14th March - Voyage round Kintyre to Oban

Leaving the Clyde and heading north we take this last opportunity to enjoy the Clyde islands this spring as we make for our home port of Oban and our first visit of the year to some of the Hebridean islands.

14th March 2017

For the last time this spring embarkation took place at Greenock Ocean terminal and we sailed across the Clyde to our overnight anchorage in Holy Loch.

15th March 2017

This morning was spent enjoying a scenic cruise of Loch Long and Loch Goil on passage towards Lochgoilhead for afternoon strolls ashore.

Once again we anchored overnight in Holy Loch.

16th March 2017

This morning we travelled from our berth in Largs to Ardgowan House for a guided tour and refreshments.

Cruising down the Firth of Clyde we arrived in Brodick Bay and went ashore for a tour of the Isle of Arran which included Machrie Moor Standing Stones.

We anchored overnight in Rothesay Bay, Bute.

17th March 2017

Today we visited Dumfries House.  Saved by the intervention of The Duke of Rothesay in 2007, the house is one of Britain's most beautiful stately homes with an outstanding collection of 18th century furniture, including examples of Thomas Chippendale. 

We berthed overnight in Largs.

18th March 2017

Sailing to Troon this morning guests enjoyed a full day ashore at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum with lunch at a local hotel.  The museum houses the world's most important collection of Burns' original works and personal belongings.

We spent the late afternoon and evening sailing on passage towards our overnight anchorage off Port Ellen, Isle of Islay.

 19th March 2017

Today was spent on the Isle of Islay.  Our morning visit was a tour of the Kilchoman Distillery with a tasting.

After lunch we travelled to Kildalton Cross, one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland.  The High Cross of Kildalton is closely related to three major crosses in Iona, St John's, St Martin's and St Oran's and dates from the second half of the 8th century.

20th March 2017

This morning was spent relaxing on board as we cruised the Sound of Jura and the Firth of Lorn on passage to Oban, with superb views of the Paps of Jura.  We were pictured sailing through the Sound of Kerrera.

Our final visit this afternoon was Kilmartin Glen and Museum, home to over 800 internationally significant historic sites and monuments dating back over 5,000 years. 

The Farewell Gala Dinner was held alongside in Oban.

21st March 2017

Disembarkation took place after breakfast in our home port of Oban, it is good to be back!