Firth of Clyde Explorer
UK and Scotland
Greenock, UK - Greenock, UK
Join Blue Clipper for a 5-night journey exploring the beautiful Firth of Clyde from Greenock.
There will be opportunities to visit the Isles of Arran and Bute and anchor off in Holy Loch for lunch.
| Ship | Per Person Twin En-Suite | Group Cabin (Up To 6 Berths) |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Clipper | £1,095.00 | £4,380.00 |
| Embarkation | Disembarkation | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| April 6, 2021 | April 11, 2021 | 5 |
Firth of Clyde Explorer BC060421
6th April - 11th April
Voyage Highlights
The plan for this Scottish voyage is to stop off at three different locations each with its own charm and places to visit. Whilst Blue Clipper plans to visit each of the ports on the itinerary below, this cannot be guaranteed if bad weather stops us.
- Delightful anchorage off Lochranza on the north tip of Arran.
- Isle of Bute.
- Anchor in Holy Loch.
Voyage Description
On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights describe, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If the following voyage description is not fulfilled for any reason, Maybe Sailing and Maybe Sailing Youth Initiative cannot be held responsible.
Join Blue Clipper on her 5-night voyage to explore the Firth of Clyde.
Some of the places we may visit:
- Isle of Arran, stop at the delightful anchorage Lochranza. From there, there are many things to do such as visit the Lochranza Distillery and Shieling Bistro, take a look at the ruined Lochranaza Castle (dating all the way back to the 1200’s and take a walk through this picturesque bay and valley. There are also other opportunities to visit the beautiful stately house of Mount Stuart, do the Arrann Brewery Tour or visit the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. In addition to this, there options to sample some local cheeses and oatcakes at Broderick, walk along the Arran Coastal Way with the King’s cave or climb the highest peak on the island called Goat Fell.
- The Isle of Bute, 15 miles long and less than 2.5 miles wide at it’s narrowest point. Bute is good for walking, the West Island Way runs the length of the island. There may be the exciting opportunity to be dropped off on one side of the island and then walk across to the other side, to then be picked up again by the tallship! The long sandy beach at Ettrick bay is well worth a visit and call for cake at the busy tea room there. Bute also boasts a Victorian Gothic mansion at Rothesay (and a castle) and the Victorian Fernery at Ascog with its 1000-year-old King Fern.
- Holy Loch, known as the marine gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park is a beautiful sea loch with picturesque beaches and forest trails. On the north side of the loch you can climb Kilmun Hill at 1262ft with amazing views across to the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. If you are looking for something more easy-going, then Benmore Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit with their Giant Sequoias trees in excess of 148ft tall.
There is a little of something for everyone on this voyage whiskey tasting, walking, history and magnificent scenery all from our classic tall ship.
What is included in the voyage cost:
- All meals on board Blue Clipper – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal
- Refreshments throughout the day
- Use of safety equipment
- Accommodation in a twin ensuite cabin
- All instruction and lectures on board by fully qualified crew
What is not included:
- Travel to and from the boat
- Personal travel insurance. Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (a TAB system is in place during your voyage. Payable at the end of your voyage in cash (GBP or EUROS) on board.
- Any shore excursions and meals on shore (unless otherwise stated)
- VISA fees
Greenock, UK
Embark Travel Information
Greenock, UK
By Car from Glasgow Post Code: PA15 2UT
From Glasgow: around 35 minutes (23 miles)
James Watt Dock Marina is located off the main M8/A8 road to Greenock. Once through Port Glasgow, continue on the A8 following signs for Greenock. At the traffic lights between the Arnold Clark Vauxhall and Ford garages continue straight on then take a right hand turn at the next set of traffic lights.
From Glasgow Central: around 40 minutes)
Cartsdyke Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the marina and provides a frequent service between Glasgow Central and Gourock. There are two trains per hour from Cartsdyke to Glasgow at 17 and 47 minutes past the hour and from Glasgow at 05 and 55 minutes past the hour. Times may vary at peak hours and on weekends/bank holidays. We would recommend that you check train times before travel.
To reach the Station
From Cartsdyke Station: around 10 minutes (400m)
From the entrance to James Watt Dock cross the main A8 at the pedestrian lights turn right and proceed along the main road, passing the Volkswagen garage and turning left into Macdougall Street. The station is at the end of this street. Platform 1 is for all Glasgow trains, Platform 2 for Greenock/Gourock.
By Air
The marina is around 20 minutes from Glasgow Airport and 1 hour from Edinburgh Airport where hire cars are readily available. Follow the road directions for travel by road.
Alternatively there is a link bus from the airport to Paisley Gilmour Street Station from where there is a half hourly train service to Cartsdyke Station.
Transportation Near Glasgow:
- Nearest Airport: Glasgow International Airport (20km)
- Nearest Rail Station: Cartsdyke Train Station (500m)
- ABC Taxis Inverclyde Ltd: +44 (0)1475 888 888
- Nearest Hotel: Premier Inn, Greenock or Holiday Inn Express, Greenock
Disembark Travel Information
Greenock, UK
By Car from Glasgow Post Code: PA15 2UT
From Glasgow: around 35 minutes (23 miles)
James Watt Dock Marina is located off the main M8/A8 road to Greenock. Once through Port Glasgow, continue on the A8 following signs for Greenock. At the traffic lights between the Arnold Clark Vauxhall and Ford garages continue straight on then take a right hand turn at the next set of traffic lights.
From Glasgow Central: around 40 minutes)
Cartsdyke Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the marina and provides a frequent service between Glasgow Central and Gourock. There are two trains per hour from Cartsdyke to Glasgow at 17 and 47 minutes past the hour and from Glasgow at 05 and 55 minutes past the hour. Times may vary at peak hours and on weekends/bank holidays. We would recommend that you check train times before travel.
To reach the Station
From Cartsdyke Station: around 10 minutes (400m)
From the entrance to James Watt Dock cross the main A8 at the pedestrian lights turn right and proceed along the main road, passing the Volkswagen garage and turning left into Macdougall Street. The station is at the end of this street. Platform 1 is for all Glasgow trains, Platform 2 for Greenock/Gourock.
By Air
The marina is around 20 minutes from Glasgow Airport and 1 hour from Edinburgh Airport where hire cars are readily available. Follow the road directions for travel by road.
Alternatively there is a link bus from the airport to Paisley Gilmour Street Station from where there is a half hourly train service to Cartsdyke Station.
Transportation Near Glasgow:
- Nearest Airport: Glasgow International Airport (20km)
- Nearest Rail Station: Cartsdyke Train Station (500m)
- ABC Taxis Inverclyde Ltd: +44 (0)1475 888 888
- Nearest Hotel: Premier Inn, Greenock or Holiday Inn Express, Greenock
