tides from there on are not too strong but If you get wind over tide at the entrance to the Sound of Mull either between Lismore Light and Lady Isle or Lady Isle and Duart Point the overfalls can be a bit lumpy and you may need to motorsail to get through but is is only a couple of hundred meters. God I wish I was back up there!

 

[jleaworthy]

You can certainly get to Tobermory on one tide. I did it with a 26' twin keel boat and motored the whole way in a flat calm. It was some years ago but I seem to remember getting through Dorus Mohr at slack water and then taking the full flow of the tide all the way, going past Fladda at about 7 knots over the ground by GPS.