Toodle-oo! is heading to Norway this year - from the Outer Hebrides. We're planning to sail directly to the Lofoten Islands in June, then spend 2 months in Norway as we make our way gently south.

Are we going in the 'wrong direction' (north to south vs. south to north)? (Feels like everyone goes south to north...)

Any words of wisdom for transiting from Stornaway up to Lofotens? (No, unfortunately we don't feel we have time to stop at the Orkneys or Shetlands)

Bill Balme

Bill,
It's a shame you can't stop in the Orkneys and Shetlands as the wildlife there is better than most of Norway.

We did the offshore passage direct to the Lofotens in 2007 and came south via the coastal route. Apart from oil rigs and cold watches it does not present any unusual difficulties. We were lucky to get north westerlies which made for a fast and comfortable passage. Your landfall will presumably be among the islands of the southern Lofotens which are more rarely visited but have good, safe harbours. For the cold I would strongly recommend weezle suits https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/292744059944?chn=ps which I am sure you would find most becoming!

One more thought. If the wind directions aren't quite right then do consider going via the Faroes which, for you aren't much more than a day or two north of Stornaway and would fit nicely with a trip to St Kilda.

I think you will have a great summer.

Simon