Scottish anchorages

Just after the bridge, which is much newer than it looks having opened in 1975, this is a nice spot alright but because there are a lot of private moorings it is difficult to anchor. North Ballachulish is hardly an attractive village but there is an art gallery in a small complex of craft enterprises just by the Loch Leven Hotel, the F.W.Holroyd Art Gallery and although established for nearly 100 years, it has only been here since the early 2000s. (ph 01855 821 277). Also do visit Starfish Celtic Harps - Mike, Dave and Davey make more lever harps to order than anyone else in Scotland (also known as Celtic harps or clarsachs). You will find these master craftsman just behind the art gallery where they are more than willing to show you around their workshop - and sell you a harp (or electric violin, viola or cello if that is your fancy).

You can walk to the hotel along the foreshore. The attractive path starts by the small isthmus joining the islet of An Dunain in the SW corner of the bay to the mainland. En route take a turn round the islet to find the cup marks on a rock by a metal post, facing south. These are prehistoric and notwithstanding the effort that must have gone into carving them out of the rock their function is unknown.

The Loch Leven Hotel itself is prettily situated above the old ferry slipway, presumably it was much busier and touristic before the bridge was opened than it is now (ph 01855 821550). There are no special beers but you can eat looking out onto the water below.