Loch A' Bharain, Crinan, Argyll

Loch A' Bharain is an impounding reservoir which sits directly on the north bank of the Crinan Canal beside lock No.9, 1.5 kilometres west of Cairnbaan, and is one of a number of reservoirs supplying water to the canal. The earthfill dam is 5.6 metres high and was constructed in 1801 during the construction of the Crinan Canal, works were completed by 1810 and after further repair and inspection by 1815 - 1820 the Crinan canal helped bring jobs and industry to the area shortening what would be a longer voyage on boat to get to Crinan and other areas on the west coast, the 9 mile canal became a Royal Route when Queen Victoria sailed the canal after works completed, this was part of her tour of Scotland, Loch á Bharain is one of the many many Lochs and burns feeding the Crinan Canal, when the Crinan Canal was drained for repair and inspection, Loch á Bharain was drained quite a lot which revealed not just old lock gates, tyres and other bits and pieces but this big drainage discovered a rocky foundation which is the remains of the old castle of Clan McTavish. Today this area is still a popular place for water sports, activities and sailing, it’s also a tourist hub and famous destination as a scheduled monument. There is also timber industries in the area, Fir Tree. Plantations are visible everywhere. The Dalriada Heritage trail that starts at the Loch and head up north to Carnasserie castle is a long but scenic trail that takes you back in time to view old woodlands and along the way is the cairns and ancient artefacts at the famous Kilmartin Glen and Kilmartin Museum, then heading up to Carnasserie Castle, built after the vikings, is still in tact with multiple stories constructed with stone, the main walls and floors are still up with some parts fallen off at the top and with no roof but a nice view. The Castle is protected by Historic Scotland And classified as a scheduled monument just like Kilmartin Glen and Loch á Bharain ()