Where best on the west coast of Scotland

[1114C]

Am in the middle of getting the plans together for the next season despite being freezing outside

We are thinking of leaving the delights of the Clyde for a season and keeping the boat on the west coast - choices (dependant on availability) are looking like:

Ardfern
Kilmelford
Crinan

I am aware of the relative sailing merits of each but which does anyone think is the best option - looking for a placed we trust fully, all seem to be about the same price, canal needs a certificate so do not know how hard that is to get....

Anyone got any feedback, good or bad on any of the three?

Would be very grateful

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[freebird]

i like kilmelford cos ken who ownes it is an nice guy

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[webcraft]

Tom,

Crinan has moorings which are not in the canal, so certificate not a problem - that would only be if you were keeping the boat in the canal itself at Bellanoch marina. Bellanoch is a nice spot, but it would always take you at least a couple of hours to actually get out of the canal once you left the mooring, so I don't think that is ideal unless access to the Clyde is also a priority.

The moorings at Crinan are very sheltered and reasonably priced. There is a loading pontoon with water and diesel available, and the boatyard is first class. The chandlery has a lot of stuff and is only moderately overpriced. OK, it's not quite as convenient as an alongside berth, but it's pretty civilised. Seafood in the Crinan Hotel is out of this world.

Ardfern has pontoon berths, and is a lovely spot. It's slightly further away from everywhere than Crinan, but not too much more. It will be more expensive than Crinan. For day or afternoon sails Loch Craignish is hard to beat.

Kilmelfort has a very good reputation for value and integrity according to most of the sailing folk I've talked to in the area. Again, convenience and distance wise there's not much in it, although it is thirty minutes further N. than Crinan by road, and fifteen minutes further N. than Ardfern.

There's also Craobh Haven of course, with all the comforts of a major marina a la Kip, Largs etc - but at similar prices.

If it was my choice I'd go for Crinan - but have you phoned any of these places for availability? More and more people seem to be leaving the Clyde for the real W. Coast, and places are filling up very early in the season.

Have a great season wherever you end up, and if you find yourself anchored near an Albin Vega with a green stripe called Fairwinds come over for a dram.

- Nick

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[1114C]

Have been in touch with Ardfern who have spaces, had not even considered Crinan til today - forgot they had moorings - am pleased to see your positive slant on them - will get in touch with them

Quite understand the popularity so realise there is a risk of having to stay in the Clyde but hopefully will make it west

Thanks for your advice


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[Deep_6]

Have you considered Oban - driving time from Glasgow area will be about the same as the Crinan area

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[1114C]

Was considering it but could not see where we could keep it other than on the marinas which would end up expensive as we would then be paying for marinas a month at a time - quickest way to poverty that is!

that said, I have yet to discover how much Dunstaffnage charges - will phone them to find out

thanks for the idea though - worth investigating I feel

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[Deep_6]

The boatyard opposite Oban on Kerrera may have moorings available - it would be cheaper than a pontoon berth.

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[Aja]

Sailing from where you suggest - have you considered all the tidal gates? It may be worth while considering Oban area.

Regards

Donald

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[starboard]

You will not go far wrong with Ardfern. Both pontoon berths and swinging moorings and the girl that runs the office most pleasant and helpful. The surroundings are fab with some of the countries best cruising on the door step. Easy transport with train link from Glasgow to Oban then not so frequent bus service. And oh yes...Princess Anne keeps here Rustler 36 there so watch out for that bloody dog of her's!!!!

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[Aja]

Ardfern still liable to tidal gates.

Bit of a bu**er if you go up there on a saturday morning and you cant get through Luing or Cuan till five at night....

At least north of this you dont have to worry.

Donald

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[webcraft]

Re: North of this you don\'t have to worry (about tidal gates)

. . . unless you want to go South.

- Nick


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[1114C]

Am now in a dilemma! Seems to be space at most, do like Ardfern/Crinan as places and Ardfern does have a nice pub (Crinan not so nice as a pub) but am now thinking re the tidal gates - will probably sail to Loch Sween quite a few of the times so possibly not such an issue I feel as if the tide gate for the Dorus Mor/Sound of Luing is against me going south should be okay

Will have to take a trip out west for a final decision - can think of worse things to do of a weekend!!

Thanks for the help

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[Aja]

Re: North of this you don\'t have to worry (about tidal gates)

Doh! Never thought of that!

Donald

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