Sailing
Sheltered sea lochs, island hopping, secret anchorages or open sea, Lochaber has all this and more. Enjoy fantastic, varied sailing around the stunning West coast of Scotland. Fort William is wrapped around a tidal saltwater loch that leads to the Sound of Mull 35 miles to the southwest and to open sea a few miles beyond that. You can even start here and take your boat all the way across Scotland from west to east, on the Caledonian Canal.
The coast of Lochaber is studded with islands and peninsulas including Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of the British mainland, and the beautiful inner Hebridean 'small isles' of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna.
Such a seascape has its challenges. Tidal currents are strong in the narrow sea lochs and underwater hazards tend to be made of granite, so you’ll need good navigation skills. Beyond a handful of popular anchorages, such as Tobermory, Arisaig and Armadale, there are few visitors’ moorings but spectacular, sheltered anchorages abound for those with suitably equipped yachts.
As you would expect in such a spectacular sailing environment, Lochaber has a lively yachting scene - Lochaber Yacht Club hosts a series of Open Regattas and hugely popular Travellers’ events throughout the summer and both Glencoe Boat Club and West Ardnamurchan Regatta Club also have regular events.
There are several places to hire a dinghy or charter a yacht. If you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills, why not take a sailing course? Or if you’d like to enjoy being out on the water without the effort, take a leisurely trip along the canal in a well-appointed vessel complete with skipper. See our sailing activity providers to find out more.
