Crinan basin

An early ferry required an early start!  I was up and dressed between 15 and 45 minutes earlier than usual.  The van was packed in record time and we travelled the 1/3 of a mile or so to the check in.  We were first in the queue.  Which gave us plenty of time for people watching.  Eventually we were on board while cars were still arriving, as the safety message was being given and the ramp was going up two cars arrived.  Obviously they had missed it.

Once off the ferry we wandered our way down to Lochgilphead.  Set up the van and had a leisurely lunch.  Being keen on canals we decided the first port of call would be the Crinan canal.  Totally different to those we are used to.  To start with the maximum draught is nearly 3m (9.5 feet) then the max length is 18 feet longer than a large narrow boat.  The beam at 20ft is almost as wide a 3 narrowboats.

Another unusual feature was that a good number of the locks had water pouring over the gates on an inland narrow canal there would a system of by-washes to take the water round.  We continued along the canal to the final lock at Crinan.  Here (before it started to rain) the reflections were stunning.  While we were there Bucephalus, a very beautiful and well maintained yacht came through the lock from the sea to tie up in the basin.