Crinan Canal 2024

[Whaup367]

The canal have published this year's closing date as the 31st October.

Can you point me at this notice, please? I'm trying to make plans for the winter and was advised a few weeks back that they were likely to close for a period to fix more leaky locks but there was no timetable for that, yet.

Transit bookings are showing available through the winter (they were not last year) and I can't find anything on their website or fb page.
Would be good to know what the current thinking is.

Thanks,
W.

 

[Peter Pilot]

Crinan Canal Skipper’s Guide

Top right of the page ------opening times.

They always close for the winter as the canal freezes over and there is insufficient traffic to make staying open a serious option., and they have a lot of maintenance work which they are hoping includes changing the gates at locks 7 and 11. No schedule of works has been published yet.

 

[ctva]

Crinan Canal Skipper’s Guide

Top right of the page ------opening times.

They always close for the winter as the canal freezes over and there is insufficient traffic to make staying open a serious option., and they have a lot of maintenance work which they are hoping includes changing the gates at locks 7 and 11. No schedule of works has been published yet.

The canal always publish dates in 6 monthly periods, summer and winter times.

Prior to the last few years of major lock wors, the canal has always been open Monday-Friday over the winter. As to freezing, that has happened occasionally in the 20 years we’ve been there.

There is still uncertainty as to the timing sand length of closure this winter.

Of course here’s a thought, a phone call or email to the Scottish canals offices might get the required info??

 

[Whaup367]

The canal always publish dates in 6 monthly periods, summer and winter times.

Prior to the last few years of major lock wors, the canal has always been open Monday-Friday over the winter. As to freezing, that has happened occasionally in the 20 years we’ve been there.

There is still uncertainty as to the timing sand length of closure this winter.

Of course here’s a thought, a phone call or email to the Scottish canals offices might get the required info??

I've tried calling but the answers I get are inconsistent; the answers I get seem to depend on how long the person I am speaking to has been around for. As ctva says, there is still uncertainty about the winter maintenance plan.
Office said "I don't know, I'll get someone to contact you". Nothing so far. It's been long enough that I should try again but not sure it'll be worth the effort!
Ardrishaig lock says, open through the winter but expecting a closure for maintenance, don't know when, yet.
Crinan lock says closed from end October- "we always close for the winter" (!).

Nothing on website yet. Bookings are open for transit all year (they were unavailable after closing date last year).

Peterpilot- thanks for the pointer; I had been using the mobile version of the site and not seen those dates! D'oh!

I remain confused.

 

[dunedin]

Sounds like serious issues with the Cairnbaan bridge resulting in closure to through passages other than at very restricted times - Crinan Canal: Transit restricted

Any up to date reports from the pilots?

 

[SaltIre]

Sounds like serious issues with the Cairnbaan bridge resulting in closure to through passages other than at very restricted times - Crinan Canal: Transit restricted

Any up to date reports from the pilots?

They've posted an interesting "Lock 5" image on that page!

 

[RunAgroundHard]

They've posted an interesting "Lock 5" image on that page! ...

Aye, no neds in frame asking for a shot of yer boat.

 

[Aja]

Sounds like serious issues with the Cairnbaan bridge resulting in closure to through passages other than at very restricted times - Crinan Canal: Transit restricted

Any up to date reports from the pilots?

Brother was descending towards Lock 4 when the bridge went bang behind him. Apparently the hydraulic ram burst. I would think there won't be a spare handy

 

[Bodach na mara]

They've posted an interesting "Lock 5" image on that page!

I can see that it's Lock 5 but on which canal? Not Crinan anyway!

 

[SaltIre]

I can see that it's Lock 5 but on which canal? Not Crinan anyway!

It's on the Forth & Clyde Canal at Bainsford.
Lock, Bainsford © Richard Webb

 

[Peter Pilot]

It is expected that the canal will be open during the winter from Monday to Friday subject to pre-booking with the canal office.
I took a boat through today from Ardrishaig to Crinan. No issues anywhere, but they don't have very many staff for this winter. The faulty hydraulic ram at the Cairnbaan bridge was replaced and that is operating fine.

I'll be available to take boats through this winter but not expecting more than a handful of boats to go through.

 

[Peter Pilot]

Winter hours published by the canal. For the most part it is effectively 9am to 3pm allowing 6 hours for a single day transit.

Now - Nov 18th 2024 08:30 – 4:30

Nov 18th – 3rd March 2025 08:30 – 3:30

March 3rd – October 2025 08:30am to 5:30pm

Note that last boat movement is always 30 minutes prior to closing.

1. To Book call 01546 603 210 or email transitcrinan@scottishcanals.co.uk
2. Give at least 48 hrs notice and be flexible with your dates.
3. Sea Lock Office phone voicemails now instruct customers to call the main office line 01546 603 210 as these offices are not staffed.
4. Transit will be scheduled to start at 9AM only for navigation, we advise you arrive the night before on the waiting pontoon at Ardrishaig or at the Sea Lock at Crinan.

 

[ctva]

Winter hours published by the canal. For the most part it is effectively 9am to 3pm allowing 6 hours for a single day transit.

Now - Nov 18th 2024 08:30 – 4:30

Nov 18th – 3rd March 2025 08:30 – 3:30

March 3rd – October 2025 08:30am to 5:30pm

Note that last boat movement is always 30 minutes prior to closing.

1. To Book call 01546 603 210 or email transitcrinan@scottishcanals.co.uk
2. Give at least 48 hrs notice and be flexible with your dates.
3. Sea Lock Office phone voicemails now instruct customers to call the main office line 01546 603 210 as these offices are not staffed.
4. Transit will be scheduled to start at 9AM only for navigation, we advise you arrive the night before on the waiting pontoon at Ardrishaig or at the Sea Lock at Crinan.

Why not just post a link to the SC website, Crinan Canal Skipper’s Guide so that forumites can see the info first hand rather that the community meeting where the above was given out?

The office are always helpful when called although over winter due to reduced hours, you may have to leave a message but they will call back.