Skye

The largest and most northerly island of the Inner Hebrides

Although it is now joined to the mainland by a bridge; Skye is geographically best described as a series of peninsulas, interspersed by sea lochs and bays, sticking out in various directions from its mountainous heart.

Approached from our base at Arisaig, Skye is dominated by the rugged mountain peaks of the Black Cullin and neighbouring Red Cullin hills.

Popular with mountaineers and hill walkers, the Black Cullin are the main attraction. A traverse of the Cullin Ridge, with its 3000m of ascent and 11 Munros is regarded by some as the ultimate mountaineering experience in the UK.

In addition to offering an obvious target for a circumnavigation, Skye offers the sailor some interesting challenges and rewarding destinations.

Loch Harport, with the village of Carbost on its south shore, provides a good anchorage, an Inn and access to the nearby Tallisker distillery.

Loch Scavaig in the south nestles below the Black Cullin and is famed for its scenery "one of the most photographic locations in Europe", as well as being renowned for violent squalls. It also provides access (in quiet conditions) to Loch Coruisk.

For thos en-passage north or circumnavigating the island; Kylerhea narrows between Skye and the mainland are renowned not just for the otters and seals that frequent these waters but for the waves and whirlpools created by the tide that can run up to 7 knots through this narrow channel.