We left Malaig around noon on the day I can't remember, and picked up a mooring at Invarie, Knoydart, to go for lunch at the Old Forge, the remotest pub on the British mainland. A 20 mile walk over the mountains, or six miles by boat from Malaig. With me boring Gail with takes of Munros concoured many years ago.
We had calculated the best time to leave for Kyle of Lochalsh, in order to get through the tidal gate of Kyle Rea with a favourable tide. 7.6 knots at springs, and a very narrow chanel, we should leave around 15.30.
Motoring again as the light wind was once again North East. Lots of seals seen in the strong tidal gate.
Heading towards the Kyle we were overtaken by a large RIB who gave us a friendly wave. On arrival at Lochalsh we were dismayed to not the RIB was tied up on the only available berth on the pontoon. What to do. It was now? It was 7 o,clock in the evening. The next stop would be Portree on Skye. We should be able to make it before dark.
We headed beneath the Skye bridge. Funny how it always looks as if the mast will touch. As soon as we passed under the bridge the sea turned awful. Wind increased and wind over tide created what can only be described as horrible conditions. Very short breaking waves around 2m high. We motored into these for what turned out to be about three hours, before entering Portree harbout around 22.00 hours and picking up a mooring at ten minutes past ten. Still another hours daylight left. we were pretty knackered after the unexpected extension of our journey.
The next day was quite nice and we enjoyed a good walk around the peninsular near Portree.
When we woke up the following day a block of flats, sorry, cruise ship, had dropped anchor just outside the harbour. We hoisted sail on the mooring and motor sailed as far as the cruise ship, before rolling out the jib for a cracking sail to Loch Gairloch where we managed, with a little difficulty, due to the force 5 still blowing, to come alongside the pontoon. The 25 mile leg had meant sailing 35 miles as it was a beat the whole way.
Another fine meal out, this time in the Old Inn, where a party of us ate on the Loch Maree trip, and a nice walk into Gairloch the next day to buy meat from the excellent (but expensive) butcher.
We set off the next day with a pleasant sail out of the loch on a gentle reach. As soon as we cleared the land the wind kicked in again force 4 to 5 from.....you,ve guessed it...the North East.As we had good wind we decided it would be best to sail rather than try to motor into another lumpy sea. We had a cracking sail, overtaking a 42 foot ketch which had left half an hour before us, which we tramped past with one reef in and left them miles behind.
We continued beating for a total of 9 hours, finally making it to Lochinver. 40 miles as the crow flies, but 55 miles of beating. We were met o the pontoon by an OLD friend, Dave Mackenzie, who had taken the ferry over from Stornaway specially, and hitched up to see us. We invited hin to do the next couple of legs with us but he has sadly declined. Wise man.
Now sitting in the Lochinver Mission where there is free internet access, before making our way to the liesure centre for a much needed shower.
The bottom picture shows the sun setting on Sulvan last night.
These photos make the adventure look almost romantic until you see where Gail keeps Les stashed away until it's time to do the cooking!!
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