The aim of the Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll cruise is to ‘travel roads less taken’, calling in at the less accessible, peaceful places away from the tourist trail. Anchorages are chosen for their tranquillity, beauty and natural environment. Guests on this cruise will be looking for a more active holiday with an emphasis on trips ashore with good walks in the fabulous Argyll countryside.
Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll
6
Night Cruise
from £1595 p/p
Ensuite Cabin
from £11,485
Private Charter
Cruise Summary
The Kyles of Bute
A most scenic anchorage allowing a shore walk from upper Caladh on Loch Riddon to Tighnabruaich on the west Kyle, looking out for red squirrels and roe deer.
The Island of Bute
A shore trip to take in part of the ‘West Island Way’, a seven-mile loop from Kilchattan Bay. This classic circuit is the finest walk on Bute featuring fabulous coastal scenery and St Blanes Chapel, a fascinating historic ruin
The Isle of Arran
Anchoring off Glen Sannox, go ashore for an easy walk along part of the coastal path to ‘the fallen rocks’ (and back); the more adventurous have the option to press on for Lochranza.
Loch Fyne
This large, stunning sea loch allows for several shore trips;
- Land at Ardrishaig for an easy four-mile walk along the towpath of the beautiful Crinan Canal to Millers Bridge and back.
- Go ashore at Glenan Bay for woodland walks through birch and ancient oak to the hauntingly peaceful village of Glenan, abandoned during the Highland Clearances.
- Call in at Cairndow for a visit to Kilmorich Church and a walk through Ardkinglas estate woodland garden where Britain’s tallest tree is found
Ailsa Craig (Fairy Rock)
An unforgettable day cruising around the jewel in our wildlife crown. Go ashore to explore the old curling stone workings. The more courageous guests may brave an ascent past the old ruined tower house to the summit at 1109 feet with stunning views to Antrim and beyond.
Cruise Gallery
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
Join Splendour at 1600 for an evening cruise to the head of Loch Striven, a steep sided fiord with a delightful basin at its head which makes a perfect overnight anchorage
Day 2
Walk up Glen Striven after breakfast, a bucolic delight. Return to the boat for a cruise down Loch Striven and up the famous Kyles of Bute for lunch in Loch Riddon. Go Ashore by tender to walk part of the Cowal Way from upper Caladh to the picturesque village of Tighnabruaich. You pass through ancient Oak and birch woodland just above the shore with stunning views of the Kyles and Bute beyond. Overnight in hauntingly beautiful St Ninian’s Bay or the exposed Ascog Bay if weather is settled.
Day 3
Pass inside ‘the skate’ island for Loch Fyne and secluded Glenan Bay. After ‘elevenses’ go ashore for a stroll through the ancient atlantic oak woodlands for a visit to the heart wrenching abandoned village of Glenan where even the hardest soul can imagine the laughter of children at play. Return to Splendour for a welcome lunch and onward up Loch Fyne for a beach walk with a difference, along the otter spit followed by a pre-dinner drink at the ‘Oystercatcher’. Dinner and overnight at Otter Ferry or tranquil Loch Gair.
Day 4
Cruise down Loch Fyne stopping briefly at the fishing village of Tarbert for the chef to pick up live seafood for tonights dinner. Continue south to Loch Ranza on the fabulous island of Arran for lunch and a walk along part of the Costal Way or up one of the hill tracks. Back aboard for nibbles at 1900 followed by a wonderful seafood dinner and a well earned rest.
Day 5
We cruise down the mountainous east coast of Arran, with awe inspiring views of rugged Glen Sannox and the neighbouring islands of Bute and the Cumbraes, to Lamlash Bay for lunch. Holy Isle now beckons with fantastic hill and shore walks. Holy Isle belongs to Samye Ling Buddhists and is a serene and beautiful place to visit. The Buddhist Monks share their retreat with feral ponies, goats, sheep and many species of sea birds.
Day 6
After breakfast we set a course for Kilchattan Bay on the island of Bute to walk a wonderful seven mile circuit of the ‘West Island Way’ renowned as the best walk on Bute. Your chef will prepare a packed lunch for this walk as it is one to savour. Returning to Splendour we set sail for Millport on the Isle of Great Cumbrae for a cycle round its 10 mile shore road for those with the energy left. For others there is an unspoilt Italian café offering delicious home made ice-cream.
Day 7
After breakfast we cruise north up the world renowned Firth of Clyde to our final destination of the Holy Loch Marina and to disembark at 1100 with fond farewells.
Cruise Map
| Cruise Dates | Nights | Spaces | Price p/p | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 Apr 2020 - 10 Apr 2020 | 6 | 8 | £1755 | Book Online |
| 25 Apr 2020 - 01 May 2020 | 6 | 7 | £1755 | Book Online |
| 16 May 2020 - 22 May 2020 | 6 | 0 | ---- | Cruise Full |
| 19 Sep 2020 - 25 Sep 2020 | 6 | 0 | ---- | Cruise Full |
| 10 Oct 2020 - 16 Oct 2020 | 6 | 6 | £1755 | Book Online |
| - Indicates single cabin available. | ||||
A superb introduction to Scottish cruising. Had a wonderful time with great hospitality. Our birthdays were made very special.
Joan & Sandy | Kyles and the Isles | April 2018
What a privilege to be on your inaugural voyage. What a beautiful part of the world, such comfortable and interesting surroundings, unbeatable food and great company. Thank you!
Wendy
All three of us had a fantastic family holiday onboard the ‘Splendour’. Eddie is proud to be your youngest passenger of 15 weeks old.
Sarah, Ewan & Edward
A fantastic trip which hugely exceeded our expectations. Wonderful food and locations, but even more memorable will be Iain and Chef’s warmth and friendliness – a real pleasure to meet you both.
Pat & Judith | Magic of Mull | July 2018
A dream of a trip – beautiful scenery, gourmet meals and wonderful company. What better way to celebrate an anniversary and come to know a bit of Scotland – and now to return to this special place.
Steve and Ruth