Monday 23 May 2011

Sunday walk at the Crinan Canal

Hello, I'm back, sitting in my office, looking at the wind blowing the rain sideways outside. I could have been out in it if I'd stayed in Scotland another day, but it got to 5.30pm last night and I thought, I'm off home.

I could have slept in the car, it was too windy to put the tent up, or I could have paid for B & B, but I had already done lots of walking, and seen lots of trees, hills, and water, no need to stay any longer when I had done everything I wanted to do. So I drove all night to get back here at 5.30am. Of course it wasn't twelve hours of driving, I stopped five times in laybys and service areas, to get my head down. It's quite comfy across the seats when you pack pillows around you, almost like being in bed ;o) Altogether I have travelled 1,015 miles. I'll work out the total cost of the holiday later when I have filled the car up with petrol.

The pictures on this post are from yesterday, so they are out of sequence with the rest of them which are loaded on the mini computer, I'll add them soon. I'm sure you won't mind darting backwards and forwards trying to work out where I was on which days. I don't suppose it matters which order I post them.

I got the 10.55am boat back across to Oban. Couldn't resist taking this pic as it was arriving. I am fascinated by how the front end lifts up to reveal the vehicle ramp. As I had arrived early I was almost at the front of the queue and was the second car to drive off.

I picked up some petrol and bread at Tesco and got onto the A816 and drove south to Crinan. My friend has a holiday cottage here, but unfortunately it is booked so I cannot use it. The area looks interesting, and there is a camp site nearby, so it's worth a look.

The canal is nine miles long, it was built in 1793 as a short cut avoiding the long journey around the Mull of Kintyre, for the boats bringing the produce from the Western Isles to the markets of Glasgow and the Clyde. It has been named as Britains Most Beautiful Shortcut.

When you walk the tow path the canal is on one side and the sea on the other. There are fifteen locks for the boats to pass through.

Crinan Basin is lovely to amble round.







Although it looks like a beautiful sunny day, the wind was making the sea quite choppy.







Here is a boat in the lock waiting for it to fill up so he can park in the basin.

It takes a few minutes and the water level has risen sufficiently for the gates to be opened...

and off he goes to park up.


I walked part the way along the canal, it was a lovely place to visit and maybe I will go back again, but for now I think it's time to get off back home.

I went to bed for a couple of hours this morning and didn't hear Janet coming in to take mum puss to the vet for neutering. The two kittens looked sad at being left on their own, and the little room needed a good clean so I got on with the job. Mum puss came back at 3pm and seemed quite lively considering she had had her insides stitched up. No more babies for you now my dear.

More pics to come, I'm feeling a bit befuddled, need a good nights sleep.

11 comments:

  1. Glad to hear you got home ok. Was starting to worry when there was no posts for a few days. Lovely pictures of the final days of your trip, very picturesque. Was wondering about you last night, given that the weather was turning nasty. Looking forward to the rest of your pictures and news etc. Hope your pet cat is ok after her op. Take care.

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  2. Yes! Another neutered cat that will prevent thousands of unwanted kittens living a miserable life.Thank you for your kindness.
    I feel as though I have been on vacation, enjoying the scenery in your photos, thanks again
    Jane x

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  3. I was on the west coast over the weekend- further south than you and it was hellishly windy!!! Good choice!!! Still very windy now we are back on the north east coast!!!

    Glad you enjoyed your hol s- nothing liek being back in your own bed though!!

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  4. I have lovely memories of the Crinan Basin - We've been there four times and each time it's been lovely and warm! Get your head down now and enjoy your rest.

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  5. Lovely pictures - yes, I would love to know how much the holiday cost - as something you only pay for occasionally it is hard to gauge.
    thanks for sharing

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  6. Welcome back! Fab photos as always - looking forward to seeing some more :O)

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  7. Glad you made it home safe and sound. The weather forcast wasn`t very good for up there, and I was a bit worried when we didn`t see you posting anything the last few days.

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  8. Lovely photos - glad all the animals are OK and that you didn't try to camp in those conditions.

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  9. Glad you got back safe and sound, if a little tired!
    Thanks for sharing your holiday with us.

    Sandie xx

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  10. Welcome home and a happy belated birthday to you. Thanks for sharing your holiday pics - that Crinan Canal looks really interesting. Next time I'm in that area I'll take a look at it myself.

    I reckon the Scottish Tourist Board owes you a free holiday now!

    Linda xx

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  11. I've been following this trip from afar. Looks like lots of folks who've commented are more familiar with the area than I am. Your photo's are great. I think the pictures of the locks might be my favorite. So interesting to see how those things work.

    Darla (CA, USA) For some reason I could only sign under anon. this time.

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