Cruise Scotland: Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll

Cruise Scotland: Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll – The aim of the Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll cruise is to ‘travel roads less taken’, calling in at the less accessible, peaceful places away from the tourist trail.  Anchorages are chosen for their tranquillity, beauty and natural environment. Guests on this cruise will be looking for a more active holiday with an emphasis on trips ashore with good walks in the fabulous Argyll countryside.

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Cruise Summary

The Kyles of Bute – A most scenic anchorage allowing a shore walk from upper Caladh on Loch Riddon to Tighnabruaich on the west Kyle, looking out for red squirrels and roe deer.

The Island of Bute – A shore trip to take in part of the ‘West Island Way’, a seven-mile loop from Kilchattan Bay. This classic circuit is the finest walk on Bute featuring fabulous coastal scenery and St Blanes Chapel, a fascinating historic ruin

The Isle of Arran – Anchoring off Glen Sannox, go ashore for an easy walk along part of the coastal path to ‘the fallen rocks’ (and back); the more adventurous have the option to press on for Lochranza.

Loch Fyne – This large, stunning sea loch allows for several shore trips;

• Land at Ardrishaig for an easy four-mile walk along the towpath of the beautiful Crinan Canal to Millers Bridge and back.
• Go ashore at Glenan Bay for woodland walks through birch and ancient oak to the hauntingly peaceful village of Glenan, abandoned during the Highland Clearances.
• Call in at Cairndow for a visit to Kilmorich Church and a walk through Ardkinglas estate woodland garden where Britain’s tallest tree is found

Ailsa Craig (Fairy Rock) – An unforgettable day cruising around the jewel in our wildlife crown.  Go ashore to explore the old curling stone workings.  The more courageous guests may brave an ascent past the old ruined tower house to the summit at 1109 feet with stunning views to Antrim and beyond.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 – Join Splendour at 1600 for an evening cruise to the head of Loch Striven, a steep-sided fiord with a delightful basin at its head which makes a perfect overnight anchorage

Day 2 – Walk up Glen Striven after breakfast, a bucolic delight. Return to the boat for a cruise down Loch Striven and up the famous Kyles of Bute for lunch in Loch Riddon. Go Ashore by tender to walk part of the Cowal Way from upper Caladh to the picturesque village of Tighnabruaich. You pass through ancient Oak and birch woodland just above the shore with stunning views of the Kyles and Bute beyond. Overnight in hauntingly beautiful St Ninian’s Bay or the exposed Ascog Bay if the weather is settled.

Day 3 – Pass inside ‘the skate’ island for Loch Fyne and secluded Glenan Bay. After ‘elevenses’ go ashore for a stroll through the ancient Atlantic oak woodlands for a visit to the heart wrenching abandoned village of Glenan where even the hardest soul can imagine the laughter of children at play. Return to Splendour for a welcome lunch and onward up Loch Fyne for a beach walk with a difference, along the otter spit followed by a pre-dinner drink at the ‘Oystercatcher’. Dinner and overnight at Otter Ferry or tranquil Loch Gair.

Day 4 – Cruise down Loch Fyne stopping briefly at the fishing village of Tarbert for the chef to pick up live seafood for tonight’s dinner. Continue south to Loch Ranza on the fabulous island of Arran for lunch and a walk along part of the Coastal Way or up one of the hill tracks. Back aboard for nibbles at 1900 followed by a wonderful seafood dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 5 – We cruise down the mountainous east coast of Arran, with awe-inspiring views of rugged Glen Sannox and the neighbouring islands of Bute and the Cumbraes, to Lamlash Bay for lunch. Holy Isle now beckons with fantastic hill and shore walks. Holy Isle belongs to Samye Ling Buddhists and is a serene and beautiful place to visit. The Buddhist Monks share their retreat with feral ponies, goats, sheep and many species of seabirds.

Day 6 – After breakfast, we set a course for Kilchattan Bay on the island of Bute to walk a wonderful seven-mile circuit of the ‘West Island Way’ renowned as the best walk-on Bute. Your chef will prepare a packed lunch for this walk as it is one to savour. Returning to Splendour we set sail for Millport on the Isle of Great Cumbrae for a cycle round its 10-mile shore road for those with the energy left. For others, there is an unspoilt Italian café offering delicious homemade ice-cream.

Day 7 – After breakfast, we cruise north up the world-renowned Firth of Clyde to our final destination of the Holy Loch Marina and to disembark at 1100 with fond farewells.

Pricing and Availability 

From £1595 p/p (Complete with ensuite cabin) / From £11,485 Private Charter 

Check availability for the Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll Cruise >

Argyll Cruising offers 9 unique Scottish Cruises, visiting the inlets and islands of Argyll, Arran and the Outer Hebrides.

Cruise around Scotland in style with Argyll Cruising.