Tall Ship Sailing the Firth of Clyde, Scotland
Sail the historic Firth of Clyde aboard a three-masted tall ship, exploring islands, distilleries and dramatic Scottish scenery.
Your Firth of Clyde sailing adventure begins in Greenock aboard tall ship Blue Clipper with a five-night voyage through one of Scotland’s most historic and scenically varied waterways. From the island of Arran and its dramatic mountain ridgeline to the quiet shores of Bute and the forested sea loch of Holy Loch, this voyage combines traditional tall ship sailing with walking, history, whisky and some of the most varied island landscapes in the west of Scotland.
This voyage is perfect for those who want to get hands-on with sailing in sheltered waters while exploring ashore at every turn. No experience needed to join.
- Five nights sailing from Greenock
- Isle of Arran – whisky, walks & history
- Isle of Bute – beaches & Victorian mansions
- Hands-on Sailing Experience
- Perfect for beginners & all abilities
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Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing the Firth of Clyde aboard Blue Clipper
Greenock → Isle of Arran → Lochranza → Isle of Bute → Rothesay → Holy Loch → Greenock
The Firth of Clyde is one of Scotland’s great waterways, with a wide, island-scattered estuary with a dramatic mountain backdrop, and a rich maritime history. On this five-night Firth of Clyde sailing voyage, Blue Clipper takes in the best of it, with time to sail, time to anchor, and time to get ashore and explore properly.
Departing from Greenock, the route will be shaped by wind and weather, but the voyage typically takes in the Isle of Arran, the Isle of Bute and the sheltered waters of Holy Loch. Blue Clipper’s skipper will have the latest forecast as you board and will plan the best route for conditions throughout. Whether you get involved with sailing the ship or simply enjoy watching the Scottish coastline unfold from the deck, there is plenty to keep you engaged every day of the voyage.
This is hands-on sailing in some of the most accessible and rewarding waters on Scotland’s west coast, and a wonderful introduction to the Clyde for those who have never explored it by boat.
The Isle of Arran – Scotland’s island in miniature
The Isle of Arran is often described as Scotland in miniature, and from the water, with Goat Fell rising behind the coastline, it’s easy to see why. Blue Clipper will look to anchor at Lochranza in the north of the island, a picturesque bay framed by hills and home to a ruined castle dating back to the 13th century.
Ashore, the options are excellent. Visit the Lochranza Distillery for a taste of island whisky, walk the valley behind the bay, or push further afield to the Machrie Moor Stone Circles, a remarkable Neolithic site set against open moorland. At Brodick, there is local cheese and oatcakes to sample, a coastal way to walk, and Goat Fell for those who want to earn their sundowner with a climb to the island’s highest point.
The Isle of Bute and Holy Loch
Just 15 miles long and less than 2.5 miles wide at its narrowest point, the Isle of Bute rewards a slower pace. The West Island Way runs the full length of the island, and there may be the opportunity to be dropped on one shore and walk across to the other, with Blue Clipper waiting on the far side. The long sandy beach at Ettrick Bay is well worth the walk, with a bustling tearoom waiting at the end of it.
Rothesay adds a touch of the unexpected with a Victorian Gothic mansion, a medieval castle, and the extraordinary Victorian Fernery at Ascog, home to a 1,000-year-old King Fern.
From Bute, Blue Clipper makes for Holy Loch – a beautiful sea loch and the marine gateway to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Forested trails, picturesque shorelines and the climb to Kilmun Hill at 1,262 feet offer a rewarding time ashore, while Benmore Botanical Gardens, home to Giant Sequoias in excess of 148 feet tall, provide a quieter, equally impressive alternative.
- West Island Way walk across Bute
- Ettrick Bay beach and tearoom
- Rothesay Castle and Victorian Gothic mansion
- Ascog Fernery and its 1,000-year-old King Fern
- Benmore Botanical Gardens and Giant Sequoias
Aboard tall ship Blue Clipper
Built in Sweden in 1991, Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. Her clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern give her a classic tall ship character, while her relatively modern build means guests enjoy an authentic experience alongside all the comforts you’d hope for.
- Six en-suite cabins sleeping up to 12 guests
- Full-size bunks, with a porthole in every cabin
- Heating and air conditioning throughout
- Spacious on-deck saloon, wheelhouse and galley
- Hands-on sailing with a professional crew
- Three kayaks and three paddleboards on board
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore Time
Night Watches?
Midges?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.
Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.
This voyage will not be more than 12 miles offshore.
Sailing with tall ship Blue Clipper is certainly an enjoyable, hands-on experience and guests are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing this magnificent tall ship. Spending her summers exploring Scotland and the Hebrides and her winters sailing in the Caribbean, Blue Clipper is the perfect tall ship experience.
Getting involved
From hoisting the sails to taking the helm, the friendly and knowledgeable crew always shows you the ropes. Part of the beauty of sailing with such a magnificent vessel is the opportunity to get involved in a safe and supported environment! The permanent crew are all professionally trained, so as much as guest involvement is encouraged, if you just want to sit back and take in the view or are concerned about your physical ability to hoist ropes, there are plenty of other boat jobs such as coiling ropes, preparing lines and keeping watch! For those more adventurous, climbing the rigging or the bowsprit can also be a great experience.
Dining aboard
For her coastal voyages, Blue Clipper has a dedicated chef on board, too, so you don’t have to worry about cooking after a day of sailing in the salty sea air. Think locally sourced produce, fresh fish, homemade bread with hearty home-cooked meals, and plenty of tea, coffee, and cake!
For her expedition and Atlantic crossings, there will be a boat cook on board.
Sleeping and relaxation
Below decks, Blue Clipper has a large, comfy saloon perfect for sharing sea-faring tales, hearty home-cooked meals or even a game of cards! Rest up after a day of adventure in your spacious private en-suite cabin. With twin bunks, sailing with Blue Clipper is undoubtedly one of comfort and is the perfect choice for couples or solo travellers.
Blue Clipper has two kayaks and paddleboards on board, which guests are welcome to use to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast! There is no extra charge for this, and buoyancy vests are also provided.
A Typical Day
On her coastal voyages, a typical day starts with a good, hearty breakfast before preparing the boat to hoist the sails. Once the sails are set to the next destination, there will be time to relax, read a book, chat to your fellow travellers or simply find a quiet corner and take in the view. Lunch will likely be served underway or at the next anchorage as you spend your afternoons exploring ashore.
Generally, on her expedition crossings and longer voyages, she will spend more time under sail. The day will still be punctuated by regular meal times, and there will likely be a watch system running throughout the voyage as she sails through the night. Stargazing on these longer voyages is spectacular with no light pollution and a complete view of the horizon.
Sample menu
All food is made on board, and local, fresh produce is at the top of the shopping list. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.
BREAKFAST
- Poached/scrambled eggs, bacon, vine tomatoes, mushrooms
- French toast, bacon, maple syrup
- Porridge, fruit selection
- Toast, preserves and cereal selection
- Tea, fresh coffee and fresh fruit juice
AFTERNOON CAKE
- Tea, coffee, home-made cakes, scones, jam and cream, shortbreads
LUNCH
- Spinach and ricotta tortellini, blue cheese sauce and cherry tomatoes
- Open sandwiches, salad, and crisps
- Cous cous salad, goat’s cheese, roasted red pepper
- Wild mushroom risotto with rocket and herb oil
- Fish goujons, new potatoes, tartar and salad garnish
DINNER
- Starters: Tomato bruschetta, Ardennes pate, salt-baked beetroot, curry aioli, gremolata sesame praline, hot-smoked salmon crostini
- Fillet of coley, crushed new potatoes, asparagus, beurre blanc, dill mayo
- Pork belly, maple-glazed celeriac, turmeric curr, rice and salsa, basil pesto
- Roast chicken thigh, sauteed new potatoes, squash puree, braised carrots, kale, red wine jus
- Spiced bean stew, rocket, herb oil
- Chicken breast, celeriac puree, mash, parma ham crisp, miso mayo
Dessert
- Coffee and cake
- Cheeseboard
Blue Clipper
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner
Tall ship Blue Clipper has spent many years sailing all over the world and currently spends her summers sailing Scotland and the Hebrides, her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal, then setting sail across the Atlantic for some winter sun in the Caribbean.
Built in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build, giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.
On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing, heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills, and even taking the helm. She has three kayaks and three paddle boards for guest use while on anchor, so you can explore even further inshore.
She offers voyages to suit all ages and abilities. From taster sailing breaks to week-long explorations in the Hebrides, she also takes those looking for something a little more adventurous across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. From the mystical, moody Scotland to the warm winter sun in the Caribbean, the crew aboard are on permanent rotation, so you’ll be in safe hands whichever voyage you choose.
A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level, while below decks have been well-considered with six spacious ensuite cabins. All cabins have full-size bunks, a small desk, a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths and an ensuite.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Young Sailor 18-25 yr (4-berth shared cabin): Four single bunk berths in a mixed gender cabin.
More about Blue Clipper
More holidays in Scotland
Guided Sailing & Walking Holiday in Skye and the Small Isles
Remote Scottish Island Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants
Short Break Sailing & Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides
Guided Sailing & Walking Holiday in Skye and the Small Isles
More holidays on Blue Clipper
Tall Ship Sailing the Firth of Clyde, Scotland
Remote Scotland: Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tall Ship Explorer
Tall Ship Sailing Across the Atlantic to the UK
Mile Builder Sailing UK: Scotland to Cornwall
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
