PASSAGE PLANNER

Stromness to Tarbert

Monitor wind and sea state forecasts very carefully as conditions can change rapidly. Cape Wrath is exposed to W and N and in strong NW through NE winds dangerous seas can build quickly.

DEPARTURE

Westwards from Stromness: Leave 30 minutes before the end of the ebb to avoid overfalls in the Sound of Hoy. The entrance to Eilean nan Ron anchorage in Kyle of Tongue is very narrow but straightforward by day. At night Loch Eriboll anchorages are preferable. Rounding Cape Wrath (Fl (4) 30s, 122m, foghorn), keep 3-5 miles offshore. In very settled conditions you can pass close inshore, but beware Duslic Rock (dries 3.4m), 7 cables NE of the lighthouse. The W-going stream off Cape Wrath begins at +0230 Ullapool.

ARRIVAL

S of Cape Wrath there are many anchorages and two harbours: The Bodha Ceann Na Seil shoal in Loch Inchard is marked with a lit NCB and the entrance is well lit. Continuing SW down the coast, strong wind against tide can cause bad seas off Point of Stoer, the headland N of Loch Inver. Entering Loch Inver from N, take care to avoid the drying Bo Caolas rocks NE of Soyea I. Glas Leac rock marks the final approach to Loch Inver and has a sector light. Loch Ewe offers a number of anchorages with shelter from different directions. East Loch Tarbert may be approached to N of Scalpay Island if air draft is less than 20m, this being the clearance under the bridge from North Harris. Larger yachts must route S of Scalpay. At East Loch Tarbert either use the pontoon or anchor WSW of ferry pier or in North Harbour on Scalpay.

PUBLICATIONS

Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions – Ardnamurchan to Cape Wrath, 2nd edition (Imray, £32.50).

Clyde Cruising Club Sailing Directions – Orkney and Shetland Islands, (Imray, £35). The Yachtsman’s Pilot: Skye and Northwest Scotland by Martin Lawrence, 3rd edition (Imray, £27.50)

Imray Charts C67, C68