Crinan Canal Towpath: Crinan to Ardrishaig
Argyll and Bute
The Crinan Canal opened in 1808 to spare boats the long and dangerous passage around the Mull of Kintyre, linking the Sound of Jura with Loch Fyne. Dogs can walk off lead on the towpath, though the canal edges are steep and deep, so keep them close near the locks. This 14km route follows the full towpath from the canal basin at Crinan to Ardrishaig, with a bus between the two ends for the return. The first stretch runs between the canal and the sea, then passes the marina basin at Bellanoch and the edge of the Moine Mhor, a great raised bog with the rock of Dunadd, the ancient Dalriadan fort, rising behind it. At Cairnbaan a flight of locks lifts the canal to its summit, 21 metres above sea level, before the last 6km through open country to Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig. The climbing is only around 40 metres in total, on a firm, level towpath.
This is a dog friendly walk that suits almost any dog, with no gradients to speak of and Scottish Canals welcoming dogs on the towpath as long as they are under control and cleaned up after. There is moderate off-lead potential on the quieter rural stretches, but the towpath is shared with cyclists, boats pass through the locks and the canal edges are steep and deep, so watch dogs that like to jump in. Livestock is rarely met, though fields border parts of the route. Parking is behind the canal basin at Crinan, where the Crinan Coffee Shop sits by the water.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 14.0 km (8.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Canal, Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Crinan Coffee Shop at the canal basin (dog policy not confirmed); Cairnbaan Hotel on route; shops, cafes and toilets in Lochgilphead and Ardrishaig.
- Parking
- Car park behind the canal basin at Crinan; limited Scottish Canals parking at the B841 swing bridges. Bus back from Ardrishaig to Crinan via Lochgilphead.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Crinan Canal Towpath: Crinan to Ardrishaig, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Birchbank Loch View Lodge
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £476 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Crinan Canal Towpath: Crinan to Ardrishaig dog friendly?
Yes, Scottish Canals welcomes dogs on the towpath provided they're under control and you clean up after them, and the route earns a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The full 14km walk is level and largely traffic-free, making it a great choice for dogs of almost any age or fitness level. There's parking at the canal basin in Crinan and the Crinan Coffee Shop sits right by the water at the start, though its dog policy hasn't been confirmed.
Can dogs be off lead at Crinan Canal Towpath: Crinan to Ardrishaig?
There's moderate off-lead potential on the quieter rural stretches, but it's worth being selective about where you let your dog roam freely. The towpath is shared with cyclists, boats pass through the locks, and the canal edges are steep and deep — so dogs that love to jump in will need watching. Fields border parts of the route too, so keep an eye out for any livestock nearby.
What should I know before visiting Crinan Canal Towpath: Crinan to Ardrishaig with my dog?
The main things to be aware of are the canal edges, which are steep and deep throughout — keep dogs close, especially around the locks at Cairnbaan. The towpath is shared with cyclists, so a degree of control is needed even on quieter stretches. It's worth planning the return journey in advance, as the recommended approach is to walk one way and take the bus back from Ardrishaig to Crinan via Lochgilphead.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk4 mi awayKilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles
Argyll and Bute
A flat, easy walk for dogs on a lead through one of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes, past burial cairns, standing stones and stone circles for you.
Beach5.8 mi awayPort Ban Beach
Argyll and Bute
A remote white sand and turquoise water beach on the Kintyre Peninsula, year-round access and a genuine sense of discovery.
Walk6.5 mi awayTaynish National Nature Reserve Trails
Argyll and Bute
A shaded woodland walk for dogs on a lead through one of Britain's finest Atlantic oakwoods, with a tidal-rapids otter hide for you.
Beach16.1 mi awayWestport Beach
Argyll and Bute
A wide, quiet Kintyre beach at the northern end of the Machrihanish Bay system with year-round dog access and vast Atlantic views, generally much less visited than the more famous beach to the south.
Beach20 mi awayKilmory Sands
Argyll and Bute
A quiet, sheltered sandy beach on the Knapdale peninsula with year-round dog access, resident sea eagles and the wild, uncommercialised character of this remote Argyll coast.
Walk21.2 mi awayInveraray Castle and Loch Fyne Shore Walk
Stirling
A gentle shoreline walk through the Inveraray Castle estate along Loch Fyne, with dogs welcome on leads throughout the grounds and woodland paths.