Castle Tioram

[sbrockman]

Heading off tomorrow to for a ten day break, on a mooring at Linnhe marine for the summer at present (what summer I hear you say!). SWMBO and I fancy exploring Castle Tioram, I don't have my pilot books/charts at home and was wondering what the entrance to Loch Moidart (south) was like, looks a bit rocky from google earth. Anyone out there with "local Knowledge".

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

[DaveS]

Well, I did reach it by canoe in 1969 and camped there, but that's probably not much help!

Like you, my current pilots are aboard, but from the 1974 CCC Sailing Directions, there are the usual warnings of rocks and tricky entrances with a series of transits shown. Anchorage is shown about 5 cables NW of Castle Tioram, off a jetty on Eilean Shona in about 4m. There is also mention of an unmarked overhead power line E of Eilean Riasga if you go too far.

 

[Roger_D]

We went in there several years ago in a deep fin keel boat and remember that the entrance was ok, indeed, exciting (have faith in the pilotage directions) but I would not be happy in strong westerlies (I think that the pilot says this too). I remember that we had charts for the entrance, but not for inside, so we had to follow our companion boat in. We went in on a rising tide which was comforting as I remember a long stretch curving to starboard on the way in which was very shallow (softish bottom). Worth a vist and very sheltered, (but it rained!)
ps we too are at Linnhe

 

[Speed]

As you say, the entrance to the South is easier, and once in there are a couple of good spots to anchor, but I wouldn't fancy going in without the relevant pilot book.

Comfortable inside, but the entrance can be interesting on departure if there is any sea running from the west.

If you don't fancy the entrance, Loch Kentra just outside is quiet and beautiful, too, and well sheltered from the south.

 

[starboard]

Went in last Summer using the CCC pilot and being backed up with a chart plotter on the laptop.....quite a long and protracted passage with enough hazards to keep you on your toes, both rocks and shallow spit, a bit like the approach to Arisaig used to be before they put the port and stbd markers on the rocks.

Once in no danger's apart from the midges and a lovely place to anchor well sheltered from anything coming your way!

Paul.

 

[Krusty]

If you anchor in the inner loch (east of the castle) show an anchor light.
I have been there with a small trawler working only a few lengths away, and a local resident told me that one yacht, unlit, was rammed and sunk. The owner not only lost his yacht, but had to fork out for repairs to the trawler. COLREGS apply everywhere!

 

[claymore]

CCCdirections are really clear and its a great place all around there - Sanna Bay included if the weather is ok