Lochs and Isles of the Lower Clyde Cruise Log

Tuesday 5th to Monday 11th November 2024

Explore the lochs and isles of the sheltered waters of the Lower Clyde. Relish their tranquility and magnificent scenery on this tantalising cruise where rich and rewarding treasures await discovery. Hebridean Princess introduces you to the delights of this area in comfort and luxurious style.

Tuesday 5th November

Embarkation took place at the Greenock Ocean Terminal. Once all guests were safely on board, we set sail for our overnight anchorage in Holy Loch.

Wednesday 6th November

After breakfast, guests were tendered ashore at Holy Loch marina where a coach was available to take guests to visit Benmore Botanic Gardens. The Giant Redwood Avenue forms one of the finest entrances to any garden in the world.

We spent a relaxing afternoon cruising Loch Striven and the Kyles of Bute on passage towards our overnight anchorage in Rothesay Bay off the Isle of Bute.

Thursday 7th November

Ashore at Rothesay, Isle of Bute, guests travelled to Mount Stuart House for a tour of this wondrous Gothic mansion which is home to the Stuarts of Bruce. Alternatively, guests had the opportunity to explore Rothesay independently.

During lunch we sailed to Lochranza, Isle of Arran where guests enjoyed walks ashore.

We remained at anchor in Lochranza overnight.

Friday 8th November

After breakfast, we made landfall at Brodick, Isle of Arran, for a morning tour and tasting at the Lagg Distillery where peat is used to create earthy, complex and rich-tasting spirits.

The secluded and tranquil Holy Isle played host to afternoon on the island which is now a centre of World Peace founded by a Tibetan Buddhist meditation master.

We berthed alongside in Campbeltown where we remained overnight.

Saturday 9th November

From Campbeltown, guests visited Scotland’s oldest independent distillery, Springbank, for a tour. Founded in 1825 by Archibald Mitchell, it is now run by the 5th generation of the same family.

After departing from Campbeltown, the afternoon was spent cruising and circumnavigating the granite isle of Ailsa Craig on passage to our overnight anchorage off Millport, Great Cumbrae.

Sunday 10th November

This morning guests went ashore at Millport and visited Cathedral of the Isles. They later joined the local community at The Garrison cenotaph for the Remembrance Service.

Our final port of call was Rhu Marina where a coach was available to take guests to visit The Hill House, Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Art Nouveau masterpiece.