Tue 14 July Oban to Corpach

Actually we were alongside in Kerrera, opposite Oban but do please read on.

Caledonian Canal Transit Night 1

We met the couple on a 42-ish footer called Athena of Southampton. Mike and Angela the crew. Mike was having some problems with matching his gelcoat to sprays so he could do some running repairs – something us cruising yachties have to do from time to time. Steve was able to advise about ‘Scott-Bader’ gelcoat specialists; the colour of Wight Mistress is 3969 and it looked a bit similar. Armed with that written on one of our cruising cards, we hoped this might help.

So, departing at 1025, recovering the dinghy into a tow, we made our way the 29.2 miles up to Corpach. What a lovely journey, inside Lismore Island are a few narrow bits and the view is stunning. Once up passed Corran, and having negotiated crossing the path of the ferry, all of a sudden there was Ben Nevis. Amazing!

The staff at Corpach Sea Lock, the entrance to the Caledonian Canal, were very friendly. They were happy because we called ahead of time and they were ready to receive us. So if you, dear reader, decide to bimble this way then our very best advice is to call them up and let them know you are coming, even if you have booked online ahead of time.

We locked into the sea basin at 1635 for the first night of our transit, and bimbled off to find the pub.

Local knowledge, the ‘Tradewinds’ is next door to the Co-op and is just across the railway crossing and up the hill a few minutes.

Suitably lubricated, we returned to Wight Mistress, where we consumed breakfast stuff with banana, yoghurt, dates and a cup of tea. Barbara disappeared to bed and Steve is sat here typing until he falls asleezzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.Read more