The west coast of Scotland is regarded as one of the world's finest sailing grounds. Why is this?

• Spectacular scenery and sheltered anchorages
• Sailing conditions to suit both novices and experts
• Mild weather, good winds and long days
• Plenty to see and do both at sea and ashore
• Several different types of cruising areas to enjoy

Skippered charter aboard Longbow will allow you to enjoy each of these aspects to the full. Read more about Scotland below or find out about the types of cruise we offer.

Scenery and anchorages

Spectacular and unspoilt scenery surrounds you: the combination of mountains and lochs never fails to impress. As you sail, the scenery around you is constantly changing, and travelling by yacht gives you access to some remote spots that are otherwise hard to reach. In some anchorages we may be the only yacht.

It is rarely far to the next safe haven, whether it be a bustling fishing harbour or a quiet anchorage in a sandy bay, and stops for lunch are often possible. Should the weather deteriorate, we can head for shelter. Conversely, on a nice day we can extend the day's plan to go just that bit further. It also means that in any weather conditions it should be possible to find a calm spot.

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Sailing conditions

Most of the sailing can be done in sheltered waters that will be much less rough than the open sea, even with a lively breeze. This minimises the chance of seasickness and makes moving around the boat much less difficult. It also allows one to sail in winds that one would not contemplate in open waters.

The west coast of Scotland offers great variety to the keen navigator. There are so many destinations to choose from to satisfy the aspirations of the crew, the capabilities of the boat and the prevailing winds and weather. Passages to the outer islands require open water passage planning and course maintenance while the pilotage in the smaller sounds, lochs and snug anchorages requires constant awareness of one's position. A passage for example from Tobermory to Loch Scavaig on Skye would require exercise of all these skills.

Longbow has a chart table in the cockpit so that everyone can refer to it without having to go below.

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Weather

Scotland's reputation for wet weather does not apply away from the mainland and the hills. The island of Tiree has the highest sunshine hours and lowest rainfall in Britain (approx. 15 ins or 360 mm) per year). While clouds cover the hills and the mainland, those out on the sea enjoy blue skies. This reputation for rain has kept the area unspoilt and uncrowded.

During the main part of the summer the weather is typically cyclonic, with low pressure systems tracking NE north of Scotland. The associated warm then cold fronts do bring some rain but seldom does this last for long. Fortunately the weather forecasting is fairly accurate for the whole region and one has adequate warning of the approach of occasional severe weather.

The weather can seldom be described as "hot" but people enjoying the outdoor life in Scotland adopt two policies: that it is easier to keep warm than it is to keep cool; that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.

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Other things to see and do: wildlife and culture

Besides the beautiful scenery, fascinating navigation and secluded anchorages in which to relax, the west coast is rich in other attractions.

The most obvious is the abundance and variety of bird life. During one cruise in 2007 a group positively identified 60 different species, setting the challenge to others. The main protagonist is returning in 2008 to see if he can improve on this and find the elusive corncrake. A single visit to the Treshnish Islands could easily account for many of these but the stars of the show will always be the comical puffins that will walk past you at arm's length.

On our cruises we always see plenty of seals and porpoises and we frequently see dolphins, minkie whales and basking sharks and occasionally otters. On land the keen and patient eye can find deer grazing, sometimes in surprising places.

One cannot help but be fascinated by the variety and grandeur of the geological features. A visit to the isolated and slightly eerie raised beaches in Loch Tarbet on Jura has been the highlight for many. Others have found the basalt columns and stepping stones at the Giants Causeway and on Staffa the memorable feature. Invariably after a visit ashore the reference books from Longbow's library are open with guests reading more about these features or identifying the flora or fauna that have been observed.

On the west coast one is never too far from archeological sites. Close to Longbow's summer base, the linear cemeteries and related structures in Kilmartin Glen, go back several thousand years. A vist to St Kilda is always an unforgettable experience.

You may also just like walking in remote areas, or climbing mountains, or paddling in crystal clear water next to a natural unspoilt beach breathing in unpolluted air.

Images produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.

Cruising areas

Longbow's home base is Rhu Marina, near Helensburgh (map), which is less than an hour from Glasgow by road or rail. She frequently starts and/or finishes cruises at Ardfern Yacht Haven (map), 15 miles south of Oban, which allows more direct access to the inner and outer Hebrides. During West Highland Week and the Classic Malts cruise she is available for specific bookings.

From these points, the places that can be reached depend on the weather, the experience of the guests and the time available. The following estimates are based on there being reasonable but not exceptional weather, and guests without much sailing experience. On all cruises the skipper will make the final route decisions based on the conditions and the requests and experience of the guests.

From Rhu: On short (one or two-day) trips, you can cruise around the upper Clyde, including the Holy Loch, the Cumbraes, Bute, and Loch Fyne. A five or six day cruise puts Arran and Northern Ireland within reach, or by rounding the Mull of Kintyre you could visit Gigha, Islay and Jura. A two week cruise opens up even greater possibilities, either south and west to Ireland or north to the other Scottish islands (see Oban description below).

From Ardfern: During a week's cruise from Ardfern, you might head northwest to Mull, the small isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna) and the south of Skye, or go south to Jura and the Kintyre peninsula. A shorter trip might focus on the Sound of Mull, Firth of Lorne, and the sheltered Loch Craignish. The north of Skye, the outer Hebrides and the northwest coast (e.g. Ullapool and the Summer Isles) are also accessible from here, but will require longer periods of sailing and may best be enjoyed on a slightly longer charter (10-14 days).

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