Round the UK planning

[masterofnone]

Who else is planning? My plan 1mth south coast to Ballycastle N.I, 2 mths around the Isles. 1 mth Shetland and Orkney, 1mth East Coast. Hopefully alot of anchoring. Planning to leave wc 21/04/25. Interested to hear from people with ideas/ must see, etc

 

[dunedin]

Nee edition just published -

UK and Ireland Circumnavigator’s Guide 3rd edition: Essential Planning Advice for All Boaters​

- Amazon.co.uk

 

[masterofnone]

Have the first and second, amongst alot of charts and pilot books

 

[Daverw]

Who else is planning? My plan 1mth south coast to Ballycastle N.I, 2 mths around the Isles. 1 mth Shetland and Orkney, 1mth East Coast. Hopefully alot of anchoring. Planning to leave wc 21/04/25. Interested to hear from people with ideas/ must see, etc

We’re planning on leaving from Hull 2nd May, going N, going via Calli and plan to spend 1 m in west Isle, then down to NI, Isle of Man, Ireland for 2 weeks before heading to Scilly, time frame very flexible to be back around end September. Planning short hops and staying for a few days to explore each, Anchor and harbours etc, time will tell. Mostly single handed with another on his boat

 

[Baddox]

We're planning to set sail north up the east coast starting any time the weather is kind from mid April. We'll do short hops, having time to explore on the way until we get to Aberdeenshire where the weather will help us decide to either turn left to the Caledonian canal or north to Orkney and further. From there we’re aiming for the Scottish west coast for the summer and either overwintering the boat there or doing some longer legs back home.

We may throw in a trip to Ireland and up the Caledonian canal if we miss it by going round the top.

 

[jamie N]

Limiting one's journey to only venturing as far North as the Caledonian canal is like to flying to Nepal, buying a post card of Mt. Everest at the airport, and flying straight back, rather than actually going to the mountain itself.

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Limiting one's journey to only venturing as far North as the Caledonian canal is like to flying to Nepal, buying a post card of Mt. Everest at the airport, and flying straight back, rather than actually going to the mountain itself.

Unless your interest is in temples and monks and not mountains. Then your journey is not limited.

Sailing through the Caledonian canal and lochs is a journey in itself.

 

[Daverw]

Especially as admiral who cannot do the whole trip wants to try and find Nessie

 

[boomerangben]

The canal is nice, but not as nice as Shetland, Orkney and the northern Hebrides.

 

[Daverw]

Yes we do love Shetland, been on the island many times although mostly for work, the top end will most like y form a future trip on its own

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Oban Bay has a useful facility at the North Pier, Transit Pontoons, where yachts can crew change (rail and bus hub and a nearby airport) or conveniently berth to restock victuals. Everything you need can be obtained in Oban. The Transist Pontoon has proved to be popular and busy.

However, in January Storm Eowyn damaged the facility and it is not clear if it will be opened. If planning on using the facility, ask on here if it's opened nearer the time. Someone will know, or call the Harbour Master.

North Pier Harbour Master
To contact the Harbour office please call the Harbour Master on 01631 562892, VHF ch12, or use the online contact form.
North Pier Pontoons | Argyll and Bute Council.

An alternative is Kerrera Marina, just opposite Oban which has small ferry service Home - Kerrera Marina

 

[masterofnone]

Thanks

 

[Concerto]

I did a similar trip in 2022 single handed but in the opposite direction. Click on my avatar or via my signature for my about me page where all the videos and daily forum posts links are. Have to say I really enjoyed Orkney and Shetland and will be returning in a couple of years. The last forum thread includes my costings for the trip.

 

[masterofnone]

I did a similar trip in 2022 single handed but in the opposite direction. Click on my avatar or via my signature for my about me page where all the videos and daily forum posts links are. Have to say I really enjoyed Orkney and Shetland and will be returning in a couple of years. The last forum thread includes my costings for the trip.

Thanks for that, some great content!