The Scottish coastline offers some of the most breath taking views in the world, and what better way to explore the picturesque views than by sailing in Scotland?
But where to start? Here are some hidden adventure sailing destinations you may not have visited yet…
1. The Caledonian Canal
This man-made waterway stretches across Scotland, connecting the country’s east and west coasts. It offers scenic views and a chance to explore the Great Glen.
The canal stretches from the west coast to the east coast of Scotland, passing through several lochs, including Loch Ness. It also offers the opportunity to sail through locks and past historic sites, including Fort William and Fort Augustus.
Additionally, the canal is well-maintained and has good facilities for boaters, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to sail.
You can find more about sailing the great glen here!
2. The Small Isles
This group of islands located off the west coast of Scotland includes Eigg, Rum, Muck, and Canna.
The Small Isles in Scotland are a good place for adventure sailing because they offer a variety of challenging and scenic sailing conditions.
The islands are located in the Inner Hebrides and are known for their rugged landscapes, beautiful beaches, clear waters and wildlife. They also provide a variety of sheltered anchorages, as well as opportunities for wildlife spotting — you might even see seals and eagles.
Rum is the largest of the small isles and the recognisable shape of Askival, it’s highest peak, can be spotted soon after rounding Ardnamurchan point. Rum has evidence of the earliest evidence of human occupation in Scotland and is home to white tailed sea eagles.
Eigg is a fantastic example of renewable and sustainable living. It generates all of its own electricity through renewable sources. The Scottish Wildlife Trust manages the island as a nature reserve, home to a great array of birds, including Golden Eagles, falcons and owls.
Muck is the smallest of the small isles, but it may be the most useful to sailors. It lies furthest south and is closest to Ardnaurchan point, a major headland rounding for sailors. Muck can be used as a resting point for those who have made the leap out of the sound of Mull and around the point or for those venturing south, waiting for the tide to turn.
Canna, beautiful beautiful Canna. White sand beaches, stunning wildlife both on and surrounding the island and theres really not many people there. Total solitude with a stunning backdrop of the Skye Cuillin, what’s not to like?
3. The Summer Isles
This archipelago off the northwest coast of Scotland is known for its beautiful beaches, bird life and folklore. In fact, there is a fantastic sailing book named after the stramash of islands.
They are a popular destination for adventure sailing, as the waters around the islands offer a variety of challenges and opportunities for exploration. The islands are known for their rugged beauty, and the surrounding waters are home to a diverse array of marine life, including seals, dolphins, and whales.
The area’s strong winds can provide thrilling sailing for experienced sailors. However, the Summer Isles can be difficult to navigate, and the weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to have proper sailing skills, experience, and equipment before trying it.
The view from the anchorages on the Summer Isles are breath taking, not only because of the surrounding islands but of the towering and seemingly inaccessible Munros on the mainland.
4. The Sound of Jura
This tidal sea passage separates the island of Jura from the mainland of Scotland and can offers challenging conditions for experienced sailors and Yachtmasters alike.
The Sound of Jura’s rugged and remote coastline provides little shelter and a challenging and exciting sailing experience — perfect for those seeking an adventure. It’s also surrounded by stunning scenery, including mountains and remote lighthouses.
On the south end of Jura lies the fantastic distillery, the only one on the island, unlike the neighbouring island of Islay, home to 9 distileries with more opening soon.
At the north end of the sound of Jura is the infamous Gulf of Corryvreckan, the third largest whirlpool in the world. The strong tides can produce seas of up to 30ft and the noise can be heard from miles away!
Overlooking the eventful seas of the Sound of Jura is the house where George Orwell wrote 1984.
5. The Firth of Clyde
This large estuary on the west coast of Scotland offers a variety of sailing destinations, including the Isle of Arran, Isle of Bute, Tarbert and Arrochar. It’s also home to the famous Viking town of Largs.
The area has a mix of open sea and sheltered waters. It also has many picturesque islands, coastal towns and distilleries to explore, providing a rich sailing experience.
The Firth of Clyde is relatively sheltered compared with the west coast, which makes it a more forgiving sailing destination for those with less experience and those looking to learn to sail.
Adventure sailing with Yachting Scotland
Yachting Scotland is nestled in Largs, on the doorstep of some of Scotland’s most beautiful views and waterways. Whether you’re looking to polish up on your sailing skills, or a complete beginner – we can tailor your adventure sailing experience to suit you.
Come and explore all that Scotland has to offer, from the towering Munros to the quiet sailing grounds. There’s no better way to experience it than by sailboat! Contact us today to find the right package for you.