Ardnish (56°52'N., 5°45'W.), a hilly peninsula at the E end of the sound, is connected to the mainland by an isth mus. The peninsula separates the sound into two arms. Loch nan Uamh (56°53'N., 5°46'W.), the N arm, is deep, but affords little shelter. Loch Ailort (56°52'N., 5°42'W.), the S arm, af fords shelter, in depths of up to 9.1m, protected by islets ex tending across the outer entrance of the loch. The S side of the Sound of Arisaig is relatively steep to and free of dangers. Numerous islets and reefs encumber the N side as far as 1 mile offshore. There are several coves indenting both the N and S shores of the sound wherein shelter can be obtained, but local knowledge is necessary. Violent wind squalls blow down from the mountains rising above the S side of the loch during E and SE gales. Tidal currents are fairly strong in Loch Ailort and, during W gales, the ebb current causes seas to break across the entrance. Sheltered anchorage can be taken, in depths of 5.5 to 7.3m, good holding ground of clay and sand, about 0.1 mile E of Eilean nan Gobhar (56°51'N., 5°47'W.). Loch nan Ceall (56°54'N., 5°54'W.) is entered between Eilean Ighe (56°55'N., 5°54'W.) and Rubh Arisaig (56°53'N., 5°55'W.), a point at the W end of a rugged peninsula which forms the S side of the loch. A chain of above and below water rocks extends SW from the point. Numerous islets, rocks, and reefs lie on a drying sand bank extending from Eilean Ighe almost to Rubh Arisaig. The loch is approached through S and N channels. The former, entered N of Rubh Arisaig, has a least depth of about 1.5m and is the preferred channel; it is marked by perches. Tidal currents are strong when the sand bank is uncovered. Anchorage can be taken, in depths of 7.3 to 9.1m, close ENE of Cave Rock (56°54'N., 5°54'W.), which dries.

Location