Scenic Scotland
A yacht charter on the west coast of Scotland provides the ultimate UK sailing adventure and the chance to sail to places off the beaten track. Enjoy a relaxing week onboard your own private yacht, exploring Scotlands west coast, including the Firth of Clyde, the Mull of Kintyre and the surrounding islands of Arran, Jura and Islay.
Stop off at historic whisky distilleries in Islay and Campbeltown, hike to the summit of Goatfell on Arran and visit impressive castles at practically every stop-off; all against the stunning natural backdrop of the Inner Hebrides. Whether sailing along Scotland's west coast has always been on your bucket list, or if you are simply looking for a UK ‘staycation’ destination a little closer to home this summer - look no further than a sailing holiday on the west coast of Scotland with The Big Sail.
Contact The Big Sail for your tailor-made quote for the perfect family sailing holiday or group yacht charter.
SAMPLE ITINERARYGET A QUOTE
CAIRNBAAN
Day 1
Saturday
Arrival & check-in at Largs and sail to Cairnbaan
Set sail from Largs, a quaint town conveniently situated on the west coast of the Scottish mainland, not far from Glasgow. Enjoy the scenic sailing route across the Firth of Clyde and up Loch Fyne to Ardrishaig, and the entrance to the Crinan Canal. This fist leg will allow you to stop off at Tabert, a naturally beautiful town that is home to Robert the Bruce’s 14th Century castle. Enjoy history, nature and excellent seafood in this great little gem of the Scottish Coast before retiring to the canal-side village of Cairnbaan.
ISLE OF JURA
Day 2
Sunday
Crinan & Isle of Juna
On your first full day on board, enjoy a cruise down the Crinan Canal towards the enticing views of the Inner Hebrides. Stop off for lunch in the picturesque coastal village of Crinan before sailing down the Sound of Jura. In Crinan, you can enjoy some Scottish history with walks through the green Knapdale Forest, Crinan Wood and take a hike up to the highest point of the area at Castle Dounie. Once you’ve taken in all the beauty, carry on sailing south, to the Isle of Jura. This sparsely populated location is a great opportunity to make the most of your yacht’s galley and enjoy dinner on board, whilst watching the sun go down over Jura.
PORT ELLEN, ISLAY
Day 3
Monday
Port Ellen, Islay
As you sail into Port Ellen, the striking coastline and the uniquely designed Carraig Fhada Lighthouse will greet you. There are good pontoon facilities here so you’ll enjoy a walk-ashore mooring for a change. The best way to see the island is on two wheels – rent bikes and take a leisurely ride to visit nearby villages and beaches, before retiring in the evening into one of the many pubs for a hearty meal and some live music.
ISLAY
Day 4
Tuesday
Islay
Islay will be a highlight for whiskey lovers, with the Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig distilleries all located just a few miles away from Port Ellen harbour. Islay is also a great location for horse riding, hiking and golfing. Depending on when you travel, it is worth researching the various festivals that this vibrant community frequently organises.
CAMPBELLTOWN
Day 5
Wednesday
Mull of Kintyre and Campbelltown
Sailing south-east from Islay, this will be the longest and most challenging sailing of your entire trip – but it’s worth it! After you sail around the Mull of Kintyre on the south-westerly point of the Kintyre Peninsula, a stop off in the town of Campbeltown is a great opportunity to get to know this peaceful corner of Scotland. Once known as ‘the Whisky capital of the world’, now only three distilleries remain here and only one (Springbank distillery) still offers tours, so it is worth booking if you want to learn more about the Kintyre peninsula’s long history of whisky production and try a few drams. This is also another great spot for golfers with the Machrihanish, Machrihanish Dunes and Dunaverty courses nearby.
LOCHRANZA
Day 6
Thursday
Lochranza
From one stunning anchorage to another, explore the incredible Arran as you near the end of your journey. Arrive in Lochranza, a bustling port town, on the north coast of the island. The rugged shores of Loch Ranza will certainly be one of the most scenic stops of your Scottish west coast sailing holiday. Towering mountains and a ruined 12th Century castle make this the budding travel photographers dream! After a day of exploring, retire into one of the many pubs to feed your hungry sailing crew!.
ISLE OF ARRAN
Day 7
Friday
Isle of Arran
Before sailing back to Largs on the mainland, spend the last day of your west-coast Scottish sailing adventure exploring the Isle of Arran in depth. For a bit of culture, history and beautiful scenery, visit Brodick Castle with it’s impressive gardens, woodland, waterfalls, and of course the grand castle itself. If you’re feeling like a challenge, you could also take on a hike through the wilderness and up to the summit of Goatfell – the Isle of Arran’s highest point! You’ll need to set off early and pack plenty of supplies – the hike takes approximately 3 hours to the summit, but it’s worth it with rewarding views stretching to Jura and Ireland. If you want to stay closer to the boat, you can always visit the Island Cheese company and Arran Brewery to sample some of Arran’s finest cheese and craft beer and perhaps buy some local produce to take home with you! By around mid-afternoon, set sail towards Largs, for your final night on board in the marina.
Check out is 9am Saturday morning!
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- Choose any destination worldwide.
- Yachts available to meet every budget, and any group size.
- No experience required – we’ll provide a skipper if you don’t have sailing certification.
- We’ll create a tailor-made itinerary for your group including restaurant recommendations and anchorage tips.