Argyll Cruising

About

Explore the West Coast of Scotland aboard Splendour, a traditional trawler yacht beautifully converted to accommodate up to eight guests in comfort. Argyll Cruising offers a selection of cruises from which to choose, including ‘Wildlife Explorer’, ‘Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll’ or the spectacular 13 night ‘Hebridean Odyssey’. Your experience will be tailored to suit your main interests and preferences and according to tides and weather. You can opt for a private charter, family holiday or join a small group. On the day of departure you will be warmly welcomed aboard Splendour. You will sail from either from Holy Loch Marina in Dunoon, on the Firth of Clyde, only an hour from Glasgow.  Or from Oban, “the Gateway to the Isles”, depending on which part of the season you choose. Either way you’ll be bound for a Scottish holiday to remember!

Your skipper and guide, owner Ted Creek, is a marine biologist and experienced wildlife guide, who will soon have you fascinated. Stopover up to twice a day to explore historic sites, castles, mansions and island wildernesses. Anchor in a secluded inlet for a swim off the deck. Treat your camera lens to scenery off the scale in beauty and grandeur. And treat yourselves to local produce freshly cooked by your private on-board chef as you soak up the experience of a lifetime.

Argyll Cruising has various cruises scheduled throughout the year so please visit the website or message the owner direct to check dates and availability.

Inside

Argyll Cruising’s vessel, Splendour, is a traditional wooden build, both inside and out. She has the deeply pleasing feel of days gone by, when things were made with pride, and to last. Step into a different world as you enter your living and dining quarters below deck. Solid hardwood and rich hardwood veneers, polished brass fittings and porthole windows; no shortage of care has been taken to fit out this vessel. The upholstery in woven tartan welcomes you to sit at the communal dining table for your first meal aboard. Raise a toast to the voyage ahead! Here you will delight in the sights and experiences you will share over the coming days. Laugh, learn and savour the West Coast’s culinary favourites, cooked to perfection by your private chef.

After a day of fresh sea air and nautical fayre, you will be bound for a deep and satisfying sleep. Each of the comfortable cabin-bedrooms has its own en suite bathroom. You may find yourselves rising eagerly to catch the sun rise as you step out on deck.

Outside

The Weather Deck is a generous space with sun loungers on which to snooze after a meal. Gen-up on your next port of call or simply gaze at the ever changing scenery and skies. This is where you will fish from should you choose. Kayaks are also kept on hand here, for exploring coves, lochs and temptingly unspoilt beaches. Wildlife spotting is best from the bow area of the Weather Deck in the morning, as you head towards your first stopover of the day.

From The Weather Deck you will climb up to the Sun Deck to the rear of the vessel. This is the spot to indulge in al fresco dining at the outdoor dining table. And to watch the sunset pink over the mirror-glass water of an inlet or bay. The wheel house is up on the Bridge Deck, and always a popular spot to reside and chat with skipper Ted at the helm. As evening draws in, take your glass and lie back on a lounger beneath the abundant stars of the night sky.

Nearby

Argyll Cruising’s owner Ted will have personalised your selected route to suit you, the tides and the winds. From Oban you may be sailing through the Sound of Seil to awe at the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, to spot Minke Whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals and perhaps Orca around the Islands of Mull, Islay and Jura. Or cruising around the secluded inlets and sheltered bays, stopping over to tour the whiskey distilleries of Arran and its grand landscape where red deer roam and golden eagles soar. Ailsa Craig, Gaelic for ‘Fairy Rock’ is a wildlife haven, where colonies of gannets, puffins and kittiwake thrive. Ashore one can walk to the old Curling Stoneworks, and beyond to the 1109ft summit from where you can see as far as Co. Antrim.

One of the skipper’s favourites is the Isle of Skye and small isles, where puffins, bottlenose dolphins and killer whales feed on abundant shoals of sprat, herring and mackerel. Visit Celtic Monasteries, Norman, Gothic and Mediaeval Castles and sample world famous whiskies in their ancestral home.

Best choice for…

Taking to the seas with Splendour for a romantic getaway in Scotland or family holiday of a lifetime among the gems of the West Coast.

If Argyll Cruising doesn’t have the dates you are looking for, why not check out our other properties for a getaway to Scotland.