Loch Slapin and the Cuillins, Isle of Skye, Highland route to the Cape, and then perhaps seeking Lochs Dunvegan (moorings), Harport
© Dennis Hardley. the shelter provided by Loch Erribol to the (moorings) and Scavaig are all worthy of
east, or to venture west once more. Some exploration, as is the island of Soay.
moorings), although some will favour the may choose to cross the Minch to the
remote island of Rhona. The most popular Outer Isles, possibly heading for Stornoway At the head of Loch Dunvegan is Dunvegan
anchorage is Acarseid Mhor (Big Bay) which (pontoons available) on Lewis, whilst others Castle, ancestral home of the Clan Macleod.
has one mooring available and a dinghy will continue down the west coast of Skye. Further south lies Loch Bracadale, guarded
pontoon, Ashore there are limited facilities to the west by the spectacular pinnacles
and some interesting walks. WEST COAST OF SKYE known as MacLeod’s Maidens; Loch Harport
The west coast of Skye is deeply incised extends to the south east of this and is
Some sailors will choose to head for the and as a result has a number of lochs that home to the Talisker Distillery, the only one
eastern (mainland) side of the Inner Sound are worthy of exploration. The scenery is on Skye. Finally, sailing inside the island of
and perhaps visit Loch Torridon, Gairloch spectacular, with cliffs that rival those of St Soay brings the visitor to Loch Scavaig,
(pontoons available) or the sheltered Kilda and every loch offering views of the considered to be one of the most spectacular
anchorage at Badachro. From here the Cuillin and wildlife spotting opportunities. anchorages in the world (www.skye.co.uk).
choice is to either continue north along the The port of Uig lies at the north west end
mainland shore, perhaps as far as Cape of the island; south of this there are no THE OUTER HEBRIDES
Wrath, passing places such as Ullapool recognised harbours or facilities, making The Outer Hebrides are well worth a visit
(moorings), Lochinver (pontoons) and cruising in this area ‘a sail on the wild side’, if time and weather conditions allow. They
Kinlochbervie (pontoons) or visit some of and sound anchoring technique a necessity. are home to some of the finest beaches
the remote lochs on this part of the coast en Do not let this dissuade you however. in the world, although many of these are
talisker distillery
The Talisker Distillery is set on the shores up the south west side of Skye, possibly
of Loch Harport on the west coast of Skye, calling in at the Small Isles and/or Loch
set against the spectacular backdrop of Scavaig en route, or will instead arrive from
the Cuillin ridge which crosses the island. the north and west passing the spectacular
Whilst there are numerous distilleries for Macleod’s Maidens .
sailors to tour when visiting Scotland, it is
the unique setting of the Talisker distillery The distillery itself is open seven days a
which sets it apart from the others. week during the peak summer months,
and is closed on Sundays during the
With the notable exception of when the spring and autumn. Guided tours are
distillery forms part of the Classic Malts available, together with the opportunity to
Cruise, Loch Harport is usually sparsely sample the malts, and advance booking is
populated with visiting boats. For a boat to recommended.
reach the distillery it will have either sailed www.discovering-distilleries.com/talisker
www.sailscotland.co.uk
Skye & North West.indd 8 11/12/09 12:56:31
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