Arran & Kilbrannan Sound overnight anchorages

[richard77777]

I’m planning a leisurely circumnavigation of Arran later this month, over about 10 days, with my partner, in a 26’ Westerly Centaur. I would welcome practical advice on safe and comfortable overnight anchorages, (or visitors’ moorings), around Arran and Kilbrannan Sound. We’d also like to spend the odd night ashore, probably wild camping
According to the CCC Sailing Directions, Lamlash Harbour and Loch Ranza are the only relatively protected anchorages on Arran and all others are temporary and should be used only in settled conditions. Carradale, Campbeltown and, if I’ve understood correctly, also Brodick, are also mentioned as good anchorages, with others to be regarded as temporary.
I would welcome suggestions of any anchorages which, assuming favourable wind speed/direction, may be suitable for overnight stops and any practical tips & advice would also be very welcome.
My experience of overnight anchoring so far is confined to various locations around the Isle of Bute; am I right in thinking that Arran is likely to be more challenging?
More generally, if an anchorage is described as temporary, is it still suitable for an overnight stop provided the wind conditions are favourable, or does it mean it is really suitable only for a brief lunchtime or similar length stop?
Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Uricanejack]

It’s been a very long time since I sailed the area.
I think you mentioned them all already.
East Loch Tarbet next stop Campbelltown If I remember right, Brodick used to be a nice place to stop.
Enjoy your trip it is a beautiful area.

 

[penfold]

My experience of overnight anchoring so far is confined to various locations around the Isle of Bute; am I right in thinking that Arran is likely to be more challenging?
More generally, if an anchorage is described as temporary, is it still suitable for an overnight stop provided the wind conditions are favourable, or does it mean it is really suitable only for a brief lunchtime or similar length stop?
Thank you in advance for any advice.

If the holding is ok then spend the night, just be aware of the forecast and have a plan if you do have to move.

 

[[2574]]

Carradale/Torrisdale are fine anchorages with W to N wind. Carradale good for NE too. Blackwaterfoot has visitor buoys which are good in E wind. Lochranza doesn’t offer the shelter that one might imagine as winds can blow strongly offshore, but good visitor buoys make it a secure anchorage but can be bumpy. Brodick has free buoys, good for W/NW winds. Likewise Lamlash though fees payable on the buoys. Visitor buoys available at North Carradale for SW winds. Also good anchorages on W side of Bute close by for N/NE/E winds. Wonderful area, many options. Antares charts are worth having for added assurance.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

More generally, if an anchorage is described as temporary, is it still suitable for an overnight stop provided the wind conditions are favourable, or does it mean it is really suitable only for a brief lunchtime or similar length stop?

The visitor moorings around Arran, even the relatively open ones, are suitable for overnight stays as long as the wind is forecast to be blowing from the shore. There are visitor moorings pretty much all the way round, so it's usually possible to get shelter somewhere.

The combination of the visitor moorings off Carradale harbour and anchoring in Carradale Bay gives shelter from most directions. Depending on you draft and the size of the tides you can get quite a long way into Carradale Bay up in one of the corners and it's clean sand.

When Lochranza is getting a bumping Skipness opposite is a good sheltered anchorage.

There's plenty of space to anchor in Campbeltown Loch, either inside or by the island at the entrance, if you don't want to use the marina. The holding in the loch is thick black mud.

I wouldn't say Arran is much more difficult than Bute. A big bigger, and a bit more open in places, but even if it kicked up rough in the night it's never far to a marina or safe harbour.

 

[richard77777]

Thank you all for the very helpful advice and tips.

 

[earlybird]

Good advice above, but would add that in August, competition for visitors moorings around Arran, esp. the free ones, will be keen. You normally need to get there early. Loch Ranza can be surprisingly gusty due to the high ground at its head and the holding for anchoring can be iffy. Anchoring in Brodick is good under the castle if there's W. in the wind.

 

[richard77777]

Thanks for the advice.