There are so many beautiful, sailing destinations to explore and enjoy on the West Coast of Scotland, that there is simply not enough space on such a little website.
Although there are many new marinas and visitor moorings to choose from, there are also literally hundreds of secluded anchorages surrounded by outstanding beauty, fascinating history and unspoilt oceanic wild life…
Ofcourse it all depends on how much time you can afford to escape from your busy life styles. Many books have been written about exploring the Western Isles but they usually assume the luxury of a couple of months. Even the voyage of the little ship Amulet was curtailed. Enjoy a taste of Bob Orrell’s adventures while on board Pollyanna here
From Dunstaffnage Marina you have the option to sail south towards the Crinan Canan, leaving Corryvreckan to West, between the islands of Jura and Scarba. On towards Islay where the famous Laphroiaig and Bowmores single malts are distilled. Finally, arriving at Campbeltown on the Mull of Kintyre, where Sir Paul McCartney composed one of his best-selling single in UK chart history.
Sailing north from Dunstaffnage Marina is just as inspiring with that increased sense of oceanic wilderness awaiting, just round the corner…
You don’t have to be Felix Mendelssohn to appreciate the raw, unspoilt, oceanic drama unfolding before you as you tack passed Saint Columba’s Iona Abbey and image the Viking sails light up across the horizon, as Fingal’s Cave emerges to the North East.
And beyond – the Treshnish Isles and it’s fascinating place in history, not to mention a spectacular breeding ground for our precious ocean birds including, Puffins, Shearwaters, Gannets and Razorbills.
Whether you decide to press on towards Tiree and Coll, where the UK Windsurfing Championships are held in March, or return to the more sheltered anchorages of Ulva and Gometra, is completely up to you and the weather! After a brilliant day’s sail, discover the unique geology of the Isle Of Mull and imagine Ben More erupting over Mull 60 million years ago, during the cretaceous period just after the extinction of the Dinosaurs…
Heading on passed Tiree and Coll, the Hebrides lay awaiting, as they have done for thousands of years, when our hunter and gatherer ancestors arrived on Rum and the Small Isles, a mere 6,000 years ago.
With views of Eigg and Muck and the Cuillins of Skye over a western skyline, it’s hard to imagine a better subject for a canvas (sail or palette). Anchored in Canna Harbour, over looking the Atlantic Bridge and watching the sunset over a faint outline of the Outer Hebrides and plotting your next voyage – what will tomorrow bring? We happen to think the Western Isles will not disappoint you…
Sailing Adventure starts here... 