UK & Ireland — West Scotland

Ardminish Bay, Gigha

55°40.9'N 005°44.0'W · Tayinloan (Kintyre, CalMac ferry) (2nm)

3–7m

Depth

Good

Holding

80m

Alarm radius

Low

Crowd level

Gigha (pronounced 'Ghee-a', from the Norse 'God's Island') is the southernmost of the Hebridean islands — a small, fertile island 7nm long off the Kintyre coast. The island is famous for Achamore Gardens (sub-tropical exotic gardens in the Gulf Stream microclimate, maintained by the island community who bought the island cooperatively in 2002). The anchorage at Ardminish is one of the most charming on the Kintyre coast — a perfect island stop en route between the Firth of Clyde and the Crinan Canal. The community-owned island has a hotel, a pub, a shop and an atmosphere of extraordinary friendliness.

Best Months

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Ardminish Bay — main anchorage off the village

Good

3–7m · Alarm: 80m

Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the bay off Ardminish village on the east side of Gigha Island. Sand over mud — good holding once set. The island provides shelter from the westerly Atlantic. Exposed to the N/NE in the bay. Tidal range approximately 2.5–3.0m springs. CalMac ferry to Tayinloan (Kintyre) calls regularly — clear the pier approach. A wonderfully peaceful island anchorage.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

80m radius for the open bay. In NE or N conditions some swell enters the bay — the anchorage off the village becomes uncomfortable; move to the south end of the bay for better N shelter. Tidal range 2.5–3.0m springs — relatively modest; actual depths at HW are 5.5–10m.

Recommended radius: 80m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !CalMac ferry to Tayinloan — regular service; keep clear of pier approach
  • !W/NW exposure — Atlantic swell enters in westerly conditions; the bay is best used in E or S conditions
  • !Rocks in the approaches to the south end of the island — consult Admiralty Chart 2168
  • !Tidal streams in the Sound of Gigha reach 2 kt at springs

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Achamore Gardens are exceptional — one of the finest collections of rhododendrons and sub-tropical plants in Scotland; open daily, small entry fee
  • ✓The island cooperatively bought itself from private ownership in 2002 — the community pub and shop directly support the island economy; please use both
  • ✓The Sound of Gigha crossing from Tayinloan takes 20 minutes on the CalMac ferry — a good way to provision at Tarbert if needed
  • ✓In W conditions, anchor in the SE corner of the bay behind the southern headland for better shelter

Facilities

RestaurantProvisions

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free
Restrictions:
CalMac ferry priority. Keep clear of the pier and ferry approach. Scottish right to anchor applies.

Sleep Safely at Ardminish Bay, Gigha

Set your anchor alarm to 80m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

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