The Clyde is more than just a convenient playground; it is also the perfect starting point for cruises to more distant places. Visiting boats arriving from the south or Ireland may choose to visit the new marina at Stranraer, where shore-side facilities have been upgraded as part of the EU-funded Sail West project, before venturing further north into the firth itself.

The first fully serviced marina on the Firth of Clyde can be found at Troon. From there, a popular route is north-west through the beautiful Kyles of Bute to the Crinan Canal and then to the Argyll coast and islands, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Heading south-west past Arran and round the Mull of Kintyre, perhaps calling at Sanda or Campbeltown, is a passage best undertaken in good weather. It leads to the southern Isles of Gigha, Islay and Jura or alternatively across the North Channel to Rathlin Island, Ballycastle and Glenarm.

There’s also a range of options for those who do not want to leave the firth. This rich cruising ground has moderate tidal streams and ranges, well-marked hazards and, apart from a few popular spots, relatively few other boats. The ‘harbour full’ sign has yet to reach Scottish waters!

One of the most popular destinations is Tarbert, on the western side of lower Loch Fyne. It was once lined with skiffs and fishing boats from one side of the harbour to the other, and the fishing heritage is an important part of the personality here. The fleet remains active today though it has, to some extent, given way to visiting and resident yachts of all types and sizes. The marina provides pontoon berthing for over 200, small chandlery and good shore-side facilities. It is a picturesque village where the illuminated remains of Tarbert Castle overlook the harbour at night, while the nearby shops, bars and restaurants are acknowledged attractions too.

Flotilla visits are welcome to Tarbert, and it is a favourite with sailing clubs for musters and rallies. It also hosts the Clyde Cruising Club’s Scottish Series each spring. This attracts upwards of a hundred competitive yachts from far and wide for a long weekend of racing in the waters of Loch Fyne where, although it has few hazards and gentle tides, the variable wind patterns offer the racing sailor great challenges.

In contrast to the tradition of Tarbert, just 3nm across Loch Fyne is the modern resort at Portavadie. The marina here has almost 250 berths and a full range of facilities, including a luxury spa with outdoor infinity pool overlooking the loch. As well as the leisure centre there is a small chandlery and gift shop, and restaurant or café dining is available on site.

From there, venture north past Ardrishaig and the entrance to the famous Crinan Canal, before continuing to the more remote destinations on Loch Fyne. Otter Ferry and Strachur, both with visitor moorings and landing pontoons, are popular spots for sailors to step ashore for lunch, while various  anchorages can be found in between at Loch Gair, Minard Bay and Lachlan Bay – home to another castle ruin and hidden gem restaurant. Deeper into upper Loch Fyne you can admire the pretty tourist town of Inveraray, and at the very head of the loch is the well-known Oyster Bar – which provides visitor moorings for those intrepid sailors who make it all the way!

Other destinations with pontoon berthing are Campbeltown, Ardrishaig and Rothesay, plus a new facility at Girvan on the Ayrshire coast. These are ideally placed for the cruising yachtsman. Campbeltown is close to the Mull of Kintyre and a good port of call arriving from the south, while Ardrishaig is the eastern terminus of the Crinan Canal. Girvan lies midway between the harbours of Stranraer and Ayr, while Rothesay, capital of the beautiful Isle of Bute, is a traditional favourite.

At Lamlash on Arran or in the Kyles of Bute more traditional landing methods – anchoring and going ashore by dinghy – can be found. In many spots, hotels and communities have laid moorings for visitors, while smaller pontoon facilities have been installed to assist with landing a dinghy at some locations. These are sometimes free for patrons or a nominal charge may be made.

Arran is often called ‘Scotland in Miniature’ as it has almost all the elements of the whole of Scotland including mountains, castles, beaches, golf courses, a brewery and a distillery. You can call at Brodick, Lamlash or Lochranza and in each place you will find visitor moorings, with the additions of a landing slip at Lamlash and a fine new pontoon at Lochranza.

The Kyles of Bute is one of the prettiest open-water passages in Britain. Its fjord-like channels, or kyles, wind between heather-clad hills, past sleepy holiday villages and through groups of islands. What’s more, every half-mile or so there is an anchorage to stop for lunch or for the night. Ashore, the village pubs and restaurants are renowned for their good food and pleasant ambience. Here you will meet fellow sailors enjoying themselves and locals with a tale to tell of past seafaring exploits.

Loch Fyne may be the deepest and longest at around 40 miles, but it’s not the only sea loch worth mentioning. If you’re thinking of getting off the beaten track, the Clyde’s lochs will take you deep into Scotland’s mountains. The scenery is magnificent, the sailing straightforward and, although there are around 5000 boats on the Clyde, you will easily find a spot of solitude.

Loch Long is exactly as it says on the chart, and strikes deep into the highest mountains in southern Argyll, known locally as the Arrochar Alps, and this offers a good opportunity to ‘bag a Munro’. Loch Goil is a branch off Loch Long to the west and has two attractive destinations: Carrick Castle, near the mouth of the loch, and Lochgoilhead, at its head.

The last sea loch before entering the River Clyde is the Gare Loch. This was one of the first areas to embrace leisure boating in Scotland and is home to one of the oldest yacht clubs in Britain, the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, at Rhu. The marina at Rhu is also an ideal stopover to explore Scotland’s first national park and its breathtaking scenery.