ctva
Well-Known Member
Seeing as there was the recent thread on places not to revisit (sorry AngusMcDoon 
), it has prompted me to think a bit about the current summer cruise and where I’d go back to. When we headed off 12 days ago, I had in my mind to try and get to at least ten new anchorages this year. So far, with 9 days to go we have managed ten new places! Mind you the weather has been brilliant, albeit lots of diesel used. Worst of all, we’re almost out of tonic!!!!
Anyway, back to the thread before I initiate Fred drift in the op, we have been to...
Gallanach Bay in the north of Muck. Fantastic views especially at sunset. Beautiful beach, a welcoming lodge hotel opened a few years ago, you just need to book ahead for meals. Speaking to the farmer, eleven boats in the bay was a record but still felt secluded. Would I go back, definitely.
Lochboisdale, well, made comments on the other thread, possibly a bit unkind but still an honest view. Good shelter and facilities in the marina. Would I go back, not unless I had to.
Taransay south bay, stunning and reasonably well sheltered from the Atlantic swell with white beaches. Did I say stunning? Would I go back, definitely.
St Kilda Wow, Boreray to the north with the stacs were the highlight, even more stunning than a very stunning place, as Baldric would say. Village bay was like a construction yard as they are rebuilding the MoD base. Still a great place to visit. Would I go back, yes probably due to the long way out, still worth it.
Loch Finsbay was a quiet anchorage which was conveniently round the corner from the Sound of Harris, lovely and quiet and good to know about.
Stornoway, a good place with the marina in the town centre by the fishing harbour. Great for supplies and shops. Just remember, no diesel or anything on a Sunday as our neighbours found out so had to stay an other day. Would I go back, yes, a bit like the Tobermory of the Outer Hebrides.
Summer Isles just nice and yes, I’d go back if it was hot and sunny.
Ullapool. Initially, I was sceptical, but nice place, restaurants and shops. Also some enjoyable walks. A bit far in if you are heading past but good shelter and supplies. Would I go back, yes.
Mill Bay, Gruinard is a lovely spot on the south side of the bay to anchor only exposed to the NW. It is not surveyed (need to email Bob at Antares Charts) but a local forumite provided fantastic local knowledge, as well as drinking half our gin supplies. Ok, we did get our own back by eating all his pizza supplies that evening. Many thanks Robert, a true gentleman hope the head has cleared. Another definite.
Tianavaig Bay south of Portree. Quiet and good holding with plenty of space. Nice to stop over if avoiding the flesh pots of Portree. I’d revisit if needed.
Churchton Bay, Rassay, where I’m sitting just now, another beautiful spot even allowing for the unseasonably summer weather, is a perfect island. Clean anchorage, clear water and only two other boats in. Even the island is clean. Good food at the Rassay House restaurant, and unbeknownst to me a new distillery that just started production last year with the visitors centre opening in January. Friendly staff and beautiful new building designed by a local island architect that fits in. Only down side is that I will need to come back after October 2020 for the first bottling at 3 years old. Sitting in the cockpit with a clear view over the Cullins, what’s not to like. Great place and a definite for a return.
Tomorrow, who knows...
), it has prompted me to think a bit about the current summer cruise and where I’d go back to. When we headed off 12 days ago, I had in my mind to try and get to at least ten new anchorages this year. So far, with 9 days to go we have managed ten new places! Mind you the weather has been brilliant, albeit lots of diesel used. Worst of all, we’re almost out of tonic!!!!Anyway, back to the thread before I initiate Fred drift in the op, we have been to...
Gallanach Bay in the north of Muck. Fantastic views especially at sunset. Beautiful beach, a welcoming lodge hotel opened a few years ago, you just need to book ahead for meals. Speaking to the farmer, eleven boats in the bay was a record but still felt secluded. Would I go back, definitely.
Lochboisdale, well, made comments on the other thread, possibly a bit unkind but still an honest view. Good shelter and facilities in the marina. Would I go back, not unless I had to.
Taransay south bay, stunning and reasonably well sheltered from the Atlantic swell with white beaches. Did I say stunning? Would I go back, definitely.
St Kilda Wow, Boreray to the north with the stacs were the highlight, even more stunning than a very stunning place, as Baldric would say. Village bay was like a construction yard as they are rebuilding the MoD base. Still a great place to visit. Would I go back, yes probably due to the long way out, still worth it.
Loch Finsbay was a quiet anchorage which was conveniently round the corner from the Sound of Harris, lovely and quiet and good to know about.
Stornoway, a good place with the marina in the town centre by the fishing harbour. Great for supplies and shops. Just remember, no diesel or anything on a Sunday as our neighbours found out so had to stay an other day. Would I go back, yes, a bit like the Tobermory of the Outer Hebrides.
Summer Isles just nice and yes, I’d go back if it was hot and sunny.
Ullapool. Initially, I was sceptical, but nice place, restaurants and shops. Also some enjoyable walks. A bit far in if you are heading past but good shelter and supplies. Would I go back, yes.
Mill Bay, Gruinard is a lovely spot on the south side of the bay to anchor only exposed to the NW. It is not surveyed (need to email Bob at Antares Charts) but a local forumite provided fantastic local knowledge, as well as drinking half our gin supplies
. Ok, we did get our own back by eating all his pizza supplies that evening. Many thanks Robert, a true gentleman hope the head has cleared. Another definite.Tianavaig Bay south of Portree. Quiet and good holding with plenty of space. Nice to stop over if avoiding the flesh pots of Portree. I’d revisit if needed.
Churchton Bay, Rassay, where I’m sitting just now, another beautiful spot even allowing for the unseasonably summer weather, is a perfect island. Clean anchorage, clear water and only two other boats in. Even the island is clean. Good food at the Rassay House restaurant, and unbeknownst to me a new distillery that just started production last year with the visitors centre opening in January. Friendly staff and beautiful new building designed by a local island architect that fits in. Only down side is that I will need to come back after October 2020 for the first bottling at 3 years old. Sitting in the cockpit with a clear view over the Cullins, what’s not to like. Great place and a definite for a return.
Tomorrow, who knows...
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