Loch Etive

It must have been the alarming tone of the sailing directions but I had sailed out of Dunstaffnage for more than a decade before having a go at Loch Etive. But one flat calm sunny day in May, at neaps, I finally motored under Connel bridge, said to be the second largest cantilever bridge in the world, through the Kilmaronag narrows and into the loch - fabulous! And not so difficult as it appeared at first sight. Even the narrows at Bonawe are a doddle, keeping left to avoid electrocution. It is extraordinary to be in amongst some of the highest mountains in Scotland, many of which are very accessible from the anchorages, all alone sailing up the upper loch usually with grand views ahead, and yet within a few miles of the hundreds of boats parked in Dunstaffnage Marina. This has got to be the best sea loch in the area, and one of the best in all of Scotland. There are a number 'official' anchorages and innumerable unofficial ones.

Loch Etive anchorages:

Achnacreemore Bay

Stonefiled bay (Linne na Craige)

Auchnacloich Bay

Ardchattan Priory

Airds Bay

Sailean Rubha

Upper Loch Etive