UK & Ireland — Hebrides & Orkney

Loch Maddy

57°35.6'N 007°08.6'W · Lochmaddy (CalMac ferry terminal, North Uist) (0.5nm)

3–7m

Depth

Good

Holding

85m

Alarm radius

Low

Crowd level

Loch Maddy (Loch nam Madadh — 'Loch of the Dogs') is the principal port of North Uist and the main ferry terminal connecting to Skye (Uig) and Harris. The loch is extraordinarily complex — a labyrinth of islets, headlands and narrow channels that make for fascinating exploration but require careful chart work on approach. Once inside, the shelter is excellent from all but NW winds. Lochmaddy village has a hotel, small supermarket, petrol station and the remarkable Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre. This is a genuine outpost — the pace of life is unhurried and the landscape of the Uists is unlike anywhere else in Britain.

Best Months

JuneJulyAugust

Anchor Zones

Inner loch — main anchorage west of ferry pier

Good

3–7m · Alarm: 85m

Anchor in 3–6m (CD) west of the CalMac ferry pier, clear of the approach channel. Mud and sand bottom — reliable holding. The complex loch geography with numerous islets and headlands provides good shelter from most directions except NW. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs. Several visitor moorings available — contact Lochmaddy Harbour (VHF Ch 12). Extensive shoal areas in the loch — consult Admiralty Chart 2642 carefully.

Setting Your Anchor Alarm

85m radius appropriate for the main anchorage. The loch has a complex topography with many shoals — anchor only in charted clear areas. Tidal range 4.0m springs means actual depths increase significantly at HW. NW winds have a fetch into the loch entrance — in prolonged NW gales the anchorage can become uncomfortable; move to the inner basin behind the islets for better shelter.

Recommended radius: 85m

Hazards & Warnings

  • !Extensive shoal and drying areas throughout the loch — navigate only with large-scale chart (Admiralty 2642); GPS alone is insufficient
  • !CalMac ferry priority — keep clear at all times; schedule: uig-to-lochmaddy crossings 3–4 times daily in summer
  • !Tidal range 4.0m springs — plan scope for actual HW depth; depths at CD are deceptively shallow
  • !Atlantic swell can enter the loch in sustained NW conditions — the outer anchorages become uncomfortable
  • !Very limited mobile signal — download all charts and weather before entering

Skipper's Tips

  • ✓Use the large-scale Admiralty Chart 2642 for entry — the loch is complex and GPS chartplotters may not show all shoals
  • ✓Call Lochmaddy Harbour on VHF Ch 12 before entry for guidance on current conditions and best anchorage
  • ✓Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum is an outstanding cultural centre — worth visiting even on a short stop
  • ✓North Uist is renowned for wildlife — otters, sea eagles, grey seals and corncrakes are all possible
  • ✓Carry at least 3 days' provisions from Stornoway or Uig before heading to the Uists — reprovisioning options are limited

Facilities

WaterFuelRestaurantProvisions

Anchoring Rules

Permit:
Not required
Fee:
Free to anchor. Visitor moorings contact Lochmaddy Harbour on VHF Ch 12.
Restrictions:
Keep clear of CalMac ferry approach and departure channel at all times. CalMac vessels have absolute priority. Extensive shoal areas — do not enter unfamiliar parts of the loch without large-scale chart (Admiralty 2642). Respect creel/lobster pot buoys throughout.

Sleep Safely at Loch Maddy

Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.

Download Safe Anchor Alarm — Free
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