Outer Hebrides & St Kilda

Typically departing Oban though Mallaig departure can be arranged.

No sailing experience is required, however these 10 days onboard will appeal to those who have previously sailed.

This is a 10 day sailing trip to allow us a longer window of opportunity to visit St Kilda, which is a good few hours sail and weather dependent.  

The long island chain of the Outer Hebrides is an absolute treat to explore, from hidden anchorages to expanses of white sandy beaches and stretching from Mingulay in the south to the Butt of Lewis in the north.

Sailing from Oban, west up the Sound of Mull and stopping in at the sheltered sea loch Lochaline, we begin our journey and settle into this fantastic voyage. With Ardtornish Castle at the head and the little village at its entrance, this secluded spot is the perfect precursor for the wonders to come.

Continuing on west the next day we head out across the Minch to Canna, one of the Small Isles famous for its sea bird life and picturesque Canna House with the island cattle grazing on its fields.

From here we sail further west to Vatersay on the Outer Hebrides. This small island is blessed with white sandy beaches and wind-swept dunes offering up a palate of colours rarely found elsewhere. A chance for a beach walk or simply sitting out on deck enjoying the first of hopefully many stunning sunsets.

Now we really get off the beaten track and take the chance to take a full days sail to St Kilda, a UNESCO double world heritage site. Visiting here transports you to the set of a “Blue Planet” documentary, sailing under some of the tallest cliffs in the UK amongst some of the largest sea-bird colonies in Europe including Gannets, Puffins, Great Skua and Fulmar is a hairs-on-the-back-of-neck experience.

We will share with you the fascinating history of this island archipelago and weather permitting, we always try to spend 2 nights at anchor in Village Bay to give ourselves the best chance to enjoy this truly unique place.

Once we depart St Kilda we sail east and back to the Outer Hebrides stopping at N Uist and enjoy a visit to the local pub or perhaps obtain some fresh seafood just landed at the harbour.

Venturing farther east we stop off at the Isle of Rum and enjoy a fascinating visit ashore with options to explore Kinloch Castle, otter hides, new rum distillery, SNH visitor centre or simply enjoy a coastal walk along Kinloch Bay with the imposing Rum Cuillin dominating the skyline above.

Returning to the Sound of Mull we pop into Tobermory on Mull, this world famous, colourful harbour with a fine distillery and many pubs and shops, never fails to please.

Our final island on this trip is Kerrera, Oban’s barrier island. With around 30 inhabitants, it has a varied coastline featuring imposing Gylen Castle, craggy coves, seal colonies and its own marina in the north.

A final night here allows time to be up ready in the morning to head over to Oban in good time to catch trains, busses or check in to accommodation.