This beautiful circular walk takes in a lovely section of the Crinan Canal with the sea on one side. It then climbs through the ancient native Crinan Woodland, with great views over the sea to Islay and Jura.
Clear woodland path, flat towpath and minor road. Steep in places.
Bus from Lochgilphead.
Crinan village.
Start from the car park at Crinan (fork right on the approach), where the Crinan Canal terminates in a large basin connected to the sea by a lock. Toilets are available. The Crinan Canal was opened in 1801 to stop shipping having to navigate the long and treacherous waters around the Mull of Kintyre. As well as cargo, the canal had become popular with holidaymakers by the late 1880's and then the famous Clyde puffers plied the waters between the early 1900s and the 1960s.
Today the canal is used chiefly for tourism and leisure. Follow the towpath passing a number of wide passing places on the canal. Begin by walking around to the right of the basin and its boats, then crossing the canal on one of its lock gates. On the far side turn right to walk along the towpath between the canal and the sea.
Further on the small island of Eilean Glas can be seen out to see and depending on the state of the tide, great sand spits lie uncovered on this section. As the canal bends round to the right the land straight ahead that looks like an island is actually part of the mainland, Crinan Ferry. Eventually you reach a small cottage at a swing bridge. The entrance to the river here is popular with fisherman who can often be seen up to their chests in the deep water. Cross the swing bridge and turn left on the far side.
Very soon turn right onto a signed footpath into Crinan Woods, a precious relic of the Atlantic Oakwoods that once clothed the west coast; they are now cared for by the Woodland Trust. Follow the path uphill into the trees. The path is steep and rougher than the towpath although it is pleasant and has lovely views. Climb through the knarled trees and then follow the clear path as it dips to a grassy area and then climbs again. At a junction there's a bench off to the right, but the path swings left onto a ridge with superb views.
The path descends at the far side of the ridge and then curves back to the right. Cross a grassy area, soon reaching a signposted junction. Turn right here - marked for 'New York ruins'. The path leads through a beautiful grassy dell. The route turns left immediately before the ruined cottages are reached - but you can visit them before continuing. They were home to some of the canal builders, thought to have been named after the York Building Company.
Back on the waymarked path, climb slightly left onto a low wooded ridge, then follow the marked path to the right. It descends to meet a tarred lane. Turn right briefly on this and then turn left onto a path before the track reaches a house. The path climbs through trees once more. At a junction there's a bench with a great view of Crinan ahead, whilst the path itself turns right. It soon descends to meet the canal where it reaches Crinan Basin. Turn left to return to the start.
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