The Scottish coast is a treasure trove of amazing scenery and wildlife.
8 Nights: 14 - 22 August 2021
Standard cabin: €1,285 / £1,155 per person*
Standard plus cabin: €1,425 / £1,280per person*
Single cabin: €1,885 / £1,694per person*
This incredible adventure will take us to the Small Islands (Muck-Rum-Egg) and Skye. On the way we have good chances to see dolphins and whale sharks.“The Small Isles” is still a completely unwritten page for many visitors to Scotland. These four islands of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna have much to offer. Boosting breathtaking coastal landscapes, untouched nature, secluded sandy beaches and idyllic retreats, there is something for everyone on these stunning secluded islands.
The island of Rum is a paradise for families, and the impressive Kinloch Castle, while the island of Eigg attracts archaeologists and ornithologists. The island of Muck is the smallest of the islands and can, therefore, be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Canna is finally the westernmost of the Small Isles and is run by the National Trust for Scotland as a farm, and is the perfect place to get in touch with nature.
Day 1: Arrival to Oban
You will arrive in Oban, a cosy fishing village in a wonderful location in a beautiful bay. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage on board and have a look in the village.
Oban is also known as the Pearl of the West Highlands, with its winding alleys and a picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries and small fishing boats. High up is McCaig’s Tower, an unfinished replica of the Coliseum in Rome, dating back to the late nineteenth century. The total scope of the buildings is over 192 meters and in some places, the walls are over fourteen meters high.
We are expected to be located at the North Pier, less than a hundred yards from the Oban whiskey distillery. In the evening you will be welcomed onboard where you will get to know the crew and the other guests. There will be a welcome dinner and we will raise the glass to a beautiful trip in Scotland.
Day 2: Muck
After leaving Oban, we sail through the sound between Morvern and Mull, overlooking the rugged mountain landscape. On the way, we will pass the magnificently restored Duart Castle, an imposing sight. The island of Muck is only 3 km long and 1.5 km wide and is the smallest of the “Small Isles” with 38 permanent residents. The isle can be easily manipulated and has a fertile hillside landscape with white sand beaches. The highest elevation is Beinn Airein with just under 138 meters and therefore quite easy to climb. But the challenge is much bigger when you climb the hill from the west side. You can also visit Caisteal an Duin Bhain, a prehistoric fortress.
About 40 bird species regularly use Muck as a breeding ground, many more come at irregular intervals. Because of the Gulf Stream life in the water is particularly rich and varied. From time to time you can see some seals at the beaches, and in the late summer months, you can even see a huge shark. A popular motif is the Highland Ponies, which are bred here in small style.
Day 3: Island Rum – a natural diamond in the Atlantic
Rum is similar in its form to a rhombus and is the largest of the “Small Isles” with 12 sq km. Their seclusion and impressive silhouette exude a very special fascination to their visitors. The island offers a wide range of hiking trails, starting with short distances up to the summits of the Rum mountains, where you will meet a spectacular animal world with eagles, parrot dummies, deer and the hardened rum ponies. But also many other leisure activities like cycling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing are just as possible as the game and hunting. Rum inspires scientists worldwide with its unique geology, including the core of an ancient volcano that formed the now visible Rum mountains. In addition, Rum was appointed a national natural conservation area in 1957 as an important part of natural heritage. Today, it is owned by “Scottish Natural Heritage”, the agency that has written the conservation of natural treasures in Scotland.
One of the most popular day trips is a guided tour of Kinloch Castle, giving visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the Bullough family who built the castle between 1897 and 1900.
Rum is also a shelter for many animals, and trained gamekeepers offer many activities, walks and talks that deal with the great variety of flora and fauna.
Day 4 & 5: Skye
Skye is a truly magical place. It is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and home to some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. This island will inspire you in many ways, with its mountain chains, kilometres of breathtaking coastal lines.
We will visit the famous Talisker brewery and by bus, you can discover a large part of Skye.
Day 6: Eigg
We sail to Eigg, a Hebridean island off the Scottish coast. In the south, the Sgurr, 400 meters of rugged primary rock, rises into the sky. Birds trill in its green foothills. Dwarf yellow swallows weigh themselves in a gentle breeze. Every day, a dozen tourists come across from the mainland and walk four or five hours before the ferry leaves. The island is a place where one looks for a healing world; just over 60 people live here.
Day 7: Tobermory
After a nice breakfast, we set sail to Tobermory with its beautiful coloured houses on the water and its famous whiskey distillery. In Tobermory, you can visit the whiskey distillery where you can get a guided tour, the small Tobermory Museum and the Marine Exhibition where attention is paid to the local waters and the activities in the harbour.
Day 8: Oban
We begin our sail back to Oban. Enjoying the untouched, wild nature of the Scottish islands. The rugged beauty of Mull, the silence on the water, the indescribable landscape, the jagged coast with its surprising bays, the quiet fishing villages and the magnificent view of the islands in the distance.
Day 9: Oban
Unfortunately, our trip to the Small Islands & Skye ends after an eventful week. After a good breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye.
The Oban Town Centre pontoons are a short walk from Oban Train Station
Back to Oban
Day 1: Arrival to Oban
You will arrive in Oban, a cosy fishing village in a wonderful location in a beautiful bay. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage on board and have a look in the village.
Oban is also known as the Pearl of the West Highlands, with its winding alleys and a picturesque bay full of yachts, ferries and small fishing boats. High up is McCaig’s Tower, an unfinished replica of the Coliseum in Rome, dating back to the late nineteenth century. The total scope of the buildings is over 192 meters and in some places, the walls are over fourteen meters high.
We are expected to be located at the North Pier, less than a hundred yards from the Oban whiskey distillery. In the evening you will be welcomed onboard where you will get to know the crew and the other guests. There will be a welcome dinner and we will raise the glass to a beautiful trip in Scotland.
Day 2: Muck
After leaving Oban, we sail through the sound between Morvern and Mull, overlooking the rugged mountain landscape. On the way, we will pass the magnificently restored Duart Castle, an imposing sight. The island of Muck is only 3 km long and 1.5 km wide and is the smallest of the “Small Isles” with 38 permanent residents. The isle can be easily manipulated and has a fertile hillside landscape with white sand beaches. The highest elevation is Beinn Airein with just under 138 meters and therefore quite easy to climb. But the challenge is much bigger when you climb the hill from the west side. You can also visit Caisteal an Duin Bhain, a prehistoric fortress.
About 40 bird species regularly use Muck as a breeding ground, many more come at irregular intervals. Because of the Gulf Stream life in the water is particularly rich and varied. From time to time you can see some seals at the beaches, and in the late summer months, you can even see a huge shark. A popular motif is the Highland Ponies, which are bred here in small style.
Day 3: Island Rum – a natural diamond in the Atlantic
Rum is similar in its form to a rhombus and is the largest of the “Small Isles” with 12 sq km. Their seclusion and impressive silhouette exude a very special fascination to their visitors. The island offers a wide range of hiking trails, starting with short distances up to the summits of the Rum mountains, where you will meet a spectacular animal world with eagles, parrot dummies, deer and the hardened rum ponies. But also many other leisure activities like cycling, fishing, kayaking and canoeing are just as possible as the game and hunting. Rum inspires scientists worldwide with its unique geology, including the core of an ancient volcano that formed the now visible Rum mountains. In addition, Rum was appointed a national natural conservation area in 1957 as an important part of natural heritage. Today, it is owned by “Scottish Natural Heritage”, the agency that has written the conservation of natural treasures in Scotland.
One of the most popular day trips is a guided tour of Kinloch Castle, giving visitors a fascinating insight into the life of the Bullough family who built the castle between 1897 and 1900.
Rum is also a shelter for many animals, and trained gamekeepers offer many activities, walks and talks that deal with the great variety of flora and fauna.
Day 4 & 5: Skye
Skye is a truly magical place. It is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and home to some of Scotland’s most famous landscapes. This island will inspire you in many ways, with its mountain chains, kilometres of breathtaking coastal lines.
We will visit the famous Talisker brewery and by bus, you can discover a large part of Skye.
Day 6: Eigg
We sail to Eigg, a Hebridean island off the Scottish coast. In the south, the Sgurr, 400 meters of rugged primary rock, rises into the sky. Birds trill in its green foothills. Dwarf yellow swallows weigh themselves in a gentle breeze. Every day, a dozen tourists come across from the mainland and walk four or five hours before the ferry leaves. The island is a place where one looks for a healing world; just over 60 people live here.
Day 7: Tobermory
After a nice breakfast, we set sail to Tobermory with its beautiful coloured houses on the water and its famous whiskey distillery. In Tobermory, you can visit the whiskey distillery where you can get a guided tour, the small Tobermory Museum and the Marine Exhibition where attention is paid to the local waters and the activities in the harbour.
Day 8: Oban
We begin our sail back to Oban. Enjoying the untouched, wild nature of the Scottish islands. The rugged beauty of Mull, the silence on the water, the indescribable landscape, the jagged coast with its surprising bays, the quiet fishing villages and the magnificent view of the islands in the distance.
Day 9: Oban
Unfortunately, our trip to the Small Islands & Skye ends after an eventful week. After a good breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye.
Base layer – 2x warm thermal tops + thermal leggings
Mid layer – 2x fleece type mid layers + mid layer trousers
Light waterproof shell (waterproof hiking type jacket and trousers) – for exploring ashore
Down jacket – a down (or synthetic alternative) jacket, the warmer the better
Gillet – optional but a really versatile mid layer, down or synthetic down are great
Hats – 2x warm wool hats, ear flaps are great
Waterproof hat – a waterproof hat or cap (eg Sealskins)
Neck warmer – 2x ‘Buff’ style neck warmers
Gloves – one waterproof pair (ski or fishing type) + 2x thinner fleece liner / spare pairs
Socks – 2x pairs of warm socks for sailing + hiking socks for exploring ashore
Boots – Wellington type boots. These are needed not just for sailing but also for getting ashore from the rib where you may need to stop into mid-calf depth water. They don’t need to be expensive or sailing specific, but they should be waterproof with good grip
Hiking shoes / boots – suitable for exploring on rough or wet terrain ashore
Rucsac – for on land exploring
Underwear – a couple of sets of comfortable underwear
Swimwear –
Camera, batteries, memory cards etc – it is possible to charge camera batteries onboard but it is a good idea to bring spare batteries and lots of memory card space
Entertainment – books, music etc for rest time
Toiletries – basic wash kit with travel-sized bottles
Eye mask and earplugs – can make sleeping easier in the midnight sun
Any personal medications that you need – ensure you have enough to last the whole trip
Dry bags – recommended for keeping any electrical kit in and for taking things ashore
Head torch – ideally with a red light function
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A set of ‘shore clothes’ for travelling in / rest days in town
Passport / visas
Credit/debit card for shore-based activities or travel emergencies
Kitbag – this must be squashy type (not a suitcase) a large barrel type bag is ideal
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