Loch Leven to Oban

Tuesday morning we awoke in Loch Leven, bought some provisions from the local shop - we even found some meths for our Spirit cooker.

The forecast was strong wind from the SE F5-7 sometimes F8. We decided to have a look into Loch Linnhe to see what the swell and wind was like. We had enough plan (B), (C) and ultimately turn back options in case the wind was too bad.
We ran against the tide under the A82 to get the tide right to Oban. There were small outfalls, and we only made 1.2kn through the worst bits, even motorsailing with 6.5kn though the water. This flow only lasted a few hundred yards.

The wind was very strong on our beam as we proceeded down the south east coast of Loch Linnhe, we reefed, reefed again and still were too far heeled over. We considered turning back, but found that running under the shelter of the coastline reduced the wind to a manageable level. Surprisingly there was very little swell.
We hugged the coastine, progressing inside the islands passing anchorages, some very wild, and others calm depending on the shelter.

We were both in full sailing kit, harnessed on as necessary.

As we passed the Lynn of Lorne, the wind began to drop and the last of the journey to Oban was a really pleasant set of tacks, avoiding the Ferrys routing between the islands. Oban marina was rather windswept and our arrival on the last of the pontoon spaces was exciting. There are major advantages having a small 27' boat that can fit anywhere.
The marina is opposite Oban on the Island of Kerrera. There is an hourly water taxi to the mainland. Very good facilities including a tumble drier. We spent a day in Oban, collecting new charts from the Chandlers.