Loch Harport
57°19.1'N 006°22.0'W · Portree (Skye) (14nm)
3–7m
Depth
Excellent
Holding
90m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Loch Harport is one of the most dramatic anchorages on Skye's west coast — a long fjord-like sea loch cutting inland beneath the jagged peaks of the Black Cuillin. The anchorage off Carbost village offers excellent holding in soft mud with near all-round protection from Atlantic weather. The main draw for visiting sailors is the Talisker Distillery (Scotland's most celebrated island single malt whisky), located a short walk from the pier and offering tours and tastings. The loch is accessible in most weather — the entrance from the Sound of Raasay is straightforward but tides off Rubha Ban should be checked. A genuinely wild and beautiful anchorage with very few other yachts except in July–August.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Off Carbost village — main anchorage
Excellent3–7m · Alarm: 90m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the bay off Carbost village, approximately 100m offshore to avoid shoals extending from the pier. Soft mud over sand — anchor digs in readily; allow time for it to set before turning in. Tidal range 4.0–4.5m springs so actual depths are significantly greater at HW — plan your anchor rode accordingly (minimum 5:1 scope). The loch provides excellent shelter in all conditions except a strong westerly fetch along the loch axis. Talisker Distillery is a 5-minute walk from the pier.
Upper loch — Dun Mor bay
Excellent2–5m · Alarm: 80m
Shallower anchorage further up the loch in 2–4m (CD). Even more sheltered than Carbost — dries on the fringes at LW springs so anchor with care in suitable depths. Soft mud gives outstanding holding. Very remote and quiet.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
90m radius allows for full tidal swing in 3–7m (CD). With a 4m tidal range, actual depths at HW are 7–11m — ensure rode is sufficient (8:1 scope at HW springs). The loch is long and narrow so wind-against-tide conditions can cause uncomfortable short chop but rarely dangerous. Reduce to 70m in neap tides with settled conditions.
Recommended radius: 90m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Shoal water extends from the Carbost pier and the loch edges — keep to mid-channel on entry; consult Admiralty Chart 2533
- !Strong westerly winds funnel along the loch axis and can produce a steep short chop — uncomfortable but rarely dangerous given the mud holding
- !Tidal range 4.0–4.5m springs — plan scope accordingly; check tide tables for CD depths vs actual depth at anchor time
- !Midges severe June–August in calm conditions, particularly at dusk and dawn — keep companionway closed and have repellent ready
- !CalMac ferries and local fishing vessels use Portree and adjacent waters — monitor VHF Ch 16
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Visit Talisker Distillery — the best single-malt distillery tour in Scotland, within easy walking distance of the anchorage
- ✓Anchor with at least 5:1 scope at the tidal height you will ride — at HW springs depths increase by 4m so ensure sufficient rode
- ✓The Oyster Shed on the loch shore (seasonal) serves outstanding local seafood — arrive by dinghy and book ahead in summer
- ✓Monitor Met Office Inshore Forecast Area Malin for approaching Atlantic fronts — conditions can deteriorate rapidly
- ✓Keep an anchor watch for the first hour after anchoring — the soft mud holds superbly once the anchor has dug in but takes time to set
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- No permit required — Scottish right to anchor applies. Pier is privately operated by Talisker Distillery — do not obstruct. CalMac tender operations may use the pier at times. Respect crofting land ashore.
Sleep Safely at Loch Harport
Set your anchor alarm to 90m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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