UK & Ireland — West Scotland

Loch Craignish

56°08.7'N 005°34.6'W · Ardfern (Loch Craignish Boatyard) (1nm)

2–6m

Depth

Excellent

Holding

80m

Alarm radius

Moderate

Crowd level

Loch Craignish is the natural staging post for yachts transiting the Crinan Canal — the 14.5nm shortcut that avoids the 100nm passage around the Mull of Kintyre. The village of Ardfern at the loch head has a full-service boatyard (Craobh Haven Marina nearby), provisions, pub and all the facilities a cruising yacht needs. The loch itself is beautiful — a long, narrow sea loch with several island anchorages providing quiet alternatives to the busier Ardfern. The Dorus Mor tidal race at the loch entrance (6+ knots at springs) must be timed carefully — local knowledge or pilot book essential.

Best Months

MayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Anchor Zones

Ardfern anchorage — off the boatyard

Excellent

2–6m · Alarm: 80m

Anchor in 2–5m (CD) in the wide bay off Ardfern, keeping clear of the boatyard moorings and visitor buoys. Mud bottom throughout — superb holding. The loch opens to the SW at its southern end but Ardfern is well up the loch and receives good shelter from the Craignish peninsula and surrounding hills. Tidal range approximately 3.0–3.5m springs.

Eilean Mhic Chrion — island anchorage

Good

3–6m · Alarm: 75m

Anchorage in the channel between the island and the E shore of the loch. Well sheltered, quieter than Ardfern. Good mud holding.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

80m allows full tidal swing in 2–6m (CD) depths. With 3.5m tidal range at springs, actual depths at HW are 5.5–9.5m — ensure sufficient rode. The loch is generally well sheltered and the mud holding is excellent. In SW gales the anchorage off Ardfern can become uncomfortable as some swell reaches up the loch.

Recommended radius: 80m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Dorus Mor tidal race at the loch entrance — streams up to 6 knots at springs; transit only at slack water; check Admiralty Chart 2326
  • !Shoal water extends from the loch edges and around islands — use large-scale chart on approach
  • !Tidal range 3.0–3.5m springs — check current tidal height for actual depths at anchor
  • !Midges in calm summer evenings — worst in late June to early August
  • !Boat traffic from Craobh Haven marina can create wash — anchor well clear of the fairway

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Time your approach to Dorus Mor carefully — the Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions give excellent guidance on slack water times for this race
  • ✓Book the Crinan Canal in advance if transiting — Scottish Canals booking line 0330 333 0166; the canal is a highlight of the west Scotland cruise
  • ✓Galley of Lorne Inn at Ardfern is one of the best pub meals on the west coast — book a table in summer
  • ✓Craobh Haven Marina (2nm south) has excellent facilities if you need a berth, chandlery or shower
  • ✓Explore the loch by dinghy — there are several uninhabited island anchorages that are superbly quiet

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisionsWiFi

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Visitor moorings at Ardfern approx. £15–20/night.
Restrictions:
Keep clear of boatyard working area and mooring lines. Dorus Mor tidal race at the loch entrance — transit only at slack water (approximately 1 hour before HW and 5 hours after HW at Craignish Point). Check pilot book for exact slack water times.

Sleep Safely at Loch Craignish

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

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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