Crinan Canal operation

[whaup]

Spoke to Helen on Thursday... a damaged sluice at one of the feeder reservoirs is an issue and currently the water level in the lower reaches is low. The aspiration to open mid-March remains but any decisions regarding a firm opening date and the summer timetable have not yet been communicated.

It also seemed unlikely that Sunday closure would be extended again, which is particularly disappointing for me.

Thanks for the input... it would be good to hear more from anyone who might have any other source of rumours...

 

[ctva]

Spoke to Helen on Thursday... a damaged sluice at one of the feeder reservoirs is an issue and currently the water level in the lower reaches is low. The aspiration to open mid-March remains but any decisions regarding a firm opening date and the summer timetable have not yet been communicated.

It also seemed unlikely that Sunday closure would be extended again, which is particularly disappointing for me.

Thanks for the input... it would be good to hear more from anyone who might have any other source of rumours...

Rumours are more fun, and probably more accurate than SC news releases!!

BYO ius good for info from what I hear.

 

[SaltIre]

Who is Helen?

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Who is Helen?

Reputed to have launched a thousand ships!

 

[ctva]

Who is Helen?

Like all organisations, she’s the admin type person so knows more than everyone else.

She has even opened a lock for us on occasions when she’s let out the office (The Egg Shed now).

 

[SaltIre]

Like all organisations, she’s the admin type person so knows more than everyone else.

She has even opened a lock for us on occasions when she’s let out the office (The Egg Shed now).

Thanks. When I worked on the canal I knew how all the locks and bridges worked and which flower pots, slates or bricks all the keys were hidden under! I could have let myself through in the dead of night but it was more than my job's worth.
I remember a yachtie opened and closed Crinan Bridge out of hours to let himself through, but left the handle operating it in place blocking vehicle crossings. It was just as well because he hadn't closed it properly and it was unsafe!

 

[ctva]

Thanks. When I worked on the canal I knew how all the locks and bridges worked and which flower pots, slates or bricks all the keys were hidden under! I could have let myself through in the dead of night but it was more than my job's worth.
I remember a yachtie opened and closed Crinan Bridge out of hours to let himself through, but left the handle operating it in place blocking vehicle crossings. It was just as well because he hadn't closed it properly and it was unsafe!

That’s the one bridge we’ve been officially trained to operate as yotties but they’ve move the key to under the bridge, just mind the trolls…

 

[adwuk]

Took the dog for a walk from Bellanoch to Crinan the other day and the water level was indeed low. The tow path to the East of Bellanoch was closed off. I think that is where the problem is, as the last time we walked that stretch was in January, and it looked like a sluice had been leaking quite badly. Plenty of water around at the moment, so it should fill up quickly once the repairs are made

 

[SaltIre]

Took the dog for a walk from Bellanoch to Crinan the other day and the water level was indeed low. The tow path to the East of Bellanoch was closed off. I think that is where the problem is, as the last time we walked that stretch was in January, and it looked like a sluice had been leaking quite badly. Plenty of water around at the moment, so it should fill up quickly once the repairs are made

Is there a sluice out to the River Add estuary between Bellanoch & Crinan?

 

[ctva]

Is there a sluice out to the River Add estuary between Bellanoch & Crinan?

No, the west reach is just the leakiest section in the whole of Scottish Canals.

 

[adwuk]

No, the west reach is just the leakiest section in the whole of Scottish Canals.

It was some leak then! The whole of the area below the embankment was completely flooded.

 

[Quandary]

First transit of 2022 this morning, North West Marine's Multicat work platform heading west, so it looks as if it is operational?

I am available for piloting assistance again this year if you need me, proceeds go to Mary's meals. The organisation feeds many thousands of children a lunch at school which has the added benefit of encouraging them to attend. One of those charities that does good works with minimum overheads.

 

[whaup]

Well that's exciting news! Thanks, Quandary, appreciate the info.
Wonder if there will be draft limitations for a while, or if they are able to refill the reach that was low...

 

[whaup]

Updates:

• Water level in the west reach is back up to normal level (or pretty close, anyway).
• Canal currently intending to open 4th April.

 

[surfernan]

Pm'ed you Quandary..

 

[scottie]

I think that Quandry is boatless and i have not seem him online for awhile

 

[surfernan]

I think that Quandry is boatless and i have not seem him online for awhile

Thanks I will hunt down another canal pilot.

 

[SaltIre]

Thanks I will hunt down another canal pilot.

Quandary (Joe) posted contact details here:
Crinan Canal Re-opening?
He was last online on YBW on Friday.

 

[surfernan]

Quandary (Joe) posted contact details here:
Crinan Canal Re-opening?
He was last online on YBW on Friday.

THANKS saltire .I will call him tomorrow.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

No self operation of locks nowadays, and they seem to generally have two attendants at each lock, so it might just be possible to do it single handed though clearly not so convenient but I think from what I could see someone else going otherway this June seemed to be on their own. Suggest you speak to the Crinan office