Mull & the Southern Hebrides

Oban, the Firth of Lorn & Loch Linhe

In winter Red Moon is based at Dunstaffnage Marina near Oban. Oban is a key town on the west coast for access to the Western Isles. From April until we are due to be in Skye and again in October, or whenever we return from Skye, we can offer cruises from Dunstaffnage Marina.

There is some lovely cruising to be had close by Oban. The Firth of Lorn roughly runs up from the Crinan Canal to Oban through the northen part of Sound of Jura taking in Lochs Sween, Craignish, Melfort and Shuna and islands Scarba, Lunga, Luing, Seil, Easdale and the north of Jura.

The infamous Corryvrecken whirlpool lies between Jura and Scarba. Luing, Easdale and Seil are also know as the 'Slate Islands' and in the past were the source of vast quantities of Scottish slate used in house building. Nowadays, Easdale is proud to host the World Stone Skimming Championships in one of the disused ( and water filled) and quarries.

Loch Linhe starts just north of Dunstaffnage and we can cruise to the islands of Shuna, Lismore and Kerrera or perhaps enjoy a trip ashore visiting ruined Bernera Castle just off Bernera/Lismore islands.

Lying on the coast of Appin north of Loch Creran, Port Appin is a pretty little fishing village on a peaceful secluded peninsula between Oban and Ballachulish. One of Scotland’s most romantic ruined castles, the much-photographed Castle Stalker, occupies a tiny rock island to the north of the village. We can tender closer to the castle at high tide.

At the head of Loch Linhe, after passing through the Corran narrows is Fort William and the start of the Caledonian Canal. A cruise through the Canal is possible at special request – it's a six night one way journey for Red Moon. An alternative is to turn into Loch Leven just before the Corran Narrows and ( tides allowing) a scenic cruise to the foot of Glencoe. Eilean Munde 'graveyard island' sited in Loch Leven may be of interest to those re -searching their Scottish roots particularly if they are a Stewart, Campbell or MacDonald.

The Sound of Mull

Lots to see and visit here both on the mainland and the island itself. Sailing up the east side of the Sound of Mull, we often stop in Loch Aline. It is a small, sheltered loch which offers easy lochside walking. You can follow the coast around to Castle Ardtornish which allows for great views over the Sound. In the other direction the path leads you past Ardtornish House to Lochaline village which has a pub, shop and well reviewed restaurant, the White House.

A definite otter spotting place...

North from Loch Aline on the mainland takes us to Loch Sunart. A favourite stop before entering the loch proper is Loch na Droma Buidhe ( Drumbuie) which is a delighfully enclosed sheltered wee anchorage – another 'wild & remote' spot. Walks ashore possible.

Loch Sunart stetches about 14 miles inland and has another loch adjoining it – Loch Teacuis which is approached through a challenging winding channel. Sunart is a lovely loch with plenty of places to anchor, walks ashore and wildlife spotting opportunities. The town of Strontian lies at the head of the loch; at the sea – entrance we pass Glenborrowdale castle and visits to Ardnamurchan Distillery or Glenborrodale Nature Reserve (RSPB) are possible. Expect a short walk from wherever we land you.

Mull

A very popular island destination with vistors to Scotland, the most well known town being Tobermory on the Sound of Mull, eastern side of the island. This is also popular as an anchorage and harbour and we will usually stop here during a Sound of Mull or Around Mull cruise. Plenty of shops and eating places ashore as well as delightful walks from the town itself. There is an interesting information centre and of course Tobermory Distillery.

On a cruise around Mull we might go clockwise or anti clockwise around the island depending on weather conditions. Going anti clockwise would probably start with a visit to Tobermory – we can usually get there for either the first night or possibly a morning stop on day two.

Sailing north and around past the headland of we pass Bloody bay and Port Croig. We might stop in Port Croig / Loch A Chumhainn for lunch. This has been a good passage for dolphins or porpoises to join us. Passing Calgary Bay on Mull's northwest coast -a beauiful sandy beach and occasional stopping place - we head to one of the highlights of this particular trip - the Treshnish islands of Lunga and Fladda. Treshnish is home to a large colony of puffins. They can usually be seen in the spring which is when we cruise this area and a visit ashore is delighful!

We often head to Staffa for late afternoon as the sun is angled into the famous Fingal's cave and this time of day is a particularly stunning time to see it. If we can get our tender into the Cave we will do so, otherwise we can usually tender to the landing steps on the island for guests to walk ashore. Our evening anchorage will be close by in either Gometra Harbour or Laggan Bay north of Ulva Ferry, possibly in the Sound of Ulva or by the island of Inch Kenneth (which was home to the Mitford Sisters) or at Bunessan Harbour.

Next day will usually see us anchoring off the atmospheric island Iona for a visit ashore to the Abbey. Known as 'cradle of Christianity' in Scotland, this island is a very special place and worth spending sometime exploring. As well as the Abbey there is a Heritage Centre, craft & gift shops, a couple of galleries and a pottery.

The journey back to Oban is round the Ross of Mull and along the south coast. This opens up more possibilities for dolphin and whale spotting and allows us to stop off at some very secluded and beautiful white sandy coves.Our final stop will usually be in Loch Spelve just into the Sound of Mull. A lovely, sheltered anchorage with, in late spring, bluebell covered slopes. Otters & seals a possibility here.This circumnavigation then finishes with crossing the Firth of Lorn and into the Kerrera Sound before heading to Oban or Dunstaffnage.

wildaboutargyll.co.uk

isle-of-mull.net

visitmullandiona.co.uk

Southern Hebrides

If you are keen to visit Islay, Gigha and Jura please do contact us and we can discuss your requirements. Red Moon can cruise to these islands in the Spring weather depending.