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Cruising Guide: Firth of Clyde

By our travel expert ROB

We’ve put together our favourite 7 & 10 day itineraries for one of the best places to charter a yacht and sail in Scotland – Firth of Clyde.

Sailing Area

A fabulous cruising area in the Firth of Clyde with no tidal restrictions and sheltered sailing options. You can sail whatever the weather and sea conditions with a choice of well-appointed marinas and remote sheltered anchorages.

A Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Largs

Arrive in Largs, provision and take over the yacht, then relax in Largs marina / town for the evening. If you’re prepped and ready to leave before dusk, consider a short sail and anchor for the night in Rothsay Bay or Kames Bay.

Day 2 – Largs – Kyles of Bute & Burnt Island (15nms)

Cross the Clyde towards Bute for lunch at anchor either in Rothsay Bay or Kames Bay (the next bay up). After lunch, carry on up the East Kyle aiming to overnight at anchor in the area of Burnt Islands. There 3 options depending on the weather for a totally remote magical night onboard

Day 3 – Burnt Island to East Loch Tarbet (25nms)

Sail down West Kyle of Bute and across to the northern tip of Arran and into Loch Ranza for lunch at anchor. On departure head up Loch Fyne for a night stop in East Loch Tarbet.

Day 4 – East Loch Tarbet to Portavadie(25nms)

Depart East Loch Tarbet and continue up Loch Fyne into Upper Loch Fyne for lunch in Loch Gair then return to Portavadie Marina for an overnight stay

Day 5 – Portavadie to Lamlash(25nms)

Travel SSE down Loch Fyne for lunch at anchor in Scalpsie Bay at the southern end of Bute. In the afternoon sail across to Arran, follow the east coast of the island and into the sheltered Lamlash Harbour. Pick up a mooring buoy or anchor for the night.

Day 6 (7 Day cruise option) Back to Largs (18nms)

If this is your final full day of sailing you may wish to sail north to Great Cumbrae and pick up a mooring buoy and take your dinghy ashore for lunch in this small attractive village prior to sailing up to Largs for your last night prior to handing the yacht back the following day.

Day 6 (10 Day cruise option) Lamlash to Campbeltown (33nms)

Sailing around the bottom of Arran, you’ll be exposed to some Atlantic swell, coming into the Clyde. Embrace the elements, and sail straight for the protection of Campbeltown.

Day 7 – Day ashore

Take a day off from sailing and enjoy the local area options include: Bike Hire, Walking, Whisky Distillery tour Glen Scotia, Glengyle, Springbank.

Day 8 – Campbeltown to Troon (33nms)

Another long passage, this time from Campbeltown to Troon. Like Largs, Troon Yacht Haven is a long-established modern, sheltered marina with a number of visitors berths. It is only a short walk to the town with famous golf courses and a selection of pubs and restaurants

Day 9 – Troon to Millport (19nms)

This short but scenic sail from Troon will see you moor at the southern end of Great Cumbrae pick up in Millport. Take a “run ashore” in your dinghy to visit the town, spot “Crocodile Rock” and have a final crew dinner in one of the many pubs.

Day 10 – Millport to Largs (4nms)

This will be your final, short day of sailing, just 4nms from Millport to Largs to hand your yacht back.

Feeling inspired?

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