After we left Stornoway, we crossed the Hebridean sea to reach the west coast of northern Scotland: the Highlands. We made a few stops in this sparsely populated region, rich with clan history and dominated by the highest mountain ranges of the UK.
Loch Torridon in the mist
As we arrived in Loch Torridon, we hoped that the weather would clear the next day, so that we could see the mountains that frame this loch and make its reputation.
We were well positioned in our anchorage (Inveralligin) to appreciate the view. The sky was briefly blue in the morning but the major mountains remained draped in their clouds.
Most charming village (Plockton)
Plockton sits on the edge of a sheltered bay in Loch Carron. We really liked this charming village.
Our mooring buoy was located right in front of the stunning Duncraig castle. It’s sad that the castle is no longer in operation.
Under the bridge of Skye
It’s always impressive to pass under a bridge with a sailboat. Even though you know there is enough clearance for the mast, the visual effect right before passing makes you doubt.
There is a lot of tidal current in this passage between Scotland and Skye. Fortunately, we timed our arrival to have them in our favor. However, we couldn’t count on the wind as it was canceled or deflected by the mountains.
Busy Mallaig
Mallaig is an active fishing port and one of the rare places for provisioning in this area (food, water, fuel). Many boats just stay for a few hours. When we arrived, despite a reservation, the only places where we could fit were occupied by a boat that needed repairs and two “short-term” visitors.
The ferry terminal and train station create a steady flow of visitors. The bonus beeing a fine bakery next to the marina.
The Jacobite Steam Train became famous as the Hogwarts Express. The line between Fort William and Mallaig passes over Glenfinnan viaduct, a distinctive landmark for all Harry Potter fans.
7 replies on “Scottish Highlands”
Great blog. I see what you mean about the weather. What was wrong with the bow thruster?
Hi Denise, after making various tests, Yan discovered that it was the relay of the inverter that was blocked on one side. After unblocking and oiling them, the bowthruster works again. But maybe worth to have spare parts??
QU’est-ce qu’il avait ton propulseur d’étrave Yan ? Il est sous le lit ou c’est la batterie ?
C’est sympa de revoir ces images écossaises
Merci pour ton message. C’est le relai de l’inverseur du propulseur d’étrave qui était bloqué d’un côté. Yan a dû sortir tout le boîter pour pouvoir accéder aux relais et c’était un peu compliqué en raison de la manière dont les boîtiers sont boulonnés. Du coup, il a passé beaucoup de temps sous le lit 🙂
Et nous gardons un excellent souvenir de cette bonne tarte aux poires. Merci pour ce goûter 😁 Comme tu dis, nous sommes arrivés juste au bon moment.
Et le voyage continue. Vous avez vu le coup de tabac qui arrive lundi prochain là-haut ? Il était grand temps de descendre. Et nous a l’île de Man actuellement bien abrités à île de Man, nous risquons d’avoir du mal à descendre avec la reprise des vents de sud 😜 Bonne balade aux Scilly ou Soa arrive aussi. Bises
Chantal
Hello Chantal, hier a été une journée magnifique sur l’île de St Martins. SOA est arrivé et ancré non loin de nous. Mais aujourd’hui, fini de rire, on se prépare à l’arrivée de la tempête Flores demain. Aux îles Scilly, on est situé sur la bande sud de son passage et on va quand même avoir 35 kts de vent. Je crois que l’île de Man est sur son passage, alors tout de bon à vous aussi! Grosses bises, Silvia
It looks exactly like a Scottish July to me!! Glad you are enjoying it. 😃