Sunny Scotland?

The anchorage at the top of Shuna was pleasant and peaceful. There was a light breeze from the south, and with our plan to head south it would mean that the trip down to Crinan would be under engine. We raised the anchor (without the tripping buoy today) and motored off towards Craobh Haven to refuel for our trip through the canal and on towards Largs.

We set off from Largs at 1200 motoring at 5 knots to get down to Dorus Mor, a narrow gap formed by an Island to the south of the Craignish peninsular. Tides through this gap can run at 8 knots, and with wind against tide is can get very rough, as photos in the guide books will testify. Today however it was a puppy compare to the wild dog it can be. We timed it just about spot on, when the tide turned on our favor we had a quick passage through and on to the entrance to the Crinan Canal. Compared to the Caledonian the entrance to the Crinan is narrow in comparison. The other difference is the way they handle the ropes. On the Caley, ropes are passed over the hook an back to you in a long loop, on the Crinan they prefer to have a bowline tied in one end and just have that over the hook at the side of the lock.

We had a nice surprise when we went top pay. We were able to upgrade our Caledonian transit licence to a two week licence which will give us longer to get through the Crinan and save us £20 as well. Worth considering if you are planning to do both canals in within a two week period of time.



We're now in the lock basin basking in the sunshine and taking it easy. There is very little breeze in here and looking back out towards the Sound of Jura, there's not much wind out there either.

When the sun comes out there really is no better cruising ground than Scotland. You just have to wait around for the sun, which can take a while