Oban to Arisaig

24th to 26th May
Oban-Loch Drumbuie-Muck-Rum-Arisaig

There was a spell of windy weather in Oban, enough to fly the Avon (inflatable dinghy), which spun on the end of the painter till it crash-landed on deck! I couldn’t row ashore but the crew of the little ferry skilfully steered alongside so I could jump aboard and see some Oban sights and meet Anna - fresh off the Glasgow train.

Oban from Kerera mooring

Passing Ardnamurchan Point

Snow on the higher peaks!

Pretty company anchored at Rum

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Then a bright sunny day arrived giving wonderful sailing, tacking up the Sound of Mull for a night in Loch Drumbuie. Although described as ‘popular’ in the guide, we were the sole visitors. Imagine that:-a whole Scottish loch to yourselves! We scrambled up the side of the loch, pretty with wild flowers - but a bit steep for comfort – grateful a couple of hours later to get back aboard ‘Misty’.

Next, another good sailing day, past Ardnamurchan Point, to the little island of Muck. Muck for lunch, then Rum for tea - and overnight anchorage. They were

Shearwaters on the way to Muck

Arisaig

Loch Drumbuie all to ourselves!

Gift shop on Muck

the two Small Isles not visited on last year’s trip, and I’m keen to see new places when practical. Muck is little, about a mile by two miles, but Rum relatively big and distinctively mountainous. Each has a population of less than 30, and a wonderful air of seclusion and peace, and competent self-sufficiency (though ferries do call in a few days a week).

It’s been clear with fine views of the Cuillins on Skye, and snow (yes, snow!) on the higher peaks. And there’s a wealth of bird life which Anna helps identify.

Now we’re bobbing on a mooring at Arisaig, another pretty and sheltered spot surrounded by rocks, lots of boats and copses of evergreens. Strong winds and heavy rain!