Sail the Inner Hebrides

Voyage Highlights

• Lochranza – delightful anchorage on Isle of Arran.
• Islay known for its numerous whiskey distilleries.
• Standing stones on Gigha.
• Amazing wildlife.
• Tobermory – one of the prettiest ports in Scotland.

Voyage Description

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights describe, but you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If the following voyage description is not fulfilled for any reason, Maybe Sailing and Maybe Sailing Youth Initiative cannot be held responsible.

Explore the Inner Hebrides on a classic tall ship with an amazing and varied sailing ground stretching 150 miles from Islay in the South to Skye in the north. On this 8-night journey, we hope to visit some gems of this archipelago including Islay, Arran, Gigha, Jura, Colonsay and Mull before arriving in the picturesque port town of Oban.

• Isle of Arran, stop at the delightful anchorage of Lochranza. From there, there are many things to do such as visit the Lochranza Distillery and Shieling Bistro, take a look at the ruined Lochranaza Castle (dating all the way back to the 1200’s and take a walk through this picturesque bay and valley. There are also other opportunities to visit the beautiful stately house of Mount Stuart, do the Arrann Brewery Tour or visit the Machrie Moor Stone Circles. In addition to this, there are options to sample some local cheeses and oatcakes at Broderick, walk along the Arran Coastal Way with the King’s cave or climb the highest peak on the island called Goat Fell.
• Visiting Islay has to be one of the highlights for any whiskey connoisseur. Despite its relatively small size, it has an impressive 9 distilleries, many of which offer tours and tasting sessions. One of our favourites has to be the Bunnahabhain distillery which is one of the lighter peaty whiskeys made here. As it stands, Blue Clipper will either stay in the pretty beach town of Port Ellen on the southern edge of the island or anchor at the main town of Port Askaig. If whiskey is not your thing, the island has plenty of pristine white sandy beaches on offer.
• The Isle of Gigha is only 5.9 miles long, yet it has a charm all of its own. You can visit the Achamore Gardens there, or visit the unusual twin beach at North End.
• Jura is a fantastic island with golden eagle watching opportunities at a place called Craighouse. Loch Tarbet on the west side is known as one of the most beautiful lochs in the Inner Hebrides. There’s also opportunities to hire bikes on the island and cycle along the only road running up and down.
• Colonsay is one of the Scotlands oldest sites of human habitation dating back some 8000 years and the history is all around to be seen, especially on the connected island of Oronsay which has a beautiful 14th-century priory. Getting to Oronsay can be done at low tide via an exciting beach walk. There are also options for a wide range of bird-watching species, star gazing, fly-fishing, a trip to the local brewery and hiring a bike. Colonsay really is one of the jewels of the Inner Hebrides and we can’t wait to show you what it’s like.
• The last island on the tour is Mull which is the largest of the islands on this voyage and has some dramatic 3000ft+ mountains at its center. This island too has eagles nesting there and lots of wild highland cattle roaming the roads. Blue Clipper will take a visit to the port of Tobermory which is well known for its brightly coloured shoreline houses. We also hope to show you the picturesque Duart Castle which stands prominently ontop of a peninsula on the east side of the island.
• You will disembark at the town of Oban which is well worth a visit of its own. There’s the circular McCaig’s tower at the top of the town, the Oban distillery, some amazing fish restaurants and the Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. You won’t be disappointed.

Whether you are interested in waterfalls, walks, beaches, towering mountains, castles, priories, whiskey, eagles, deer, dramatic coastlines, we think this Scottish sailing voyage has it all.

What is included in the voyage cost:

• All meals on board Blue Clipper – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal
• Refreshments throughout the day
• Use of safety equipment
• Accommodation in a twin ensuite cabin
• All instruction and lectures on board by fully qualified crew

What is not included:

• Travel to and from the boat
• Personal travel insurance. Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
• Alcoholic and soft drinks (a TAB system is in place during your voyage. Payable at the end of your voyage in cash (GBP or EUROS) on board.
• Any shore excursions and meals on shore (unless otherwise stated)
• VISA fees