2025 May 19th, Day 51. Loch Inchard to Loch Roe.

 WIP

The wind was lighter than forecast and very variable,  I lost count of the number of times I turned the engine on to make the tide at Stoer Head but it was at least half a dozen, and I still didn't make it as the tide turned foul at least an hour ahead of schedule, again I suspect due to the high pressure. The waves were awkward and on the quarter, generally not big but every know and then a big set would come through. 

The Old Man of Stoer

Close in to Stoer Head for comfort, reducing the angle of the
quartering sea. 

Still the occasional big set coming through as I leave Stoer Head.

 

Facebook posts:

Afternoon:

This morning the inshore forecast at 07:00 was F2-4 occ 5 at first (that’s what I had coming here) I was tempted to go direct to Stornoway but all 3 models (UKMO Global, ECMWF & GFS) I have access to that have gust predictions showed gusts in excess of 25 knots late afternoon . I couldn’t reconcile them 🤔 so carried on with my plan.

The lunchtime forecast now says  “Northeasterly 4 or 5, occasionally 6 at first [this afternoon] in north [where I am]. Feeling smug 😏😏

Shows why it is best to have multiple sources of info and take the worst credible rather than the one you like.

My problem now is the 12:00 forecast also has a strong wind warning for tomorrow, hopefully that is the bad weather in this mornings model for Wednesday (gust >30) arriving tomorrow evening after I would expect to be in Stornoway.

Evening:

[..] looking good for tomorrow

The Minch 

24 hour forecast: North or northeast 3 to 5. Smooth or slight, occasionally moderate at first in north. Fair. Good.

Outlook for the following 24 hours: North or northeast 3 or 4, increasing 5 or 6 later. Smooth or slight, becoming moderate in north. Mainly fair. Good.

The UKMO Global and ECMWF are also fine at least until quite late tomorrow. Assuming no big change on the midnight forecast I’ll be off when I wake up, certainly before 07:00. Must remember to go carefully out of here as low water is 07:20 and we are close to neaps so some rocks will not be showing.

Photos of Loch Roe to follow.
 

27.5 miles in 8 hours.

Click here for the crossing to Stornoway.