Lochs and Islands 1

10th to 14th June
Gairloch-Rona-Plockton-Loch Hourn-Eigg-Mallaig
(see route at http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/106413 )

There's a lot of truly magnificent and memorable coastline in this empty corner of Britain. It is getting busier though! Even the exquisite and rock-strewn anchorage at Acarseid Mhor on the Isle of Rona (pop. 2) had two other boats at anchor.
From there I sailed peacefully out next morning, and was jolted to attention by VHF call asking me to alter course away from submarine exercise. (Apparently this patch of sea - very deep - is where nuclear submarines get checked before going on patrol). I didn't see the sub but saw several range control vessels that keep an eye on things; and can see that exercising a nuclear submarine is not like exercising your pet spaniel.

At Plockton's peaceful and rhododendron lined station, I met Anna and Jonathan, fresh from Inverness. We sailed next morning under the bridge to Skye, via a pretty pool opposite a gaunt castle (Eillean Donan), and on to Loch Hourn. There we vied to take the best rainbow photo.

Then, time for another island, we chose Eigg. It's one of those places, most have heard of but few visit I guess. For a little island it makes a prominent sight, over 1,000ft at the top, south of Skye. Pol nam Partan, where we're pictured provides another rock-strewn empty anchorage.
Then we sailed north again and now we're in Mallaig. I've found wi-fi!