Help with Crinan and Clyde Area

[davidpbo]

Hi Folks,

We are investigating the possibility of joining some friends who are passing through the Crinan Canal, east to west this weekendish.

They are sailing up from the Ardrossan. We would like to drive up and meet somewhere, have a day or so sailing one end or t'other together and assist with passage through the canal and get back to our car.

Could anyone suggest likely pick up meet and drop off points? Secure parking required ideally, yes I know there is no such thing as secure parking but you know what mean.

Does anyone know what public transport is available or any other means of getting back ?

Anyone sailing east to west around that time who may appreciate some extra help?

Another thought is taking our own trailerable boat up the Clyde.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a friendly launch site with moderately secure parking for car and trailer and a good slipway. Largs? Ardrossan? anywhere else? Ideally I would like one with a pontoon beside as I have not launched or recovered off anything else.

My boat can launch in about 1.5M of water.

Many thanks

David

 

[Clyder]

David,

[ QUOTE ]


Another thought is taking our own trailerable boat up the Clyde.

Does anyone have a suggestion for a friendly launch site with moderately secure parking for car and trailer and a good slipway. Largs? Ardrossan? anywhere else? Ideally I would like one with a pontoon beside as I have not launched or recovered off anything else.

My boat can launch in about 1.5M of water.



[/ QUOTE ]

I would recommend, with my limited knowledge, putting your boat in at Largs Haven. Theres plenty of secure storage for your car and trailer, they'll put your boat in with the tractor right next to the slipway pontoons.

Theres electricity,water and a pressure washer etc all there for use. Good pubs, restaraunts and chandleries. Petrol and diesel on tap. Plus its only a short(ish) scoot up to Crinan.

 

[davidpbo]

I have heard good reports. Any idea of likely charges?

 

[Sgeir]

The parking at Largs is more secure than at Ardrossan, which is open ground and with full public access. Having said that, we've left the car in the public area at Ardrossan for extended periods, and had no problems (by agreement, you may be able to park in the hard standing area which is locked at night).

The pubs at Largs are preferable unless you prefer the unique charms of Ardrossan. The chandlers at Largs are very good also.

Public transport: there's a pleasant MacBrayne's or West Coast Motors' bus from Ardrishaig to Glasgow (actually better than driving as you can see so much more), thence train to Largs. I'm not aware of a bus from Crinan to Ardrishaig, but there may be a local one, or else take a taxi.

If you end up at Oban, there are train or bus connections back to Glasgow, but nothing direct to Ayrshire.

Enjoy it!

 

[Spyro]

There is no slip at Ardrossan, there is one at Saltcoats but very steep and only of use about 2 hours either side of high tide if you req 1.5 m of water. plus no where to park so forget that. As well as the marina slip Largs has a public slip just outside the marina so no costs involved, it is tidal though but I would think you would have about 2-3 hours either side of high water.

 

[Clyder]

Have a look here: http://www.yachthavens.com/yachthaven/listResourcesSession.do?marina_id=largs01

I think everything you need should be in there.

I wouldn't advise the public slip beside Largs marina....very busy at wekeends with ribs+divers and jet skis and at low water it's VERY rocky.....

 

[Tomsk]

Just come back to work after two weeks up the Western Isles. Left car at Ardrishaig British Waterways car park for 10 days with no problems...

 

[davidpbo]

Thanks for the help folks,

Plan is trail our boat to Largs Yacht Haven, friend collects from there sail/motor with them to Crinon, bus/ferry back.

Sorted buses out via Travel Line Journey Planner useful link IMHO for anyone meeting or departing via public transport.

Any pointers regarding hostelries, anchorages etc. appreciated.

What is the recommended pilot book for the area?

Thanks again

David

 

[Sgeir]

[ QUOTE ]
What is the recommended pilot book for the area?

[/ QUOTE ]Either the Clyde Cruising Club's Sailing Directions, or the Martin Lawrence pilots published by Imray - both are excellent IMO. To be honest, not much to choose between them.

Anchorages? Depends where you're talking about, but, basically loads of them, mostly good - just have a look at the pilot guide.

Pubs? Not a drinker so don't really know.

 

[1114C]

we went through the canal last year and the cairnbaan was a good night with very nice food - has changed a lot over the years but currently going through a good spell as far as I know - pubs in ardrishaig and lochgilphead not up to much - Crinan nice on a good evening sitting outside and great location

Many other posts on the forum about other bits on the clyde - I was asking people a couple of weeks ago and the concensus was tarbert not as good as it was and kames next to tighnabruaich getting better but depends whether you are going round the kyles or up the back of bute

have a good one though and hope the weather is kind