Tuesday 23rd to Tuesday 30th September 2025

For our final Footloose adventure of the year, travel to the far north west corner of the Scottish Highlands. Wild and remote, this is a land of rugged mountains and glacial lochs where deer are more numerous than humans, truly a walkers paradise.

Tuesday 23rd September

A smooth ride up from Glasgow for those guests who travelled on the Hebridean Island Cruises coach – glorious autumn colours along Loch Lomond, stunning views from our stop at Inverary, and evening sunshine as we arrived in Oban to board the Princess. A very warm welcome from Captain James and all aboard, and the chance to reunite with old friends and make new acquaintances as we set sail into the sunset towards our peaceful overnight anchorage.

Wednesday 24th September

First sea eagle sightings before breakfast .. continued throughout the morning as we sailed between Skye and Rum. Blue skies, blue seas, and a fabulous Salmon Buffet were enjoyed by all before tenders ashore at Rum for strolls and walks.

Walkers set out up towards Glen Dibidil – rewarded for their climb by far-reaching views, while Strollers stayed in the more wooded and coastal areas, stopping to hear stories of Kinloch House as we surveyed its now somewhat saddened exterior. Other guests explored more independently, visiting the otter hide in the hopes of a sighting! A hamper of teas, coffees, and of course a wee tot of ‘rum on Rum’ awaited our return at the shore.

The day was rounded off with Gala dinner as we sailed for Raasay.

Thursday 25th September

The beautiful weather continued for our morning visit to Raasay. Strollers enjoying a visit to the newly opened distillery, with walks in the grounds of Raasay House followed by further hospitality in the form of coffee and excellent cakes. Walkers hugged the coastline to admire the clear views across to the north of Skye before turning inland through woods and on up to Temptation Hill… a wonderful walk, with still enough time for coffee and cake before returning to the ship.

A restful afternoon at sea followed as we headed north for Gairloch.

Friday 26th September

Having been tendered ashore at Gairloch, strollers had the choice of a visit to Gairloch Museum, or walks up Flowerdale (or both!). Walkers picked up a coach heading inland for a stunning longer walk from Slattadale to Tollaidh along the shores of Loch Maree. Our picnic lunch was enjoyed in sunshine after the steeper section of the walk, with gentle downward paths leading us back to our pick up point where we met the strollers for a visit to Inverewe Garden. Choices of strolls and walks were available to all through the local larch-woods and around the gardens, finishing in the sunshine down by the jetty to watch Hebridean Princess sail around from Gairloch to tender us back aboard for the evening as we set sail for Ullapool and our overnight anchorage.

Saturday 27th September

Despite a turn in the weather, the walkers set out once more for a full day ashore – taking a circular walk to explore the geological wonders at Knockan Crag and the views from the summit, followed by a second opportunity later in the morning to climb to the Bone Caves for a picnic – the caves providing welcome shelter from the forecast rain which finally came in over lunch.

Strollers took a coach to Corrieshalloch Gorge and enjoyed the amazing falls and gorge scenery at their own pace, returning onboard for lunch before the chance to go to the Knockan Crag visitor centre themselves, or to explore Ullapool and its shops and sights independently. We set sail for Shieldaig in the early evening.

Sunday 28th September

The fine weather returned to welcome us all ashore at picturesque and remote Shieldaig. Walkers strode out for longer walks along the headland (yes, including ‘that’ section of slope with a chain so well described by one of our guides), while others enjoyed strolls around the village and surrounding area.  A welcome hamper of teas and coffees (and something stronger!) once again awaited us at the jetty as we rejoined the ship – tenders supplemented by the speedboat for more exhilarating rides for those who fancied it. The morning was rounded off with a Hebridean tradition – Friday Hebridean Fish and Chips, even if enjoyed on a Sunday on this occasion.

A restful afternoon at sea for everyone as we sailed south alongside Skye and under the Skye Bridge for our evening alongside at Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner was followed by music, dancing and much laughter courtesy of the talents of our guide John and his accordion, with ‘special guest’ performances by others onboard.

Monday 29th September

We sailed over breakfast north to Plockton where guests had the choice of a trip by coach over the Skye Bridge to Amadale Castle and Gardens, or walks in and around Plockton – either with two of our guides, or more independently. Those who were walking enjoyed highlights such as the Telford Church, local gardens, a walk up onto the Braes, and stunning views over the village and out to Loch Carron… before more Hebridean hospitality at the local hostelry rounded our morning off.

Another afternoon at sea enjoying porpoise and dolphin sightings as we prepared for our Farewell Gala dinner, with a little more music in the bar to finish the cruise in style as we sailed for Charlotte Bay off Kerrera.

Tuesday 30th September

Guests disembarked – reluctantly in most cases – at Oban for return journeys onward or homeward, saying a sad goodbye to old friends and new, with promises to meet again in many cases. A wonderful trip!