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For the adventurous cruising yachtsman one of the great rites of passage is the journey to reach these islands. Departing from Tobermory, Tiree or Coll, a full day is taken to cross the Sea of the Hebrides to Barra, Eriskay or Loch Boisdale. If the wind does not allow a reach or a run we head north to Muck, Eigg, Rum or Canna for the night to shorten the passage across the Minch the following day. It is day 3 when we start to explore the Western Isles and already we are concerned about how much time we need to allow to reach our mainland base at the end of the week.
A one week charter of Westbound Adventurer from the Isle of Barra allows a full 6 days of exploration.
Head south towards Barra Head and sail round the west side of Mingulay and capture on camera the second highest sea cliffs in the UK. Anchor off Barra Head and walk to the highest lighthouse in the UK. Anchor off Mingulay, Pabbay or Sandray and explore one of the most beautiful uninhabited islands in Scotland. Return to Vatersay or Castlebay that evening.
If an Atlantic swell is running then sail up the east side of the Outer Hebrides stopping at Northbay (2 hour passage) Eriskay (3 hours) Loch Boisdale (4/5 hours) or Loch Skipport (7 hours).
Continue up the east side towards the Sound of Harris in the knowledge that there are many safe anchorages on the way. Visit Loch Maddy on North Uist or Rodel on the SE corner of Harris.
Return south towards Barra visiting the ports that you missed out on the way north.
A 2 week charter opens up the entire east coast of Harris and Lewis.
If your skipper has the Yachtmaster Offshore qualification (or equivalent experience) then passages through the Sound of Barra or Sound of Harris towards St.Kilda are possible. Explorations up the West coast of Harris and Lewis to Taransay, Scarp and Loch Roag are another option.
To reach the Isle of Barra you can book a return flight from Glasgow via www.flybe.com In the summer months there are 2 flights on Saturdays. Land on Barra Airport beach. The only tidal runway in the world for scheduled flights. Return flights will cost between £75 and £110 depending on how far in advance you book.
Alternatively take the Saturday afternoon ferry from Oban departing 1530 and reaching Barra 2030. Return fare is £22 but you will need to spend the final Saturday night B&B ashore and get the Sunday morning ferry out of Barra as there is no sailing from Barra to Oban on Saturdays. Accommodation can be booked via www.isleofbarra.com
Oban can be reached by train from Glasgow or by bus from Glasgow, Inverness or Fort William. Long term car parks are available in Oban.
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