OS Sheet 24. Adm Chart 2209 Six digits = NGR

These notes are from my log of our 1996 Scotland cruise in “Speedy” our Beaufort, a 16’ 6” dinghy with foredeck. After launching at Plockton we sailed mostly downwind up the Inner Sound via Rona into Loch Torridon. Anchorages with good protection from gales and swell are few and far between.

Except for the narrows between L Torridon and Upper L Torridon tidal streams are weak with the disadvantage that they do not help you to shorten passage times. These considerations and the unsettled windy weather persuaded me to recover the boat in Torridon rather than beat south back to our starting point.

Morale had also been lowered by the boat being burgled by tinkers when she was dried out for the day on a beach in Upper L Torridon.

Crowlin Islands. 690350. We stopped in here for lunch but did not fancy spending the night.

Poll Domhain. 703396. We did not look at this but later on Rona we met Tim on his Wharram Tiki which he keeps in P D. He recommends it for overnight. Tim lives at Coillegillie 701387 and invited us to visit for showers.

Poll Creadha. 710410. Fisherman pointed out the empty mooring buoy next to him which he said belonged to a 36’ yacht that was never there. He also showed us the wellie boot where he was hiding the keys to his own wheelhouse so that we could shelter there for the night if we wanted! We didn’t and spent a comfortable overnight on “Speedy” despite the crowd of fishing boats.

Acairseid Mhor (‘Big Harbour’). 617568. A most beautiful anchorage for any size boat. We entered by the south entrance, surfing down waves propelled by a SW5. Inside we anchored in 5 metres on soft mud and measured 16-24 mph (F5) on my Ventimeter but water was quiet. Only one other boat in. Otters on beach. Spent two nights here, exploring island — found 35 species wild flowers.

Acairseid Thioram (‘Dry Harbour’). 620580 not suitable. Visited Mr & Mrs Don McCalman at the cottage 616571. They are the only civilian inhabitants and have two bathrooms available to visiting sailors! Water tap. Spring water looked contaminated. Departed via the N entrance to go to Loch Torridon.

Eilean Mor. 754583. Stopped here for lunch but too open for overnight for us.

Loch a Chracaich. 759575. We looked at but too open.

Loch Beag. 780565. Ditto and 3000 miles fetch!

Ob na h Acairseid. 785564. We spent a lot of time in here sheltering from bad weather! The inlet is busy with fish farming traffic but workers were friendly, offered us a vacant buoy when we needed a haven, and even a lift ashore. At the head of the inlet is a hard where we eventually recovered our boat and you could also consider launching here. Ashore we found a field profuse with Spotted Orchids.

Ob Mheallaidh. 830540. Tempting perhaps but I would be worried about possible downdrafts from Ben Shieldaig.

Balgy. 847546. Clean landing but no anchorage

Ob Corm Beag (‘Little green/blue bay’). 861545. We spent a few days weather bound in here! Halfway inside the inlet there is a wire across the whole width at or just beneath the surface. This suspends some fishfarm tackle. With centre plate and rudder blade up we rowed over it like the WW2 heroes passing the submarine nets! As the winds got stronger I strengthened our moorings until we had two anchors on the bottom and two lines to strong points ashore. If we had been anywhere less sheltered we would have been in a bad way. Bottom is small rocks and sand and tides were springs with a 5 metre range. We touched one of the few large rocks at 02hOO and when I looked out an otter came up briefly and squeaked at me.

Ob Gorm Mor. 867550. We walked past here and thought it a possible but bottom rocky. A cleared patch is occupied by a local’s heavy boat.

I do not think there are any other places one would feel secure overnight in this area but would be delighted to hear others’ experience.