Remote areas of Skye cruise


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PLAN 2: AROUND SKYE - VISITING MORE REMOTE ANCHORAGES [Kinloch Castle, Rum shown right - The Shiants shown bottom - day 5]

Rhum CastleDAY 1 Loch Nevis about 1.5 hours away from Armadale. If you are not bothered about going ashore, anchor at Glaschoile. Or moor at Inverie where the attractions of going ashore to visit the Old Forge the most remote pub on mainland Britain can be very tempting. For some reason our yachts are often at Inverie on Friday and Saturday nights! There will probably be a charge for the mooring if you don’t go to the Old Forge for food or drink.

DAY 2 Canna, Rum for lunch. Both Canna and Rum have scenic attractions although they are completely different. Canna provides the more secure anchorage and has a cafe serving evening meals. Rum sports a small shop and Kinloch Castle, which is well worth touring as it is a complete step back in timet. The opening time for the castle seems to have settled to 14.00 most days but it might be as well to phone in advance to avoid disappointment - the telephone number can be found in the pilot book..

DAY 3 South Uist - Wizards Pool, one of the Wests’ classic anchorages where you can enjoy perfect solitude after a wonderful day's sailing. (In High Season there may be a couple of other yachts there as well).

DAY 4 Rodel, Harris - catching the tide into the pool at Rodel is essential. Ashore the church is well worth a visit. A few years ago they rebuilt the hotel, which was for many years famous for not having a roof over the bar - it is more conventional these days but has a reputation for welcoming Yachties!

DAY 5 Back across the Minch heading for Rona. On a good day stopping at the Shiants for lunch where it is possible to sit among the puffins in season. The keen birdwatcher will find the Shiants a very attractive destination but the swell will convince you that it is not an overnight anchorage. Most people head for Acairseid Mhor on Rona, which is a classic well-sheltered anchorage. Ashore there is pleasant walking to the top of the hill, church cave or the old village. Showers are available at the Caretakers House. Evening meals are also available on request.
It is also possible to anchor in Loch a’Brhaige on Rona or Eilean Fladday on Raasay which are both very attractive.

DAY 6 Totaig, Loch Duich; a passage through the Sound of Rona will take you to the Crowlins which are also an attractive lunchtime stop if the wind is right. The Crowlins offer you an opportunity to have seals gather around your boat and watch you eat your lunch. Anchoring at Totaig lets you watch the crowds visit Eilean Donan castle from a safe distance. A walk ashore to the right The Shiantshere will take you to a pictish broch.

DAY 7 Coming back through Kyle Rhea on the tide possibly anchoring at Sandaig Bay - where Gavin Maxwell wrote "Ring of Bright Water" for a lunchtime swim, Loch Hourn beckons. Depending on the weather and time you may wish to sail up the loch to come back to anchor at Sandaig for the night. Allow 1.5 hours to get back to Armadale from Loch Hourn entrance. Alternatively you could splash out for the last night of your holidays and have dinner at Doune Marine or the Ardvasar Hotel.