Crinan is a wonderful base for a holiday. A hour's drive from both the main ferry ports - Oban to the north and Kennacraig to the south - it is well placed for visiting many of the inner Hebridean islands, including beautiful Mull & Iona, Islay, Jura, and Colonsay, close enough to each for a day visit; and being only around 2 hours' drive south of Fort William, it is well placed to explore the classic Highland mountain scenery around Ben Nevis, hiking, mountain-biking and climbing.
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But there is so much to Crinan itself that there is really no need to get in the car if you don't want to. From Crinan Basin and Harbour, both a short walk from the house, there are boat trips to the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool or to see the rich local wildlife - seals, otters, many kinds of sea-birds and sometimes porpoises and Minke whales.
There are lovely walks with spectacular sea views out to the Islands and down the Sound of Jura, mountain-biking trails or relaxing cycling along the towpath of the famous Crinan Canal. The relatively sheltered waters of Loch Crinan or nearby Loch Sween offer fine canoeing, wild swimming and SUP paddleboarding; while for anyone interested in archaeology the Kilmartin Glen, a short cycle ride away, is home to the excellent Kilmartin Museum, stone circles, and one of the densest concentrations of ancient monuments in Britain.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BEACHES
Great pebble bay with nice walks just up the road from Tayvallich. Lovely place for SUP paddleboarding and kayaking.
Beautiful sandy beach with views over to the paps of Jura; fantastic for wild swimming and snorkelling.
Local sandy beach across from Crinan. Shallow enough for SUP paddle boarding but watch the tides!
Small local stony bay with walking paths and boats in the harbour. A favourite is the amazing woodland hike that starts at the far end of Crinan Harbour, and winds up onto the hill, with spectacular sea views down the Sound of Jura, and to the mountains.
CARSAIG BEACH
KILMORY BEACH
CRINAN
EATING & SUPPLIES
TAYVIALLICH
CRINAN BOATYARD
NATURE & ACTIVITIES
Excellent mountain biking and walking trails with ancient cup and ring marks. Fantastic views at the summit.
Lovely walking, and mountain biking and gravel trails near to Crinan Canal. Explore the wood or download the Trailforks App to see the exact locations of the biking trails.
Beautiful walks through the magical ancient woods all around Crinan, biodiverse havens of moss, lichens, trees, and wildlife, known as Scotland's Atlantic Rainforest.
A cycle along the towpath is a lovely way to explore the area. Kayaks are permitted along the canal.
Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve
One of Scotland’s oldest landscapes and biodiversity regions, the Moine Mhor is a wonderful ecosystem. Cycling along the Crinan Canal past the bird hide is a great way to reach it.
Beautiful National Trust for Scotland botanical gardens, with diverse species throughout the year.
CRINAN CANAL
CRINAN WOOD
MOINE MHOR
CRARAE GARDENS
BOAT TRIPS
West Coast boat trips from Crinan aboard the beautiful boat Sgarbh, exploring the majestic Sound of Jura, infamous Corryvreckan whirlpool and surrounding area.
Trips to the Corryvreckan whirlpool and beyond from Crinan Harbour and Tayvallich.
Passenger and car ferries From Oban and Kennacraig to the southern and inner hebrides islands. Great choice for a quick trip on the sea or a day adventure to Mull & Iona, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Arran, and Coll.
MULL
CRINAN CLASSIC CHARTERS
HISTORY
Ancient crowning site and seat of the Scottish Kings. Home to a fort 2000 years ago, and a royal power centre of Gaelic kings in the 500s to 800s AD.
KILMARTIN MUSEUM
DUNADD
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