prevailing winds in the hebrides

[davehu]

This is one for the old salts in western scotland. In mid august what is the prevailing wind direction. I have the option of cruising the area for two weeks and can go either north to south or south to north leaving someone else to do the return leg. Which way will give me less headwinds

 

[webcraft]

You might as well toss a coin . . .

The prevailing wind is Westerly, so theoretically either can be good. Last year there was a long run of strongish Northerlies in the Minch in the Summer, but SW is probably more common in most years.

You can be sure that whichever one you pick you will wish you had chosen the other . . .

 

[Aja]

For our three week cruise (last week July - first two weeks August) last year we had a forecast and winds of Wind North or North East 4-5 occassionally six.

Every day.

As we were hoping to go to the gardens in Poolewe and up to the Summer Isles this proved too boring and headed south from S. Rona and then out to the Uists. Much nicer.

Not ususal though.

Regards

Donald

 

[Deleted member 478]

There is nothing prevailing about the wind - Joshua Slocum

 

[boomerangben]

I would say that here in Stornoway, the winds are generally south to south westerly. Right now, it is howling from the south.

 

[starboard]

Whatever the direction expect the unexpected....back in June 2002 we sat out a force 11 ssw storm for 3 days at anchor on the island of Soay just south of Skye.

Paul.

 

[Aja]

Ah....but not the most unpleasant place to spend a couple of days though!

Donald

 

[boatmike]

Billy Connelly probably answered the question very well when in the Orkneys.

Theres nae bloody trees up here 'n ah saw a wee doggie lyin an his back tae pee up in tha air tea aviod get'n wet hisel..... Some poor sod in Oslo probably got it in th' eye!

 

[Rich_F]

[ QUOTE ]
I would say that here in Stornoway, the winds are generally south to south westerly.

[/ QUOTE ]
That's the rumour on which we based our cycling holiday from Barra to Lewis (with a little help from the ferries).

The wind seemed to be a constant northerly for two weeks. Except for the moments when we weren't cycling north, when it seemed to swing round in order to stay on the nose. Pedalling hard to cycle downhill gets tedious after a while!

 

[Oldhand]

Unless it has changed a lot from my days operating target drones on the RA Range, Benbecula, the winds were predominantly westerly. When the howl caused by the interference of the Dark Island Hotel ceased, one woke up in spite of the evening's whiskey consumption 'cause it was too quiet!

I think the answer to your question is "pot-luck" but never be too far from good shelter.