The Western Isles
UK and Scotland
Greenock, UK - Oban, Scotland
Join TS Maybe for this adventure across the Irish Sea to the Western Isles of Scotland, enjoying the early summer weather in this spectacular seascape. Visit the islands of Islay, Jura and Mull and stay in pretty and isolated anchorages, sharing sun baked evenings on deck with beautiful sunsets against dramatic backdrops.
| Ship | Under 25 | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Maybe | £630.00 | £700.00 |
| Embarkation | Disembarkation | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| June 15, 2019 | June 21, 2019 | 7 |
The Western Isles. Greenock - Oban
15th June 2019 - 21st June 2019.
Voyage Highlights:
- Visiting the islands of Islay, Jura and Mull
- Sailing the Irish Sea
- Spectacular scenery and wildlife
- Sunsets and long evenings
- Wilderness and isolated anchorages
Life on a sailing voyage
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.
Western Scotland is a rich marine ecosystem which offers fantastic seafood and wildlife watching from the Sea Eagles on Mull to the dolphins and Minke Whales that cruise the deep sounds between the islands. Due to the prolific life under the surface and hundreds of miles of remote coastlines, the Western Isles, Inner and Outer Hebrides and mainland lochs are great places to spot seals, otters, minke and larger whales, basking sharks and dolphins.
The mountains provide inaccessible eyries for sea eagles, golden eagles, choughs, peregrine falcons and the cliffs are homes to many large breeding colonies of seabirds like gannets and puffins.
Islay, Jura and Mull
As we head further north the landscape changes, with dramatic highland and island views dominating the seascape. We will have the option to anchor in pretty bays on the islands and visits ashore to explore will be possible. With beautiful sunsets and long evenings, sitting on deck in the evening light anchored in a small bay, is something not to be missed.
Oban
Your adventure ends in the Gateway to the Scottish Isles; the picturesque port town of Oban. With a blend of fascinating ancient ruins and vibrant Scottish culture, the town has become known as the Seafood Capital of Scotland. There will be time to explore the town before departing the boat and making your way home.
What is included in the voyage cost:
- Accommodation and all meals on board Tall Ship Maybe
- Sailing tuition and supervision from fully qualified crew members
- Third party liability Insurance
- Use of waterproofs and safety equipment
What is not included:
- Travel to and from the boat
- Personal travel insurance. Check out Top Sail for specialist Tall Ship sailing travel insurance
- Merchandise available to purchase on board
- Excursions and meals onshore, unless otherwise stated
Greenock, UK
Oban, Scotland
Embark Travel Information
Greenock, UK
By Car from Glasgow Post Code: PA15 2UT
From Glasgow: around 35 minutes (23 miles)
James Watt Dock Marina is located off the main M8/A8 road to Greenock. Once through Port Glasgow, continue on the A8 following signs for Greenock. At the traffic lights between the Arnold Clark Vauxhall and Ford garages continue straight on then take a right hand turn at the next set of traffic lights.
From Glasgow Central: around 40 minutes)
Cartsdyke Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the marina and provides a frequent service between Glasgow Central and Gourock. There are two trains per hour from Cartsdyke to Glasgow at 17 and 47 minutes past the hour and from Glasgow at 05 and 55 minutes past the hour. Times may vary at peak hours and on weekends/bank holidays. We would recommend that you check train times before travel.
To reach the Station
From Cartsdyke Station: around 10 minutes (400m)
From the entrance to James Watt Dock cross the main A8 at the pedestrian lights turn right and proceed along the main road, passing the Volkswagen garage and turning left into Macdougall Street. The station is at the end of this street. Platform 1 is for all Glasgow trains, Platform 2 for Greenock/Gourock.
By Air
The marina is around 20 minutes from Glasgow Airport and 1 hour from Edinburgh Airport where hire cars are readily available. Follow the road directions for travel by road.
Alternatively there is a link bus from the airport to Paisley Gilmour Street Station from where there is a half hourly train service to Cartsdyke Station.
Transportation Near Glasgow:
- Nearest Airport: Glasgow International Airport (20km)
- Nearest Rail Station: Cartsdyke Train Station (500m)
- ABC Taxis Inverclyde Ltd: +44 (0)1475 888 888
- Nearest Hotel: Premier Inn, Greenock or Holiday Inn Express, Greenock
Disembark Travel Information
Oban, Scotland
By Road
- Car – If you are travelling by car you can check out the AA or RAC websites and plan your route.
- Coach – If you are travelling by coach you can visit the Citylink website or phone them on 08705 505050
By Rail
If you come by train, the journey takes you along the world-famous West Highland Line. First ScotRail runs trains six times a day from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Oban (two on Sunday). For times and prices visit the First Scotrail site. You can also phone National Rail enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website, and they have a good app for smart phones.
By Air
Flying to Glasgow or Edinburgh is easy. Both airports are served by all the major, and many of the minor, UK airlines. This provides plenty of flights to choose from with bargain rates. In addition to being busy domestic airports both Glasgow and Edinburgh receive daily scheduled flights from Europe. Glasgow also boasts direct flights to and from the United States and from Dubai.You can also fly to Oban directly by private charter flight to Oban Airport at North Connel.
- Glasgow is the nearest large airport to Oban and is approximately 90 miles away. There are good links from the airport to the train and bus terminals in the city.
- Prestwick Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Oban Airport
By Sea
Oban is a busy ferry port with regular ferries to and from the islands of Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Lismore, Barra and South Uist. Many of these ferries also link up with other islands. For more information about the ferries you can visit the Calmac website.
