This month we are at Kerrera Marina, which is beautifully positioned within the stunning Scottish landscape.
Nestled in the sheltered waters at Ardentrive Bay on the shores of the Isle of Kerrera is one of the most picturesque and family friendly marinas in Scotland. Kerrera Marina affords spectacular views at every turn, making it the perfect stopping place between the mainland and the Isle of Mull.
The island is a wonderful place to explore, full of history, wildlife and secret spots to discover. This little gem of a marina offers great facilities, with showers, laundry, coffee-cake corner, fuel, fully serviced pontoons and moorings together with an excellent range of marine engineering services.
However, the heart of the marina is the Waypoint Restaurant and Bar. At The Waypoint, the team offers a range of melt-in-the-mouth culinary delights, all made from local produce from the island’s farms and surrounding waters.
Kerrera Marina offers both nourishment for the belly and nourishment for the soul.
BERTHING & FACILITIES
From overnight stays to a base for several months, Kerrera Marina has everything you need in one place, so that nothing gets in the way of your adventure.
- Annual and visitor berthing for boats up to 40-ton
- 70 fully serviced berths
- 28 moorings, a mix of 20 or 50-ton
- 24hr access to washrooms and laundry
- Dedicated diesel fuel berth
- 50-ton boat hoist and hard standing for 50 boats
- 2 large boat workshops
- Boat repair professionals on-site
- The Waypoint Bar and Restaurant
- The Brigg – A cosy lounge with a games console, DVDs and library
- Fully equipped Air B&B rental so you can sleep in comfort while your boat gets some TLC
At Kerrera Marina they understand that your vessel will have its own needs throughout the year, from small tweaks to major fixes. With their experienced team and flexible can-do attitude, you can be rest assured that you are well cared for whatever the situation.
They offer a quality boatyard service, including the use of a 50-ton boat hoist and a static crane used for mast work and engine lifts. Lifting services include high-pressure wash hull cleaning and storage in cradles.
Kerrera Marina can access most chandlery products and are preferred suppliers of both Beta Engines and English Braid Marine Ropes. There is a full range of services listed on their website. However, this is an overview of the types of services available to you:
- Antifouling
- Joinery repairs
- Boat care packages
- Engineering
- Mast un-stepping and stepping
- Electrics
- Sail un-dressing and dressing
- Fibreglass repairs
- Hull polishing and waxing
- Fabrication
ACCESS
By Sea: Kerrera Marina is located within the Kerrera Sound near Oban. When in the area it is advised that you listen on VHF channel 12 for the Cal-Mac ferry arrivals and departure announcements. The marina can be accessed at any state of tide. Should you need assistance when approaching the marina contact the marina on 01631 565 333 or alternatively tie up on the fuel pontoon at the end of B pontoon and walk to reception and they will assist you from there.
CRUISING
The wonderful and unspoilt Western Isles of Scotland is so accessible from Kerrera Marina. Whether you are looking to take short hops or planning a longer voyage, the choice is wide and varied. Many have found this marina the ideal base for visiting nearby anchorages such as Loch Sween, Loch Spelve, Loch Aline, Airds Bay and Puilldorbhain before returning for shelter when the weather turns less favourable. Others choose this as their go to destination when sailing to or from the Caledonian Canal, Orkneys or further afield such as Norway and Denmark. So much is in your reach from Kerrera Marina, this is one of the main reasons why so many sailors never leave the area – after all who needs the Mediterranean when you have the Western Isles on your doorstep, lush green landscape, rolling hills, white sandy beaches and deep blue seas.
LOCAL AREA HIGHLIGHTS
When you need to restock the fridge, simply take a short walk to the two island farm shops. Both operate with honesty boxes and payment can be made by cash or Bacs transfer.
Ardentrive ‘Lean To’ Farm Shop is just five minutes’ stroll away from the marina offering you a wide selection of their own reared and butchered meats, fresh eggs, milk and other essentials including drinks, snacks, handmade crafts and their very own pure Kerrera honey.
Up the hill from the Cal Mac ferry slip is the marina owners’ very own Balliemore Farm Shop. It is packed with local produce and they offer homemade Granny Sue’s cakes, cold drinks and delicious Highland ice-cream to keep the hunger at bay. They also have beautiful gifts and keepsakes made by talented islanders from around the Argyll. Last, but most definitely not least, the farm produces and sell their own beef, pork and lamb.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
The Isle of Kerrera is a walker’s paradise. The scenery is absolutely stunning and there are so many photo opportunities. Do not forget your camera as the coastline and wildlife are liquid gold through the lens. Taking a walk on Kerrera is to step back in time, a tranquil, bygone world.
- Walk to Gylen Castle, perched on a rocky headland, and accessed via Lower Gylen
- Follow the teapots and visit the Tea Rooms at Lower Gylen
- Explore the coastline
- Walk to the Hutchinson Monument at the north of the island
Whether it be spring, summer or autumn it is the perfect time to take to the great outdoors and enjoy the countryside, and there are few better ways to do this than with a faithful four-legged friend in tow. However, keeping control of your dog in rural areas is essential as it could pose a threat to livestock. If walking is not your thing, then perhaps you may wish to:
- Hire a paddleboard at the marina – and find your balance!
- Fish off the Marina Pier
- Swim in one of the secluded bays
- Photograph the Northern Lights
- Relax with a wine at the Waypoint and simply do nothing
Testimonials
“Quite simply this place just draws you in, wraps itself around you and gives you a big hug. I would describe it as one of the friendliest marinas in the UK. The Waypoint Bar and Grill has a stunning view over the water towards Oban and it is the hub of the place with visitors from all over the world. Tim, Gill and their team, perfectly balance family fun and adult time. No stress, just a can-do attitude with an enormous smile. We plan to replace our engine soon and the facilities and staff here are well equipped for such a task. We highly recommend you stop by when sailing the west coast, especially if you are looking for a sheltered bay with down to earth luxuries such as top-notch laundry facilities, clean and hot showers, homegrown produce and the tranquillity of rural life.” Gary and Tanya Moxon, Sandpiper of St Helier
“Thank you for making the West Highland Yachting Week fleet so welcome in Kerrera Marina. You had gone to a huge amount of effort in preparation for the event, and it was really appreciated by all of us. The place looked fantastic, we were welcomed on arrival – having a boat to direct us in and a team to catch mooring ropes just makes such a difference. But it did not stop there. The food was fantastic, you had gone to a lot of effort to make the venue for the beach party look the part, and much more. The overall impression was one of such a warm and friendly welcome.” Gavin Marshall, West Highland Yachting Week, Joint Regatta Committee
“Wonderful job Kerrera Marina, you have definitely rejuvenated this beautiful spot. Even with a giant dinner birthday party in the restaurant you still managed to serve us a fantastic homemade burger takeaway. The food was truly scrumptious. And recyclable packaging too; you have thought of everything. Looking forward to more days chilling out here.” Compass Sea School
“Not only does Tim and his amazing team, rescue, fix and help people with boats, they also come to the rescue of people who have suffered a personal crisis. We cannot explain how grateful we are to all of you at the marina.” Mhairi MacKenzie
“Thank you very much I really enjoyed your wee island paradise. Great place to get boat work completed with expert advice from an experienced team. Fabulously prepared local foods and a warm welcome. Best marina facility on the west coast in my opinion.” Ruairidh from Yacht Cromarty
“We had a fantastic experience last week whilst putting our boat in storage for the winter at Kerrera Marina. Tim and the crew were very professional, attentive and did an excellent job. Tim and Gill could not have been more hospitable and the on-site rental accommodation was 4-star, great facilities with fantastic views over to Oban. I highly recommend this place.” Jennifer Heller
Kerrera Marina, Ardentrive Bay,
Isle of Kerrera, Oban, Argyll PA34 4SX
Marina Manger – Tim Vollum
T: 01631 565 333
E: office@kerreramarina.com
W: kerreramarina.com
