Around Mull in a Wayfarer

[Slinky Spring]

Friends and I are considering a trip round mull in Wayfarers or similar dinghies.
We havent even looked at charts or tides yet but just thought that we would ask for any thoughts on the planning the trip.
One consideration is that many of the places I know have very long beaches which would present problems re arriving at high or low water. Are there any locations where there are long jetties that give permanent access to the water.
Any thoughts on the best way to go about this trip would be welcomed.

 

[CLP]

It's a great trip in a small boat. I did it a few years ago in a Drascombe with 2 small children. There are some lovely small beaches and sheltered spots especially around the Ross of Mull. Otherwise we tucked into sheltered bays or lochs and anchored close enough in to step ashore. The most exposed bit, and longest leg is from Loch Spelve to the Ross. Have a good trip.

 

[Slinky Spring]

How long did you allow for the trip and how which direction did you go round?

 

[CLP]

We launched at Loch Creran, went clockwise and spent 2 weeks at it. We also did a diversion up Loch Sunart. We were pretty lucky with the weather and wind directions.

 

[Amulet]

I’ve been round Mull several times, but not in a dinghy.

Contrary to your other advice, I'd do it anticlockwise. Then, with prevailing winds, you should get a run up the inhospitable bit from the sound of Iona to Loch Spelve. Are you going through Ulva sound (more sheltered)? I would. I'd have thought you should launch at Loch Aline to start the trip if you want to minimise the distance.

How far can you sail in a day?
Loch Aline to Tobermory about 12 miles.
Tobermory to Ulva Sound 20-25 miles
Ulva Sound to Iona 10-15 miles
Iona to Loch Spelve maybe 30 miles
Loch Spelve to Loch Aline about 15 miles.
(My distances are guesses.)
Tobermory to Ulva Sound could be broken at Loch Mingary, Loch a’ Chumhainn, Gometra or the like.
Harder to see where to break the Iona to Loch Spelve leg. Could go to Colonsay or the Garvellachs much lengthening the total trip.

There are numerous detours to wonderful places if you have the time and weather: Loch Sunart, Staffa and the Treshnish Islands etc.

 

[CLP]

Amulet is right, it's probably better to plan to go anticlockwise. That's what we'd planned to do but the weather suited a change to a clockwise trip.