To the Outer Hebrides

We left Canna in the company of Hyskeir, planning to make for Eriskay. However, the point of sail wasn't ideal so Paul and we said cheerio over the VHF, ourselves heading south to Barra, while he made for Uist. This was after an amazing basking shark bonanza on the north side of Canna. Dozens of the gentle giants were swimming all around us.

We absolutely loved Barra. The scenery is stunning with beautiful white sand beaches next to rugged mountains, the people are extremely friendly and helpful and there was a lot going on in Castlebay. We even went to the cinema there in the Screen Machine, a lorry that converts into an 80-seat cinema.

In Castlebay there are 12 visitors' moorings, which are a very reasonable £8 for up to a week's stay. The ones closest to the pier even have wifi internet access - luxury!

We were pleasantly surprised when another Trintella 29, Barrosa, arrived in Castlebay and enjoyed spending some time with her crew. Very interesting to compare boat notes.

Stunning setting of the visitors' moorings

Kisimul Castle at sunset

The ferry arrived every evening