Ardmucknish Bay / Oban Area

[Steve509926]

We are off to Benderloch early July for a couple of weeks and I'm starting to plan a few trips that I would like to do within the constraints of a wife who sets a maximum time in Redneck of 3 hours.

One trip I fancy doing, is :- Benderloch, around the West of Kerrera, down past Easdale, between Luing/Cuan, upto Clachan bridge (stop off for lunch/drink), back up the East side of Kerrera, back to Benderloch.

Questions arising are:-
Cruising at 12 knots, is that doable?
How long before/after high tide can you navigate through/under Clachan bridge?
Does Kerrera /Oban marina have a visitors pontoon to stop off for a drink /stretch of legs?

Any other ideas for trips (within the 3 hour constraint) with pub/cafe/stretch of leg stop will be gratefully received

Thanks, Steve

[The Gurnard]

Hi again Steve

You will find its around 40 miles so you can do your own maths for your time and speed and whether you want to stop for a break on Kerrera.

I would only recommend it in reasonable weather unless you dont mind rough waters as there are fairly severe overfalls off the south west tip of Kerrera when windy.

Going through the channel obviously depends on neep or springs..but you cant get through around half tide or less springs..even less at neeps..so time for HW only as its a long way back if you find it too shallow

A trip to Appin Hotel is worthy of an outing but book before going as its very popular and right beside the harbour ..about 20 miles return

A trip into Loch Crearan and stop at Creggan Hotel is also a good eating place ..but again book. about 30 miles return

If sea is calm..through Lismore tide race and up Sound of Mull.. Take away cafe at Loch Aline pier ..about 30 miles return

Oban has visitor pontoons and plenty places to eat.. I never go to Kerrera marina so cant answer that one

That should give you a rough idea to make plans

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by The Gurnard

Hi again Steve

You will find its around 40 miles so you can do your own maths for your time and speed and whether you want to stop for a break on Kerrera.

I would only recommend it in reasonable weather unless you dont mind rough waters as there are fairly severe overfalls off the south west tip of Kerrera when windy.

Thanks Donny, brilliant info.

Would it be better to go there and back through the Sound of Kerrera if the weather isn't that favourable?

Originally Posted by The Gurnard

If sea is calm..through Lismore tide race and up Sound of Mull.. Take away cafe at Loch Aline pier ..about 30 miles return

If on the return the sea state changes would I miss most of the tide race if I went south of Lady's Rock?

I took a look on Google maps at Ballachulish Marina and it appears to have changed a lot since I was there last, but I suppose 20 years is a long time! Is it still possible to launch there? Am I right in thinking the overfalls aren't to bad a couple of hours either side of high tide and that the Ballachulish side is the easiest to pass under the bridge?