The Clyde

[pmagowan]

I am trying to plan this years cruise but unfortunately my time has been rather restricted by work and various commitments. Normally it is a simple plan based on heading up the West coast of Scotland from Glenarm, past Rathlin and up to Skye. This year I probably have only two weeks and so was considering the Clyde. I have never cruised far into it and have only really ventured as far as Campbelltown. So, can I get the benefit of your experiences? I wish to know if the Clyde is worth spending 2 weeks in and if so where to go. Although the West coast, especially above Ardnamurchin, is supposed to be more arduous it is where I know best so if there are any particular hazards in the Clyde that I should know about I would be interested in them. Thanks in advance.

 

[lpdsn]

I've ventured beyond Campbeltown a few times. Pretty scenic but less rugged than the W coast. Surprisingly large number of light airs days in summer in my experience. You'd be going back and forth a bit over two weeks, but there's a range of places to go from wallet-lightening marinas on the coast, busy anchorages such as Lamlash to quieter ones out of the way. Lot more boats about. Navigation isn't difficult - mainly deep water and steep to shores. The Imray C63 is easily good enough for the few rocks you have to dodge. Weak tidal flows in most places.

 

[dunedin]

Clyde is a fantastic place to cruise. One of the best in the Uk (that's why so many East coast Scots keep our boats on the Clyde)
As you say not quite as wild as the Inner / outer Hebrides - but to be honest it runs it pretty close, with lots of fantastic locations to visit - we still found new places to anchor at Easter having pottered around the Clyde for over a decade, so 2 weeks not a problem.
Buy yourself the combined Clyde Cruising Club / Imray pilot guide and browse for ideas. There are just too many to list here

And few "hazzards" by West Coast standards - tides are not strong, and a few notable rocks (Kyles of Bute) but mostly navigation rules are "sail on the wet stuff, avoid the hard bits" - once off the shore generally deep water

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I you get good weather and sail most days you should be able to do all the lengths of all the lochs in 2 weeks and Glasgow as well. It's a long way to the top of Fyne - lots of tacking - and when you get to the end you have to have an oyster whether you like them or not, it's the law.

I've been bimbling about the Clyde for the last few days although today I'm off to Cambletown and then further north via all the whirlygigs and dragons that lurk near the MoK.

 

[ctva]

...navigation rules are "sail on the wet stuff, avoid the hard bits" - once off the shore generally deep water

You forgot to say that the Waverly and CalMac ferries have right of way over everything. Oh, and don't forget to watch out for the MoD Plod and the big cigar tubes!!

Other than that, there are losts of places to visit onb the Clyde. We had a boat at Fairley for 5 years and still didn't visit everything. Nameing a few and in no particular order of places to visit;

Caladh Harbour
Kyles of Bute
Lochgoilhead
Carrick Castle
Lamlash
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar
Crinan Canal
Tarbert (Loch Fyne)
Loch Ranza
Rothesay (ice creams and bouncy castles)
Millport
Dunoon
Carick Castle
Gare Loch
Glasgow (Finneston)

 

[scottie]

Easy to lose a couple of weeks on the clyde get the welcome anchorages 2014

Rothesay for mount Stuart house although you pick up a mooring at kilchatan hotel

You still require your o so soft

There are also some sporting things happening in July

 

[awol]

Clyde is a fantastic place to cruise. One of the best in the Uk

Only compared to the dreich featureless muddiness of your east coast. The Solent and the south of Englandshire are so much better, warmer, friendlier, etc., etc.. The Clyde is, of course, a bit closer to Norniron than the Solent - just choose your pubs carefully in C'town, Rothesay, Tarbert, etc. and if present during a World Cup fitba match, cheering for Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica is the norm.

 

[wully1]

You forgot to say that the Waverly and CalMac ferries have right of way over everything. Oh, and don't forget to watch out for the MoD Plod and the big cigar tubes!!

Other than that, there are losts of places to visit onb the Clyde. We had a boat at Fairley for 5 years and still didn't visit everything. Nameing a few and in no particular order of places to visit;

Caladh Harbour
Kyles of Bute
Lochgoilhead
Carrick Castle
Lamlash
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar
Crinan Canal
Tarbert (Loch Fyne)
Loch Ranza
Rothesay (ice creams and bouncy castles)
Millport
Dunoon
Carick Castle
Gare Loch
Glasgow (Finneston)

Are Carrick Castle and Carick Castle different places?

 

[ctva]

Are Carrick Castle and Carick Castle different places?

Are you the Spilling Monitor today?

 

[Spyro]

It can be nice, here's the view from the cumbrae water sports centre today. The pontoon is free to use easy access into Millport 3 mile walk or regular bus. Short 10min ferry to largs. Largs marina is just across the water but it's expensive. The restaurant is good though. A trip around Bute is nice. Stop at Colintraive or Kames. Use the hotels and make use of their free moorings. I would visit Aran, Brodick castle and gardens are well worth a visit, if you fancy a climb Goat fell can be spectacular on a good day. lochranza too. Visit the Distillery. Both places have free moorings

 

[wully1]

Are you the Spilling Monitor today?

Sorreeeeeee.... couldnae resist.

 

[Sandgrounder]

The Clyde is a lovely cruising ground. The obvious "honeypot" anchorages such as Lamlash and Loch Gair can get a bit crowded especially at the weekends but there are plenty of others. You will easily fill a fortnight. Perhaps not so many long passages to make as North of Ardnamurchan though.
It has to be worth doing once.

 

[pmagowan]

Thanks guys, I like the photos. So, in short, I should be less likely to sink myself in the Clyde unless I have a go against Her Majesties sub aqua team and I should be able to find a few good places to drop the hook and down a pint. I always like going somewhere different but so far I have always found it on the west coast above MoK. I think I am beginning to look forward to the idea. Might have to get the CCC book on next day delivery.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

f you fancy a climb Goat fell can be spectacular on a good day

That's what I did today - well Cir Mhor actually, but it's near enough. Should I post a piccie of my sore feet?

 

[dunedin]

Apologies, I forgot the AWOL principle ........

Of course the Clyde is a terrible place, nobody should come here. All the sunny and picturesque photos above were photoshopped from New Zealand. The porpoises and seals are man eating, the natives un friendly and no beer or whisky exists.

Phew nearly had tempted some southern softies that the might want to come here

 

[Quandary]

The word on the West Coast is that it is so quiet this year because all the Clyde boats are staying at home to go up the Clyde for the Commonwealth Games and then vote early and often in the Referendum. Certainly with fine weather this week the Sound of Mull has been remarkably clear of yachts. Another possible reason is the demise of the Mishnish.
So perhaps the low numbers out here will be compensated by crowded anchorages to the south.

BTW Can I recommend the facilities at Salen about 12 miles up Sunart, finger pontoons, new shower and loo, wee shop opening next week and really good sea food and cosy bar in the Salen Hotel. Friendly welcome guaranteed but if you want to be sure of a pontoon berth ring in the morning.

 

[ctva]

...Another possible reason is the demise of the Mishnish....

what?

 

[Sgeir]

what?

It hasn't demised, but I think that he meant that it has lost some of the old atmosphere. The television screens and muzak haven't improved the place IMHO. Having said that, we have had the occasional hand-knitted music session in the back room.

Haven't been out for a week, but, up until then, it'd been very quiet in whole area so far this year.

 

[Quandary]

Well demise or not, it is closed this week , with an indication of some sort of a dispute in the window with a promise that someone hopes to re-open it shortly.

 

[Sgeir]

Well demise or not, it is closed this week.......

Apologies, I was unaware that it was at the centre of what may be a very bitter fallout and family feud - http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/battle-over-tobermorys-most-famous-1908174.