Coasts West of Britain

Skeleton, Awaiting texts

The coasts west of Britain, from Scotland and past either side of Ireland, are exposed to severe Atlantic weather throughout the year. Big swell off western Ireland and  periods of poor visibility create further challenges. Rain dilutes the fun, too.

So, what's the charm?

• Nature in the Raw.The dramatic scenery of thinly populated Norway, West Scotland and NW Ireland provides a backdrop for remote, cheap and uncrowded sailing, and puts you in touch with nature. Seals, dolphins, porpoises and occasional whales are frequent companions. Shellfish are there to be picked off the rocks, and the area is alive with birds. And midges in  the damp countryside.
• Sheltered waters inside the outer Hebrides provide a fine cruising ground among the islands
• The Friendly Welcome. In South West Ireland "the craic" (sociable entertainment?) is unique. This is probably the most sociable and welcoming cruising ground in Europe, only moderately populated, rather damp, but friendly to a fault. 

Further contents to this section will be added from January 2013,  working northward up the western coasts.