Take me somewhere new!
If you're looking for some guidance or a bit of inspiration, we've produced a handy 'Hidden Boating Gems' guide giving you all the information for some of our favourite, slightly off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Pick up a copy from the Marina Office or download it here.
Day sailing in the inner Clyde, or venture beyond
Largs Yacht Haven is based perfectly amongst lochs and islands with fishing villages and harbours as near as half an hour sail away.
The inner Clyde offers ideal day cruising, whilst the more open west cost and Ireland is only a day away.
Millport, Isle of Cumbrae - 4nm
Known as the ‘Jewel of the Clyde’, Millport it’s a great spot for shopping, golf, fishing and cycling. Millport also has a lovely sandy beach, perfect for young children. You can also hire bikes from the marina and take them with you for the day to cycle around the quiet cycle paths on Great Cumbrae.
Kyles of Bute, Rothesay - 6nm
Cross the Largs Channel and enter the channel known as the Kyles of Bute. The pretty fishing harbour and lively town of Rothesay is perfect for a stroll ashore or for an ice cream, or just sail along the stretch between the Isle of Bute and Argyll.
Colintraive, Kyles of Bute - 14nm
Colintraive on the eastern bank of the Kyles of Bute is a small, pretty village with a community garden – perfect for picnics – and a great hotel. Lots of opportunities for walks along the stunning shoreline.
Tarbert, Loch Fyne - 22nm
Sail through the stunning Kyles of Bute spending a night at the award-winning hotel in Colintraive or on a visitor mooring at Tighnabruiach. Then sail onto Loch Fyne and the atmospheric fishing village of Tarbert to see their historic castle and begin your adventures on the Mull of Kintyre.
Arran - 16nm
Sail across to the Isle of Arran and visit the picturesque anchorages at a) Lochranza with whisky distillery and ruined waterfront castle; b) Brodick with the magnificent Brodick Castle and Gardens and long sandy beach; and c) Lamlash, in the lee of Holy Island made peaceful by the Buddhist monks.
Troon - 20nm
We may be biased, but Troon has beautiful scenery, some of the finest golf courses in the world and gourmet dining! Don’t forget to enjoy a cocktail on the terrace at Scotts overlooking the marina, or even book your stay at the new marina hotel, The Salt Lodge.
Holy Loch - 18nm
Head north up the Clyde to Holy Loch Marina with majestic forest walks ashore. Or continue sailing further to Loch Long to Carrick Castle and Garelochead.
Ardrishaig (Crinan Canal) - 32nm
A great location to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, and explore local areas. Ardrishaid marks the beginning or the Crinan Canal, known as 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut'. It's also the gateway to Puilladobhrain, Mull, Iona, Coll and beyond.
Further Afield
If you're lucky enough to have a week or longer to be onboard, then Scotland's West Coast becomes a world of possibilities. Here's a few options at your fingertips.
Gigha, Islay & Jura
Head to Campbeltown before catching your weather (and tide) window to round the Mull of Kintyre. Spend a night on the beautiful isalnd of Gigha with its sandy beaches, turquoise water and famous seafood restaurant. Continue on to Islay and Jura to sample some of Scotland's famous whiskeys. Return via the Crinan Canal, through Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute.
Continuing Further North
Beyond the Crinan Canal, the stunning anchorage at Puilladobhrain and the 'Bridge Over The Atlantic' is within reach. From here, the islands of Mull, Iona, Coll and Tiree are your last destinations before you enter Scotland's infamous Highlands & Islands.
Northern Ireland
Head south to our sister marina at Troon Yacht Haven. Use this safe haven as your launching spot for a crossing to Bangor or Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. Alternatively, you can continue to Lamlash on the Isle of Arran, then onto Campbeltown before making your crossing from there.
"Scotland provides hauntingly beautiful cruising and fine food and drink. Efforts to spread the word and grow the sector should be applauded. With modern marinas, wild anchorages and friendly fishing ports there is plenty to go round when you sail Scotland."
- Sailing Today Magazine
Need More Inspiration?
For more information on some of our favourite destinations, why not check out our Top 10 finest places to sail on Scotland's west coast
Cruising Map
Start planning your cruising and download a copy of our Firth of Clyde cruising map