Holy Isle From Lamlash

Lamlash, Arran

Approx. 15 nautical miles from Troon. View on a map

Probably the most popular destination for Troon boats, Lamlash is the most populous village on Arran and holds no shortage of epic sights, scrumptious food, and awesome adventures.

Drink in the spectacular coastal views from Lamlash Bay towards the aptly-named Holy Isle, which is owned by Tibetan monks who run a retreat at the lighthouse. If you’re looking for physical rather than spiritual sustenance, make your way to The Old Pier Cafe for homemade food and baking that makes the most of Ayrshire and Arran’s natural larder. Their sausage rolls are worth the trip alone!

Where can I moor in Lamlash?

There are 25 visitor moorings located a short distance from the pier and slipway, alternatively you can anchor to the north of the moorings. If the wind changes to the east then shelter can be found by anchoring behind Holy Isle.

Crocodile Rock Isle Of Cumbrae

Millport, Great Cumbrae

Approx. 15 nautical miles from Troon. View on a map

A wee island that’s home to big adventures, Great Cumbrae is only four miles in length and two miles wide but it’s one of the most action-packed in Scotland. Marvellous Millport is a bustling and beautiful wee town which is home to an array of seaside-themed boutiques, pubs, ice cream parlours and eateries – and a giant crocodile…

Thankfully, this croc is made of stone rather than a tonne of teeth and muscle! Crocodile Rock dominates Millport’s shoreline and its roguish grin is re-painted annually by local heritage groups. If you’d like to stretch your sea legs a little, there’s a safe 10 mile, mostly flat, circular loop that’s the perfect way to take in the many appeals of the island at a slower pace. Head for the western side of the island, where spectacular beaches offer gorgeous views over to Arran and Bute – and the chance to glimpse the birds, seal colonies, porpoises and basking sharks that call Cumbrae’s coasts and skies home.

Where can I moor in Millport?

There are 30 visitor moorings on the west side of the bay near the pier making it easy to explore this popular holiday destination.

Lochranza

Lochranza, Arran

Approx. 25 nautical miles from Troon. View on a map

It might be ‘Scotland in miniature,’ but there’s nothing small about what Arran has to offer. This might be an adventure with more magic-per-nautical-mile than you’ll find anywhere else in the world! Whether you’re hiking over the rough beauty of its hills, marvelling at the scenery of its spectacular coasts, or diving into adventure at the marine-protected area on the island’s southern coast, this is one adventure you won’t forget.

You could glimpse everything from otters to basking sharks and dolphins, golden eagles and white deer as you explore around Lochranza. For something a little less wild, immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant music, arts and culture scene while enjoying a wee refreshment from Lochranza Distillery. Don’t forget to sample some locally-sourced culinary excellence in one of the island’s many acclaimed restaurants!

Where can I moor in Lochranza?

There are 12 visitor moorings and a landing pontoon close to the Lochranza Hotel – an ideal spot to visit Arran's whisky distillery!

Sleeping Common Seal

Caladh Harbour, Argyll

Approx. 31 nautical miles from Troon. View on a map

This natural sheltered anchorage offers spectacular views and the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife. Keep a keen eye out for sea otters playing on the rocks, grey seals feeding in the bay, and gannets divebombing the deep blue waters. Don’t forget to look up, too - red squirrels are plentiful in the trees. Taking a trip to seek them out? Bring hazelnuts – these wee beauties love them!

Where can I moor in Caladh Harbour?

Where the Kyles of Bute meet at the entrance to Loch Riddon is the beautiful and sheltered anchorage known as Caladh Harbour. This is an ideal spot although the anchorage can get busy during peak summer weekends, pro-tip is to anchor “Scandinavian style” by securing a stern line to the eye on Eilean Dubh if weather permits.

Whisky Sea

Cambeltown, Argyll

Approx. 32 nautical miles from Troon. View on a map

Love whisky? Then you’ll love Campbeltown. This charming wee town, perched on the edge of the southern Kintyre peninsula, is home to Springbank Distillery -  the oldest independent and family owned distillery in Scotland.

Springbank is also the only distillery in the country that still carries out the entire whisky production process, including the traditional floor malting, maturation and bottling, on its premises. Setting foot inside its historic halls is like stepping back in time to the 1800s, when Campbeltown was known as ‘the whisky capital of the world.’

Where can I moor in Campbeltown?

Visitor pontoons are located to the north of the harbour and allow walk ashore access straight to the town centre where there is a wide choice of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is also a modern facilities block with toilets, showers, and laundry available to visiting boats.

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