Scotland West Coast Moorings

C

cindersailor

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 Jan 2003
Messages
552
Location
Edinburgh
Visit site
OK a question for all you west coast guys. I am currently Clyde based but am anticipating the overwhelming urge to move further west which will undoubtedly overcome me sooner or later. I think I am aware of the swinging mooring possibilities (Crinan, Ardfern, Loch Melfort, Loch Feochan, Kerrera, Loch Creran, Linnhe Marine) and I have visited their web sites, but perhaps there are others, are there any clubs with moorings for example? The factors which I will need to balance are, in no particular order: ease of road access from the central belt, price, availalability of diesel, shelter, launch service. At the moment Loch Creran and Linnhe Marine are top of the list. So, any inside info which could help in the decision process? I suppose a tour round the various places is on the cards, I can think of worse ways to spend a weekend.
 
There is information about moorings here and here so you can check what else there is.
I have used a summer mooring at Creran Marine for several years and like it a lot. Some complain about the tidal entrance to the loch and the distance (about 3 miles) from the entrance. South Shian is much nearer but I think the moorings there are all private. I think Creran Marine have a waiting list for next year but the place next door, Barcaldine Marine Resources or something like that, has a lot of new moorings.
I agree, you should go and look at some of the possibles before choosing - different people have different preferences.

Derek
 
Phil

Dunstaffnage bay has a few moorings, I think the marina runs some, but last time I was there ther was card on the notice board with one for sale. Certainly easy access both by land and sea.

Steve
 
Hi,

I kept my boat on one of Linnhe Marine's swinging moorings for a couple of months through the summer - its a good tho hardly five star set-up. Shelter is good from the south and west but not the north.

Both the places you highlight are for me anyway a good jumping off point for further weekend and day sailing. Tobermory is an easy enough weekend destination.

I think Creran were cheaper when I enquired but they had no moorings free - I'm guessing they all go to annual or seasonal lets, rather than a few weeks or months. I think they may have installed more mooring now.
 
[ QUOTE ]
OK a question for all you west coast guys. I think I am aware of the swinging mooring possibilities (Crinan, Ardfern, Loch Melfort, Loch Feochan, Kerrera, Loch Creran, Linnhe Marine) but perhaps there are others?
I suppose a tour round the various places is on the cards, I can think of worse ways to spend a weekend.

[/ QUOTE ]
Crikey! I think you guys have mentioned most of areas with 'moorings-for-rent' in the Lynn of Lorn environs... though I'm sure they're others... but to add just one - Balvicar...? I won't say it's lovely, because it may attract too many people...

A tour round all the places you're mentioned? Nice!

Best wishes.
 
I would go for Oban Marina. I was there for several years prior to Jon Fitzgerrald leaving and found it good for various reasons mainly due to the lack of tidal gates though. Creran and Loch Shuna (Craobh, Ardfern, Loch Melfort and Balvicar) suffer from the once a fortnight syndrome. Oban Marina has the conveniance of on the door step but once across the water it is a quiet place to be. Hope to get back there once the refit is finished.
 
It is clear that Dunstafnage wins on all criteria except price, unfortunately that is one of my main deciding factors! Their web site suggests that they charge the same for swinging moorings as pontoon berths! Having called them they have none available in any case.

I now realise you were refering to the Kerrara marina. Their website is down, must give them a call.
 
Last time I was in the Alba Sailing chandlery at Dunstaffnage there was a 'moorings available' ad. on the board. I think it was the West Connel Mooring Association (or something like that) and they had moorings to let presumably in that rather tide-rode bay just west of the bridge or in Fisherman's Bay further west Might be worth giving Alba a call..
 
My wife recons that having to get the ferry across with all you things when you arrive for the weekend and when you are going home again was a pain when at Kerrara. I suppose being able to get out of the car at any time of day or night and walking down the pontoons to the boat when at Craobh did have it's good points. I have to say that we enjoyed being the other side of the Crinan Canal and will go back again.
 
From stories I have heard (I'll say no more) I suspect that the moorings association at Connel might be a tad political for a simple soul like me.

Have to agree with Rhumlady's lady also that having to take a small boat to and from my small boat would be a PITA especially since the last one is at 22.00 or 22.30 even in the season IIRC.
 
I've just spent most of last summer at Ardfern, making use of visitors moorings between trips since I hadn't booked for a season. I found them fantastically helpfull and friendly, with excellent facilities and have now wintered the boat there.

However, I'm looking to base myself a bit further North next season. Does anyone have any suggestions for North of Tobermory?

I've looked at Arisaig, but it seems very exposed! Well, I suppose I am looking to head into the Northern wilds!!
 
Don't know about the current owners but when I was at Kerrera the last ferry during the season was 23:00 and being just by the Oban Inn, waiting was no problem.

North of Tobermory Is a bit difficult. Arisaig is probobly the best bet and I have to say I have considered it as a base for a season as it is a good stepping off point for the Small Isles, back around to Tobermory, Coll, Tiree etc, and if the tide is right for going through Kyle Rhea and on to Plockton or Portree. Good rail and road links once they finish the upgrading the road from Fort William.The other place may be Kyle Akin(?) Good shelter and close to the station at Kyle of LochAlsh for crew changes. Busses as well from Glasgow.

Oh god let me get back on the water and back up there!
 
About Arisaig, we've left our boat there for a few weeks on one occasion. It's pretty sheltered, with no big breakers coming in, though it will be a bit bouncy in blow. Where isn't?

Depending on where you live, journey times north of Ardnamurchan can be a pain. Personally, Arisaig is just a bit too far for us, ie in the central belt.

We find Linnhe Marine in Appin fine for a summer mooring. It's just over two hours drive from our home, it's reasonably sheltered, it's reasonably priced, it's accessible, your boat is "watched" (as is your car), Paul provides a free "water-taxi" service (the boat's available out-of-hours when he's not around), water and diesel are available at the pontoon, and there is no tidal gate.

060821aDallensBay.jpg


The facilities are basic, but it not designed as a marina for floating caravans. Also, there can be quite a chop if the wind's blowing from the north - it can be problem trying to sleep while tied to the pontoon, but not at the mooring. OK, I guess we're about 27' LWL, and recognise that getting strong wind from the north might be uncomfortable for smaller boats, but who wants to spend time on their mooring? There are plenty of sheltered anchorages within one or two hours sail.

Each above suggested mooring area has its pros and cons.

Oh, BTW, welcome to the forum.

EDIT: I should point out that I am not tied to the pontoon very often. We do, however, tie the boat to it more frequently.
 
Had a wee look at their current service schedule and although "There is a reduced service during the winter
season (October to Easter inclusive)" and a midnight sailing in July and August the last otherwise is 22.10 from Oban.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

R
My boat trip hopefully in May Around Scotland
2 3 4
Replies
65
Views
2K
RobBradley
R
T
Notices to Mariners - Week 51
Replies
4
Views
782
Shaz77
S

Share this page

Top