SAILING & EXPLORING THE HEBRIDES

Trip starts in Oban, a picturesque and busy harbour town with good transport networks, plenty accommodation options and facilities.

The choice of places to visit in this area is almost endless, however we feel we have picked the finest highlights for you to enjoy.

Departing late afternoon from Oban we head out leaving the bustle of the Gateway to the Isles behind and head to the second largest of the western isles, Mull.

Our first anchorage in Loch Spelve is a treat. Navigating its slim entrance hugging the coast, perhaps seeing the feral goats that pick their way along the rocky shores. Dropping anchor and picking up fresh mussels from the facility there to enjoy that night and allow the tranquillity of our setting unwind us.

After breakfast we head out the sea loch and up the Sound of Mull, passing castles and splendid waterfalls before we reach Tobermory, this world famous, colourful harbour with a fine distillery and many pubs and shops, never fails to please.

Leaving the island’s capital behind we head further north and depending on weather either visit yet another Hebridean island, Coll, with its rugged , windblown landscape or Calgary Bay, Mull renowned for its beautiful beach and restorative scenery.

From here we depart for Gometra or Ulva, both small inner Hebridean islands lying just off Mull with charms of their own and steeped in history including connections with David Livingstone, Sir Walter Scott and Samuel Johnson.

As we make our way back to Mull we stop off at the Island of Staffa, a stunning and unique little island, we take a dinghy ride into Fingal’s cave not only made famous due to Mendelsohn’s music but also the fascinating geology and geography of this feature, a thrill not many can say they have enjoyed. There may be an opportunity to visit the puffin colony on this small island too.

Once back on Mull we enjoy the beautiful white sandy beaches of Erraid and overnight in the sheltered anchorage of Tinkers Hole, arguably one of the west coast's most beautiful wild havens, only truly accessible by sea.

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, coves and seal colonies.

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.