The high cliffs and rock formations on the south-west and north-west coasts of Skye make this area visually awe-inspiring, especially from the sea. Leaving Loch Harport, one passes 'The Castle' rock complete with turrets and ramparts. Soon afterwards heading first west and then north, the eye is drawn to three pinnacles of rock (actually basalt) standing isolated in the sea just off Idrigill Point - the so-called 'Macleod's Maidens'. The inner and tallest maiden stands a magnificent 60 metres high.
Turning the corner at Neist Point with its splendid light house, one is confronted by yet more spectacular cliffs on this very exposed shore.
Some more splendid basalt columns were passed en route to Stein (no relation to Rick of Padstow fame!), a tiny and little known village at the southern end of Loch Bay (just to the north of the better known Loch Dunvegan), on the SW shore of the Waternish peninsula. Although the inn the came well recommended by daughter Laurel who had visited earlier in the year, we were too tired to go ashore to sample its fare. That will have to wait for another visit.
Sunday morning saw us making an early start to catch the NE-going stream up The Minch, where stream run strong between Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Noticed the Scots answer to Durdle Door on the way.
Unfortunately time did not allow further exploration of either Skye or the Outer Hebrides, just 12 miles west across The Minch ... another reason to revisit this wonderful cruising area. The wind from the north was blowing force 4 so we had an excellent sail east towards Loch Gairloch, our next resting place. Badachro, a very attractive little village with a wonderful pub and visited many times previously by us from the land, was our intended overnight anchorage spot. However so many other boats were moored or anchored in there with the same idea, we decided to go round the corner to Loch Shieldaig and pick up a mooring there instead. Much more peaceful and only a short walk to the pub.
Galley slave can report minor triumph: successful bread baking using warm engine compartment for proving the dough. Only slightly sagging on the port side!
Now we are off to explore Loch Ewe and revisit Inverewe Gardens before heading north towards Cape Wrath and the Orkneys. Hope to be up in Stromness by end this week if all goes well.
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