sailscotland 2020

SKYE AND THE NORTH WEST

Castle, standing impressively on a small island. The western end is crossed by the Skye Bridge, under which all but the very largest of yachts can safely navigate (clearance 29m). Immediately to the north of Loch Alsh is Loch Carron. The picture-postcard village of Plockton, where there are pontoon facilities available for daytime embarkation as well as a large number of visitor moorings, is situated in the south-east of the loch and is well worth a visit. Plockton has a tempting collection of excellent restaurants and a train link to Inverness or Kyle of Lochalsh. Heading north-west, the busy port of Portree on the north-east of Skye features daytime pontoon facilities and 16 visitor moorings. If time and weather permit, a lunchtime stop at Churchton Bay, Raasay is recommended on the way to, or from, Portree for a walk ashore and perhaps a visit to the new distillery there or the recently refurbished Raasay House. Portree has a good selection of shore-side facilities, but some people favour the more

are also available at Armadale on the Isle of Skye. A short way around the coast from Mallaig is Loch Nevis, which forms part of the itinerary for many visitors. Situated within it, the Old Forge at Inverie offers moorings as well as food and drink, and there are excellent walks ashore. Others will head for Isle Ornsay on the west side of the sound where the Duisdale House Hotel has five moorings and offers excellent cuisine, and you can also anchor at Isle Ornsay. There are moorings and excellent food to be found in the tiny Doune Bay on the west coast of Knoydart, but booking ahead is essential. The northern head of the Sound of Sleat is formed by the tidal gate of Kyle Rhea where the mountains meet the sea. To the north lies Loch Alsh, where pontoon and moorings facilities are available at Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland shore and limited pontoon space at Kyleakin on Skye. The former offers rail connections to Inverness and a good range of shops. Sailing up Loch Duich, you will find the romantic Eilean Donan

are 10 moorings in Canna harbour plus room to anchor. Canna has a lovely café offering seafood delicacies, and there’s a selection of basic provisions and gifts available in the delightful shop. The smallest of the Small Isles, but most fertile, is Muck. This island has been owned by the same family for more than a century and visiting yachts are welcomed like old friends. Muck’s website gives directions to the two anchorages on the island, Gallanach and Port Mor. SOUND OF SLEAT AND THE EAST SHORE OF SKYE Sailing north of the Small Isles takes you north-eastwards up the Sound of Sleat, visiting the fishing port of Mallaig to the east or Armadale to the west. Mallaig has a marina for up to 45 yachts and provides the facilities yachts require. Mallaig offers an opportunity to re- provision the boat and is also a useful point for crew changes, with good train connections on what was recently voted one of the best railway journeys in the world. Across the water, moorings

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