Top 5 motorboating destinations on the Firth of Clyde

Scotland’s west coast is a true bucket-list destination for motorboaters, combining dramatic island scenery with sheltered cruising waters and short, rewarding passages. The Firth of Clyde is one of the most accessible and varied cruising grounds in the UK, offering the perfect balance of remote island cruising that is synonymous with Scotland’s west coast, with modern marinas and good mainland connectivity.

Starting from Troon Yacht Haven, this guide highlights five must-visit destinations and shows how easy it is to explore the very best of the Clyde.

Set on the Ayrshire coast, Troon is perfectly positioned as the first port of call for boats entering the Clyde. Troon Yacht Haven offers straightforward, full-tide access, making it especially convenient for motorboats arriving through the Irish Sea. With sheltered pontoon berthing, 24/7 fuel, and excellent shore facilities, it is the ideal base for motor cruisers looking to explore the islands and sea lochs beyond.

Ashore, boaters will find an excellent bar restaurant, diesel fuel dock, engineering support, a lovely waterfront hotel in The Salt Lodge, and supermarkets for provisioning. The town is within walking distance and it’s easy to see why Troon’s South Beach is so popular! With its excellent transport links to Glasgow and the airport, many boaters use Troon as a winter base or starting point for exploring the Clyde and beyond.

• Full tide, sheltered pontoon berthing
• On-water diesel
• Boat lifting and storage facilities
• Boat slipway
• 24/7 staff and secure pontoon access

Often described as “Scotland in miniature,” the Isle of Arran offers dramatic scenery within comfortable reach of Troon (16nm from Troon to Brodick). The run across the Firth is straightforward in settled weather, making Arran a popular next step after provisioning on the mainland.

Brodick is a convenient landing point, with good access to shops and the small town, as well as the starting point to treks up the island’s highest point, Goatfell. Don’t skip the whisky distillery and castle at Lochranza, the waterfalls at North Glen Sannox, Brodick Castle, or Holy Island next to Lamlash.

There are visitor moorings at Lamlash, Brodick and Lochranza, with anchorages at Lochranza and at various locations on the west side of the island.

Heading north from Troon, the Isle of Cumbrae is one of the most accessible destinations on the Clyde and ideal for a relaxed trip. Known as the ‘Jewel in the Clyde’, the island has visitor moorings and a welcoming promenade lined with cafés and shops at Millport, while the sandy beaches are perfect for families and dogs.

There is also a beautiful cycle path that circumnavigates the small island with bike hire nearby, making it an ideal activity for an afternoon exploring.

The narrow channels of the Kyles of Bute provide some of the most scenic cruising on the Clyde. The sheltered waters make this a comfortable destination for motorboats, even when conditions are less settled in the Firth.

The passage offers constantly changing views, wooded shorelines, and steep hillsides. A cruise through the Kyles feels like a true escape, yet remains within a manageable distance of Troon for a long day trip or overnight stop.

Moorings are available at Tighnabruaich, but the stunning anchorage at the natural harbour of An Caladh, 1nm to the east, is a must! A hike up Glen Caladh provides incredible views south down the Kyles.

Just north of Cumbrae, Largs is a convenient and well-equipped stop for motorboats exploring the area. Largs Yacht Haven offers visitor berthing, plenty of dining options, on-site marine services and easy access to supplies.

Largs makes an excellent staging point when cruising between destinations and is particularly useful for crews planning to explore further into the Clyde. With its lively waterfront including the famous Nardini’s Ice Cream, it’s a natural addition to any Clyde itinerary.

• Full tide pontoon berthing
• On-water petrol, diesel and pump out
• Boat lifting and storage facilities
• Boat slipway
• 24/7 staff and secure pontoon access

Glencallum Bay, also known as Callum’s Hole, is located on the south-west tip of the Isle of Bute. Don’t expect any amenities nearby – this anchorage is remote Scotland at its best, but located only 15nm from Troon.

The bay is far bigger than it first appears when you catch sight of Glencallum Lighthouse, with plenty of space to anchor. Ashore, the West Island Way footpath leads to the ruins of the chapel at St Blane’s or to the pretty hamlet at Kilchattan Bay in the opposite direction.