Loch Aline
This quaint harbour in the Sound of Mull is now more accessible to visiting yachts, says Charmian Entwistle
Lochaline is a natural anchorage about half way along the Sound of Mull in Loch Aline. With deep, sheltered waters and good holding for anchoring, it has been an important natural harbour for the Morvern Peninsula from time immemorial.
With stunning views of the hills all around, Lochaline is the main village on the Morvern peninsular with the silica sand mine being the main employer.
Lochaline has always been a useful stopping off point on the way to or from the Inner or Outer Hebrides but recent improvements have made it even more attractive. Previously the anchorage was across the bay from the village, and with a strong current running through the loch entrance only the bravest of sailors would venture ashore to the pub on anything other than a very calm evening. Today, Lochaline Harbour offers 30 pontoon berths and 10 moorings making the village and its facilities much more accessible and a safe haven in strong winds.
Navigating Mull
The Sound of Mull is not without navigational hazards but details are clear on the relevant charts and in the Clyde Cruising Club Pilot Book, Kintyre to Ardnamurchan. If you’re approaching Loch Aline from the west there are no offshore dangers, but if you are heading in from the south there is a reef off Borkolie Point. The entrance to the loch is narrow but is well marked and the tide can be as fast as 2.5 knots so it can become a bit cosy if you find yourself sharing the channel with the Calmac ferry crossing to Fishnish on Mull! Once through the channel, the pontoons and moorings are clearly visible and you should be able to contact the marina on Ch80 to check which berth to take.
Here a warm welcome awaits and you’ll find all the usual shoreside services such as wifi, great showers, laundry, water and electricity (included in the price). Fuel is not available at the marina but can be bought next to Lochaline Stores, which also sells a wide range of food and goods. Being an hour and a half’s drive from Fort William the village is quite remote and at the end of a single-track road, so keep that in mind when shopping there.
Once ashore the village is about a 10-minute walk away past the silica mine, but the path is well maintained and clearly lit if you’re returning after dark. Lochaline currently has three licensed premises; a hotel serving bar meals, the Social Club (no membership required for visitors) and the award-winning White House Restaurant. The Snack Bar on the old pier serves fresh hot snacks and will deliver to the harbour. The Dive Centre has a café, free wifi and a drying room open to non-residents. As with most restaurants you might visit in the Highlands and Islands during high season, booking dinner in advance is essential.
Shoreside activity
If time permits a walk or a sail to the head of the loch will take you to the stunning Ardtonish Gardens. Alternatively, you could visit the Carved Stones of Keil.
Lochaline is great place to stop off on the first or last night of your cruise from any of the marinas in Argyll. Heading northwest from Loch Aline along the Sound of Mull takes you out past Tobermory and after that there are endless options depending on weather and time.