Remarkably the third largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreckan whirlpool, lies in Scottish waters. As Splendour sets sail the excitement really starts to build. With a population of under 100, Eigg is just nine kilometres from north to south and five kilometres from east to west. [17], Its changeability is used in the climactic ending of the novel Commissionaire Du Gui's Last Case by David Dow Millar, which occurs in the straits. [2], In Scottish mythology the hag goddess of winter, Cailleach Bheur, uses the gulf to wash her great plaid, and this ushers in the turn of the seasons from autumn to winter. This is what causes the vortex. There can’t be many people who don’t recognise the coloured houses hugging the harbour as Balamory, the BBC children’s TV programme which became a global sensation. Paula & Russell | Hebridean Odyssey | June 2018. If you’re really lucky you’ll see a ‘rugby ball’ (baby), porpoises love Splendour and will often swim alongside, it’s one of those experiences you never get tired of. Another legend surrounds Norse king Breacan. The Maelstrom of Saltstraumen is earth's strongest Maelstrom. No Solo Travel Supplement, 5 Reasons Why You Should Cruise Into Autumn, Skippers Log: Arran and Ailsa Craig Wildlife Cruise, Mhairi and Family Scottish Islands Cruise, Get Close to Nature this year with Argyll Cruising | Wildlife Cruises, Argyll Cruising | Our Recent Garden Visitor. Blue skies and cotton wool clouds are the best way to see the peaks of Barkeval and Askival as we head off at the beginning of day five. This stream is aught myle lang, quhilk may not be hantit bot be certain tyds."[9]. The area is currently being considered for Special Area of Conservation status. Corryvreckan – The Corryvreckan Whirlpools is the third largest whirlpool in the world. The most exposed areas are covered by the barnacles Balanus crenatus and B. Every time we visit we find something magical. Unfortunately, his three ropes made of rope, wool and maiden’s hair failed and the whirlpool claimed him. This is one of our hotspots for wildlife encounters. [13][14] Seeking to focus his main energies on completing a novel destined to become the dystopian classic Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell had fled the distractions of London in April 1947 and taken up temporary residence on the isolated island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. ", In 1549, Dean Monro wrote of "Skarbay" that between it and "Duray": "ther runnes ane streame, above the power of all sailing and rowing, with infinit dangers, callit Corybrekan. After lunch we’re on the move again, cruising down the Sound of Mull to Loch Aline, a wonderfully sheltered anchorage. From here we’re onwards to Skye with Portree in our sights for an overnight stay. Thank you Iain for all your care and attention. In strong winds the waves of the Corryvreckan can reach over 10 feet, it’s an incredible sight and Skipper Iain insists on everyone wearing lifejackets on deck. You’ll also meet our other guests, who for now are strangers, but who will very soon be handing you binoculars to get a better look at a pod of dolphins or sharing your excitement as you step onto Splendour’s tender to go on an excursion. The gardens are an unexpected treat where you can explore the world. The features come together to form the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the third-largest in the world. The Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world Writer George Orwell and his three-year-old son (who lived at Barnhill in northern Jura) were briefly shipwrecked on the skerry of Eilean Mor (south of the whirlpool) when boating in the gulf,[10] and Orwell's one-legged brother-in-law Bill Dunn was the first person to swim the gulf. Choose to eat in the saloon or head on deck to our outside dining table where you can watch Scotland pass before your eyes. The Corryvreckan is the third largest whirlpool in the world. These features combine to create whirlpools, standing waves and a variety of other surface effects. And that is our 10-night Corryvreckan to the Shiants Scottish islands wildlife cruise! It’s never our favourite day as, after a short cruise it’s time to say goodbye. It is estimated that 400 million cubic metres (110 billion US gallons) of water passes the narrow strait during this event. This morning you’re going to the world-famous Iona Abbey. In Adomnan of Iona's 'Life of St Columba', the saint supposedly has miraculous knowledge of a particular bishop who ran into the 'whirlpool of Corryvreckan'. Share: The Gulf of Corryvreckan is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland. Expect to see red deer, ringed plover and curlew. Thank you & Merci…. We’ll anchor off Invasion Bay and go wildlife spotting as we walk through the natural, mossy woodland. It’s the second largest of the Small Isles after Rum and while tourism is a big part of the island’s employment there are very few homes which aren’t lived in year-round. Continue reading The Corryvreckan whirlpool → When the time comes to say goodbye to Eigg it’s time to enjoy tea and sticky toffee pudding. Flood tides and inflow from the Firth of Lorne to the west can drive the waters of Corryvreckan to waves of more than 30 ft (9 m), and the roar of the resulting maelstrom can be heard 10 mi (16 km) away. Registered Office: 5 Crawford Lane Dunoon, Argyll. The Gulf of Corryvreckan (from the Gaelic Coire Bhreacain meaning "cauldron of the speckled seas" or "cauldron of the plaid"), also called the Strait of Corryvreckan, is a narrow strait between the islands of Jura and Scarba, in Argyll and Bute, off the west coast of mainland Scotland. [3] The Cailleach occupying the whirlpool was described as "the fiercest of the Highland storm kelpies" by Alasdair Alpin MacGregor.[4]. [11], Minke whales and porpoises swim in the fast-moving waters and only the most resilient plants and corals thrive on the seabed. Skipper Iain can tell you the names of the Cuillin peaks as you cruise into the heart of them. Splendour drops anchor alongside her and it’s time to climb into the tender enroute for Arduaine Gardens. As we pass the tiny island of Gometra look out for bottlenose dolphins. Enjoyed every minute. It’s our privilege to share with you some of the most scenic parts of Scotland with, of course, some good food, great weather (we hope) and abundant wildlife thrown in. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc1vHMK6Jig Thank you for subscribing … Model shots of the whirlpool were made to give a medium view of the boat being drawn into Corryvreckan. We’re anchoring in Loch Scresort tonight so it’s all ashore for a pre-dinner walk. His dog survived and he dragged his master’s body ashore to buried in the King’s Cave. Meet your crew, you’ll have already met Fiona or Jamie but this is the moment you meet your onboard crew. Sitting in the prow, he lifts up his hands to heaven and blesses the turbulent, terrible seas. Brilliant in every way! Breacan may be named after the whirlpool, or its current name may be a Gaelic pun on his name. Thank you for a wonderful trip, lots of fun – great memories! [16], The Ardbeg distillery on the island of Islay produces a cask-strength whisky named Corryvreckan. We’ve watched weddings take place here with the party being delivered by Seamus’ beautiful launch ‘The Misty Isle’. This will have, no doubt made you peckish, so we’ll pick you up at the boathouse and then back for something delicious. Absolutely amazing. Most enjoyable food, company and scenery whatever the weather. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The whirlpool is located on the northern part of the gulf and surrounds the pyramid-shaped pinnacle. The strait at its narrowest is 150 m (490 ft) in width and water "funnels" through the channel four times a day. We’re on our way to Staffa and soon you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Mendelssohn and Queen Victoria. hameri.[12]. It is located in a narrow straight on the north side of Scotland’s Gulf or Corryvreckan. By request I have thrown a camera in with a whirlpool. These features combine to create whirlpools, standing waves and a variety of other surface effects. In both stories Breacan was swept into the whirlpool, and his body dragged ashore later by his dog. We have regularly seen Minke whales in this region so we’d advise you to keep your eyes open and your cameras poised!