Scottish anchorages

Everyone has heard of Staffa, Fingal's cave, Mendelssohn and his Hebridean overture. But not that many people have been here. The island is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and as far as I know has not been inhabited for centuries.

It is an even more dodgy spot to anchor than Iona, only sensible in quiet conditions, and maybe best to leave someone on board while the rest of the crew look into Fingal's cave and then you leave (land by the small pier, turn left and follow the stony path for 10 minutes where last time I was there a woman fell and broke her arm, so hold on to the railing). And on a really quiet day you can take your dinghy round into the cave itself. This is another great Hebridean experience. The cave is huge, the rock is volcanic basalt and has been formed into amazing more or less vertical hexagonal columns. Also do the short walk up to the top of the island where you get a fabulous view.

Definitely worth a detour, a romantic must. But best done early or late to avoid the many tourist boats that bring people over from Mull and Iona.