You meet the nicest people in the most remote places!

 

We are starting to work south now but the scenery is amazing. Equally amazing is the fact that we're meeting people we know! From Plockton, we sailed under the Skye Bridge.

Just beyond the bridge we had a catch-up with Barbara and Joan who were kayaking from their rented cottage in Balmacara Bay.

We headed south, with the tide sluicing us through Kyle Rhea, towards Loch Nevis and the hamlet of Inverie. Inverie is famous as being the most remote village in mainland Scotland, accessible only by a ferry or via a pretty arduous overland hike.

Anchored at Inverie. Population about 100 but a popular tourist destination, most visitors arriving by the 6-mile ferry crossing from Mallaig.

We couldn't possibly meet anyone we know in such a remote spot, you'd think, but no. Di's nephew, Gary, is married to Beccy and her brother Richard has just married Hannah. They are having their honeymoon in.... Inverie! So it was great to have them aboard for a coffee:

There must be a mobile signal over there!

From Inverie we had a cracking sail to the little island of Muck (population 31 adults and 9 children). Another stunning location in the summer, possibly a bit exposed to the elements in the winter.

Muck, with Eigg to the right and Rum in the distance

The anchorage in Port Mor

The island is the most fertile of the Small Isles and is owned by the McEwen family - we met three generations of them in the little cafe this morning and they were very welcoming. 

The Highland ponies seem to thrive here

Finally, we set off this lunchtime in absolutely calm conditions for the 3-hour passage to Tobermory. The rounding of Ardnamurchan Point couldn't have been easier.

With clothes washed and food stocks replenished, we'll head off tomorrow down the west side of Mull.