Footloose in the Outer Isles

Tuesday 27th May to Tuesday 3rd June 2025

Our first Footloose walking adventure of the season takes us over The Minch to the Outer Hebrides where we combine invigorating walks with visits to the outstanding historical sites these islands have to offer.

Tuesday 27th May

Setting sail from Oban after a warm welcome on board – stunning sunset as we cruised to our first overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Wednesday 28th May

A glorious morning of walks, strolls and paddling on the beautiful Isle of Canna. Walkers strode out with one of our guides to cross to Sanday, while strollers were shown more local highlights by the local Ranger…. Who even arranged for an obliging cuckoo to serenade us!

Our morning on Canna was followed by an afternoon of cruising over the Minch to our overnight berth in Castlebay, Barra and the Captain’s welcome reception on the Skye Deck followed by a wonderful Gala Dinner.

Thursday 29th May

From Castlebay on Barra, a coach took walkers to Vatersay – a damp start to the walk, but with the sun emerging just as we reached the far sands of Bagh A’Deas. Carpets of Early Purple and Spotted Heath orchids underfoot, and stunning views at every turn.

Having returned from our morning tours and walk on Barra and Vatersay, the captain sailed over lunch in search of a sheltered spot on Sanday for a truly memorable beach landing. Smiles, sand, swimming and sunshine! Of course, all accompanied by a wonderful hamper of refreshments … mini-fruit sticks were a hit!

Friday 30th May

Guests spent a full day ashore on Benbecula and the Uists while Hebridean Princess sailed from Lochboisdale to Lochmaddy. The walkers enjoyed a walk over the machair and south along the beach from Stilligarry towards Howmore, before travelling north once more for a superb Hebridean Banquet at Carinish. No effort had been spared by the hotel and galley team… even down to bringing the salt and pepper cellars.

Walks and strolls in the afternoon to the burial chamber at Barpa Langass were followed by a relaxing evening back on board – even some impromptu music and dancing before dinner on the Skye Deck!

We anchored overnight in East Loch Tarbert off the Isle of Harris.

Saturday 31st May

HebrideanPrincess spent the day at anchor in East Loch Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. While walkers set off for a full day walk on The Postman’s Route and along Loch Lacasdeil, and strollers for a tour of the Harris distillery and the island, others set off on local, independent walks or explored the town.

We anchored overnight off Portree, Isle of Skye.

Sunday 1st June

Hebridean Princess anchored off Portree on the Isle of Skye, with a coach taking guests on tours of the Trotternish Peninsula. The walkers strode out on the Quiraing with the chance to wonder at the spectacular scenery and enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

We sailed late in the afternoon for Kyle of Lochalsh, where we berthed overnight and enjoyed an evening of dancing and entertainment was provided by a local musical duo, Thompson and Lawrie.

Monday 2nd June

A morning sailing was rounded off with a buffet luncheon aboard as we anchored off Tobermory for our afternoon ashore. Our guides took a group along the harbour for walks out to Rubha nan Gall lighthouse, while other guests explored the shops and local area more independently.

We sailed to an overnight anchorage off Kerrera, where we enjoyed a magnificent gala dinner, complete with a recital of Ode to the Haggis from our Captain, and a chance to thank some of the crew, officers and galley team who have worked so hard to make our cruise so enjoyable. Dinner was followed by more dancing, singing and music – a wonderful way to round off our Footloose cruise.