How to Celebrate Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters
Visitors to Scotland in 2020 can expect a year like no other. It is officially the year of Coasts and Waters, bringing attention to our breathtaking coastline, legendary lochs and all the beautiful rivers and canals connecting the country together.
3 Feb 2020
- 5 amazing activities happening this year on the coast
What does a holiday by the water mean to you?
Perhaps it conjures up images of sandy beaches, picnics and fishing by the lake, or maybe something a bit more adventurous with watersports or sailing around islands. It could even set your stomach rumbling with the thought of fresh seafood.
No matter what you’re picturing, this year Scotland is proving how it can be made a reality.
5 Ways to Experience the Year of Coasts and Waters
This year we are really celebrating with a number of events taking place around Scotland. Below are some of the things we’re really looking forward to.
As a bonus, they’re all less than an hour’s drive from Argyll Holidays parks, making it easy for you to come and celebrate the Year of Coasts and Waters with us!
1. A Beautiful Spectacle - the River of Light
Credit: What’s on Renfrewshire
What was already Scotland’s biggest boat show has added an extra event in 2020 - the River of Light.
Communities all down the River Clyde will be decorating their boats and crafts before all gathering at the Kip Marina on the evening of the 10th of October to sail in dazzling procession down the river.
Closest Argyll Holidays park: Hunters Quay Holiday Village
Visitors to Hunters Quay Holiday Village can easily catch the ferry and travel down the coast to Kip Marina where the procession will be taking place. Or stay on your peninsula to catch the show across the water.
2. Adventures Ahoy! Spend a day at Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is Scotland’s largest loch and easily offers days worth of different activities to enjoy.
On the water, you can catch a cruise to explore the 30 islands dotting the loch. There’s the option to go fishing. Or perhaps on a sunny day, you’d fancy a dip? Loch Lomond also offers areas to swim, windsurf and paddleboard.
From the shore, the vastness and beauty of Loch Lomond never fail to disappoint. We recommend climbing nearby Ben Lomond or Conic Hill for the best views. It truly is the jewel in the crown of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park
The loch is also served by plenty of lovely towns around its shores and even a golf club. All making Loch Lomond a must-visit in the year of the coasts and waters.
Closest Argyll Holidays park: Loch Lomond Holiday Park
Loch Lomond Holiday Park is located on the banks of the loch and less than 5 minutes drive to the local pier.
3. Feeling Sporty? Loch Long Adventure Challenge
This sporting event on the 2nd of May has been created especially for the Year of Coasts and Waters. The location - Arrochar - may seem beautifully peaceful but the challenge promises to be anything but.
Competitors are expected to kayak, cycle and run their way around the 30km course in teams of two. All followed by a Ceilidh that evening to celebrate the race and celebrate finishing!
Whether you want to compete or cheer from the sidelines, the Loch Long Adventure Challenge promises to be a day to remember.
Closest Argyll Holidays parks: Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village/Loch Lomond Holiday Park
Both Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village and Loch Lomond Holiday Park are within half an hour’s drive to Arrochar
4. Perfect for Little Ones - The McDougalls Big Splash
Credit: Ticket Source
This brand new musical is a great way to involve your little ones in celebrating the Year of Coasts and Waters.
Created by the famous children’s theatre company, the McDougalls, the story sees the heroes explore an underwater realm in jeopardy. Children are sure to love this raucous adventure with sing-alongs, audience participation and an open call for everyone to come along dressed up as sea creatures!
Closest Argyll Holidays park: Hunters Quay Holiday Village
Hunters Quay Holiday Village guests can catch the 19th April performance in Greenock, just across the water
5. Witness the Largest Flotilla the Clyde Has Ever Seen
This event will see a thousand boats, ranging in size from kayaks to yachts, gathering together before sailing south down the coast from the 1st - 3rd of May. It will also include a sailing race which will add lots of excitement to what is already expected to be a fantastic spectacle.
Many are expected to come to wave off the largest flotilla the Clyde has ever seen. There will also be plenty of parties and celebrations at the marinas the boats will be sailing by. This event is raising money for the RNLI with a target of £100,000.
Closest Argyll Holidays park: Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village
Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village is the closest to the starting point of Rhu where the boats will gather on the 1st of May before they travel south
A Fantastic Year Ahead
With so much to do, the Year of Coasts and Waters is set to be a fantastic year for everyone visiting Scotland.
We’ve always known how special the lochs and waterways are, all of Argyll Holidays parks and villages are near to the water! We love our views as well as everything else on offer.
Explore our five holiday parks to find the perfect base to come and experience the Year of Coasts and Waters for yourself.
Check out our bucket list of things you have to do when visiting Argyll Holidays!
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Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village overlooking Loch Goil -
Loch Lomond Holiday Park going down to the water -
Hunters Quay Holiday Village is on the water, but also has some great watery indoor activities for the whole family
Scotland Coasts and Waters Facts
If you include all our islands then Scotland’s coastline is over 10,250 miles long (if you straightened that out, it would go around the world 2.5 times!) Plus, we have 790 islands and over 30,000 lochs/little lochans. All bringing beautiful views, wildlife and fun activities to our shores.
