Loch Linnhe - bomb-proof anchorages?

[gandy]

Hi,
Any local-knowledge type suggestiions for overnight stops in Loch Linnhe? I'm hoping there's somewhere nicely sheltered, and not too far from the Canal. How are Dallens Bay (CCC suggest only "temporary" anchorage), or Port Ramsay.

I want to have a couple of bolt-holes planned in case the weather turns foul.

Ta in advance, as always,

edit-using shitey pda thing, typing is a pita, pls excuse typos

 

[savageseadog]

Have the terrorists moved from Glasgow to Loch Linnhe then?

 

[Sgeir]

Really depends which way the wind's blowing. Our mooring is at Dallens Bay, so never bothered to anchor there. I guess it would be reasonable in any wind except one with an "N" in it.

There's a decent anchorage about 1NM NW of the Corran ferry ie on the west side. Also on the West side, further south, Loch na Coire is fine in all directions, though avoid the fish farm stuff on the NE side. Camus Chil Mhalieu is a beautiful anchorage (don't think it's in the book), and would probably be fine in winds from W to NE. Also Eilean Balnagowan in settled conditions, though fine in lightish winds from S through NW. Decent anchoring near Port Ramsay on Lismore, hotel visitor moorings at Port Appin, and then there is the south facing bay just SE of Port Appin, whose name escapes me. Further south, there are good anchoring places round most of the wee islets off Lismore, and the Bernera Bays N & S, at the bottom of Lismore (N one is a bit tight IMHO.

You're spoilt for choice, and some of the best ones aren't in the book, but will need judgement re wind strength and direction. Enjoy it - it's not usually a busy area as the charter boats generally head up the Sound of Mull.

Moorings at Dallens Bay;

Camus Chil Mhalieu;

Eilean Balnagowan;

 

[gandy]

Cheers, will check these out.

 

[Krusty]

It is a while since I used them and things do change, but you might consider Camus na Gall, the bay on the tip of Argyll where L.Linnhe curves NW towards L.Eil. There are/were fishing boat moorings there and the bottom is probably weedy, but there was good holding close to the beach, with a kedge astern: perfect shelter from S to W to N and just about a mile from the canal entrance.

There was, and still should be, a waiting-pontoon for small craft on the northern side of the canal mouth but it is a bit exposed if the wind is strong between SW to NW.
As a last resort and with adequate lines and fenders you can lie against the boarding or stone wall right at the canal entrance. Not comfortable, but safe.