Cairnbaan Cottage

29/09/2026

Our guests rave about Kilmartin Museum and The Glen Bistro.
So lucky to have these fabulous walking routes on our doorstep and you will also find the book with the walks in our cottage 🤗

18/07/2026

A little history about the Crinan Canal - watch the boats going by from Cairnbaan Cottage

Tomorrow marks 225 years of the Crinan Canal ✨

On 18th July 1801, the first vessel travelled through the Crinan Canal, carrying fish from the Western Isles on its journey to the Broomielaw in Glasgow. More than two centuries later, this iconic waterway continues to connect people, places and communities.

Stretching nine miles between Ardrishaig and Crinan, the canal provided a safer shortcut for commercial vessels, fishing boats and the famous Clyde puffers, avoiding the challenging route around the Mull of Kintyre.

The canal played an important role in Scotland’s coastal trade by improving links between Glasgow, the Clyde, the Inner Hebrides and west coast communities. Clyde puffers used the route to carry coal, supplies, wh**ky and produce, making the canal a lifeline for settlements that depended on sea transport.

Now affectionately known as “Britain’s most beautiful shortcut” and although freight traffic has largely disappeared; the Crinan Canal remains a much-loved destination for boaters, walkers, cyclists and visitors from around the world.

🎉Here's to 225 years of heritage, engineering and unforgettable journeys along one of Scotland’s most treasured waterways.

(📸 The image is a 1825 plan from Scottish Canals archive depicting Crinan Basin, the historic sea-lock and the Crinan Inn.)

20/05/2026

Our guests rave about Kilmartin museum and the adjoining cafe is a lovely stop for walkers, visitors and we often stop in on our bikes !🚲

16/05/2026

My absolute favourite viewpoint Aileen Gillies Photography - what a capture ( & the pair of wee deer 🦌 too!)💕

16/05/2026

You can’t beat a home made scone 💕- white choc & lemon or raspberry, blueberry & white choc ?
Couldn’t decide so today’s guests got both (& doggy treats of course for the 3rd family member !🐶🐕🐾)

08/05/2026

It has been great to see the Crinan Canal open for the season and busy with boats going through.
We have already had our first few guests this year but we have still have some weeks available in June/July/August/September so please get in touch - we aim to offer competitive rates - check our website and get in touch -
https://www.cairnbaancottage.co.uk