Loch Sunart
56°42.1'N 005°49.8'W · Salen (Loch Sunart) (0nm)
3–7m
Depth
Excellent
Holding
85m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Loch Sunart is one of Scotland's finest sea lochs — 20nm long, deeply penetrating the Ardnamurchan peninsula between Moidart and Morvern, and designated as a National Nature Reserve of European importance. The loch is an extraordinary wildlife habitat: otters are almost guaranteed at dawn and dusk, red deer come down to drink, sea eagles nest above, and the underwater kelp forest is one of the richest in Scotland. The village of Salen provides a modest anchorage with a small hotel and shop. Strontian (at the loch head) gave its name to the element strontium (first identified in local lead mines in 1787). A remote and beautiful destination that rewards those willing to make the approach around Ardnamurchan Point.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Salen bay — sheltered mid-loch anchorage
Excellent3–7m · Alarm: 85m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the wide bay off Salen village in the middle of Loch Sunart. Soft mud throughout — outstanding holding. The hills surrounding the loch give near all-round shelter. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs. An exceptionally beautiful anchorage in outstanding wildlife habitat — otters are regularly seen from boats at anchor.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
85m radius for the sheltered mid-loch. Near-complete all-round protection from the surrounding hills. With 4.0m tidal range at springs, HW depths reach 7–11m; ensure adequate scope. The upper loch (towards Strontian) provides even more shelter in a long westerly fetch but requires careful navigation past the Rubha Mor narrows.
Recommended radius: 85m
Hazards & Warnings
- !Ardnamurchan Point approach — the most westerly point on the British mainland; strong tidal races and overfalls at springs; time transit at slack water
- !Rocks and shoals in the loch narrows at Rubha Mor — consult Admiralty Chart 2394; navigate near HW
- !Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — plan scope accordingly
- !No mobile signal throughout most of the loch — download charts and weather before entry
- !Midges severe in calm summer conditions, particularly at dawn and dusk
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Anchor at the head of a bay at dusk and watch from the cockpit — otters are almost certain to appear within an hour
- ✓Ardnamurchan Lighthouse (Point of Ardnamurchan) is the most westerly point of the British mainland — worth visiting by car/walk on a day trip from Salen
- ✓Strontian village (at the head of the loch, 10nm from Salen) has a good pub and the fascinating Ariundle Oakwood NNR — ancient Atlantic oakwood
- ✓Sea eagles are regularly seen soaring above the loch — watch the ridgelines above the north shore
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- National Nature Reserve — no disturbance of wildlife; observe otters from a distance and avoid approaching in the dinghy. Respect red deer calving areas ashore. Scottish right to anchor applies throughout.
Sleep Safely at Loch Sunart
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