Ardalanish, Mull

[Quandary]

Responding to the thread on cruising from Mull reminded me of last summer.
Going round the south of Mull last year we were a bit early to stop at Carsaig and decided to try Ardalanish a bit further west. It was a bright sunny day, the weather was settling and we were able to keep off the shore on a fetch without having to tack, the wind would have been SSW 4 perhaps 5. When we got to Ardalanish we were heading inshore with the wind almost astern and the tide was full enough to cover many of the rocks on the CCC chartlet. The sea was dazzling blue and white with lots of foam so you could not see the bottom and the bearing for the approach is given to a flat topped hill, which did not seem to be a precise enough feature for me. I chickened out, hardened up again and after looking at Traigh Gheal just to the west which seemed too open we carried on round to David Balfours bay.
I am sure that it is another of those attractive anchorages that look straightforward once you are in and safely anchored and as it is close to our base I would like to get to know it, any one use it who can give me some advice which is not in the CCC directions.

 

[Vaila1]

I have been in to Ardalanish several times with no real problem. It is a beautiful anchorage with two bays, the SE one being larger. I would be surprised if you couldnt see the bottom once well and truly in - but you do have to sail a bearing to get in and it is not a clear bottom until inshore of the major islets. I dont remember any problems once reasonably close, other than a F6 from the SW last time I was there leaving me 15ft from the nearest rocks after a good nights sleep! Have a look at Martin Lawrences guide with photos in it?

I would certainly prefer it to Carsaig any day?

Cheers
Andy

 

[agurney]

Responding to the thread on cruising from Mull reminded me of last summer.
Going round the south of Mull last year we were a bit early to stop at Carsaig and decided to try Ardalanish a bit further west. It was a bright sunny day, the weather was settling and we were able to keep off the shore on a fetch without having to tack, the wind would have been SSW 4 perhaps 5. When we got to Ardalanish we were heading inshore with the wind almost astern and the tide was full enough to cover many of the rocks on the CCC chartlet. The sea was dazzling blue and white with lots of foam so you could not see the bottom and the bearing for the approach is given to a flat topped hill, which did not seem to be a precise enough feature for me. I chickened out, hardened up again and after looking at Traigh Gheal just to the west which seemed too open we carried on round to David Balfours bay.
I am sure that it is another of those attractive anchorages that look straightforward once you are in and safely anchored and as it is close to our base I would like to get to know it, any one use it who can give me some advice which is not in the CCC directions.

Did you perhaps mistake Ardalanish Bay for the Rubh Ardalanish anchorage?

http://sailing.agurney.com/list-of-anchorages/rubh-ardalanish is taken from my GPS, I don't recall the approach being littered with rocks.

With a SSW it wouldn't be that great a place to stop anyway.

 

[Quandary]

Cheers
Our dog likes Carsaig because the seals follow him closely and tease him as he goes ashore on the islets in the dinghy or if he swims.
I think I might have been bolder at Ardanalish if the wind had not been onshore but as a first time visitor I was not sure enough of the landmark for the bearing, I probably need to go back when the sea is smoother.

 

[Quandary]

Did you perhaps mistake Ardalanish Bay for the Rubh Ardalanish anchorage?

http://sailing.agurney.com/list-of-anchorages/rubh-ardalanish is taken from my GPS, I don't recall the approach being littered with rocks.

With a SSW it wouldn't be that great a place to stop anyway.

Sorry, Perhaps I should have made it clearer that I was referring to the two bays on the West side of Rubh' Ardanalish, but they are referred to in the CCC directions as 'Ardanalish'. I did not know there was another recognized anchorage with that name.
It looked to me as if once in and tucked around the corner we would be in shelter and the wind was settling. The Directions show a scattering of drying rocks well west of the headland and also east of Sgeir an Feidh on each side but as I said above the channel is probably easier than I allowed for once it has been negotiated. That was my reason for posting the query.

 

[Billjratt]

I've been there. To clarify: 56-16'.2517N 006-16'.2211W (on my CMap)
No difficulty, straight in, keeping an eye on Sgeir am Feidh until the wall on the right opens, and in you go.

I was intreagued to find yet another Carsaig Bay along the coast, and assume that's the one mentioned rather than my favourite over the hill from Tayvallich.

 

[agurney]

I've been there. To clarify: 56-16'.2517N 006-16'.2211W (on my CMap)
No difficulty, straight in, keeping an eye on Sgeir am Feidh until the wall on the right opens, and in you go.

I was intreagued to find yet another Carsaig Bay along the coast, and assume that's the one mentioned rather than my favourite over the hill from Tayvallich.

The one on Mull is nicer, though less sheltered.

In quiet weather you can anchor off the arches (http://sailing.agurney.com/list-of-anchorages/carsaig-mull) to save a long hike along the coastal 'path'.

 

[Billjratt]

Thanks for the link. I'll have to change my ways and stop for a cup of tea more often.
I normally wouldn't consider anything as open in that direction as we usually look for an overnight stop.

 

[cpedw]

There's some discussion of the area here but none I think directly answers your question.

Derek

 

[Quandary]

Thanks all for posting info and links to answer my question. I think the ultimate solution will be to choose a quieter day so that I can make a slower approach and see the bottom if the rocks are covered. Coming north from Crinan on the flood means that it is usually past half tide before you pass Carsaig arches. There is obviously at least a couple of days of exploring before you get as far as Iona but the South coast of Mull really catches the sun and beckons you in on one of those rare sparkly days.

 

[agurney]

Thanks all for posting info and links to answer my question. I think the ultimate solution will be to choose a quieter day so that I can make a slower approach and see the bottom if the rocks are covered. Coming north from Crinan on the flood means that it is usually past half tide before you pass Carsaig arches. There is obviously at least a couple of days of exploring before you get as far as Iona but the South coast of Mull really catches the sun and beckons you in on one of those rare sparkly days.

After taking the flood north just anchor overnight in the Black Isles. You'll then not be dependent on the tidal gate and can explore when it suits.