The Crinan Canal is even more firmly on the tourist map thanks to a partnership project involving Argyll and Bute Council. There are new signs, cycle parking and mile markers in a bid to maximise the number of visitors.

The first phase has been a partnership project involving Argyll and Bute Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance, British Waterways Scotland, The Waterways Trust Scotland and Historic Scotland. 

The new signs mean people will now get clear directions to and from the canal. They will also be aware of local places of interest such as Lochgilphead town centre, Crinan harbour and the Firetower cycle routes at Achnabreac . It is also much clearer how to get to local shops, toilets and hotels.

The cycle parking will encourage more people to use the Crinan Canal route as they can leave their bikes securely. Thousands of cyclists already use the route which is number 78 on the National Cycle Network.

The mile markers were produced in Wick using Clashach Stone which has a texture and surface that will wear well in our climate.  The 10 markers feature the Heart of Argyll logo and the distances from Ardrishaig and Crinan.

The first phase of the project has now finished after starting early in January 2010. The next phase is being considered by the Heart of Argyll Tourism Alliance and will look at improving signs to the canal over a larger area, improving the canal for canoeists and kayakers and then promoting it to them. There’s also the possibility of public art projects at different points on the canal.