Logs
This ‘Footloose’ walking itinerary reveals the rich diversity of the Inner and Outer Hebrides during the long days of early summer when they are translucently bathed in light. Pursuing a tantalising programme of walks and activities for all, our experienced guides enliven this stimulating route with their usual insight and knowledge.
Tuesday 9th June
To start our ‘Footloose’ voyage, a beautiful evening sail from Oban to our overnight anchorage off Tobermory tonight… catching up with old friends and a chance to make new ones.
Wednesday 10th June
A wonderful morning at sea as Hebridean Princess crossed The Minch en route for our afternoon visit to Barra.
After tendering ashore, Walkers and Strollers alike headed south over the causeway to the white sands and grasslands of Vatersay. The slightly damper weather certainly didn’t damp the spirits, with refreshments courtesy of the Ship’s hamper to greet everyone as they made their way back to the coach.
Our Captain’s Welcome Gala dinner awaited us on our return to the Ship. We sailed over dinner to our overnight anchorage in Lochboisdale, South Uist.
Thursday 11th June
Thursday saw Walkers and Strollers alike once again ashore – Strollers for an island tour of the Uists, Walkers for the windswept wildness of the South Uist beaches near Stilligary. We did not cross the bridge (!).
Lunch took the form of a superb Hebridean ‘picnic’ (thankfully indoors)… the Chief Purser Jim and the hotel team excelled themselves… table linen, hot soup, wine, and a delicious buffet. The team had even thought to bring towels for those walkers who were a little damp around the edges!
Following a very satisfying lunch, coaches took everyone onwards for an afternoon visit to Barpa Langais, walkers approaching it via a longer scenic walk taking in the stone circle at Pobull Fhinn (and quite a few bits of boggy ground!).
We all rejoined Hebridean Princess at Lochmaddy, following afternoon refreshments in the local hotel.
We anchored overnight in East Loch Tarbert.
Friday 12th June
Friday saw Hebridean Princess berthed alongside at Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. Strollers took a coach tour of the island, enjoying a tweed weaving demonstration and a museum, while Walkers took the opportunity to walk direct from the pier to explore the local landscape. Our 3.5 mile walk took in views of the local skerries, lochens and shoreline… with a few local sheep and a great view back down to the Ship by way of bonus.
A brief gap in the slightly damp weather that had haunted the start of the trip presented the chance of Pimms on deck before lunch as we set sail for the Shiant Isles. The Ship’s tenders took us out in small groups throughout the afternoon for close up views of the birdlife on the water: Razorbills, Puffins and Guillemots in hundreds! We left the wonderful Shiants somewhat reluctantly, heading up to Stornoway on Lewis for our evening berth.
Saturday 13th June
From our overnight berth in Stornoway, coaches took the Walkers across the island on Saturday to a spectacular walk on the west coast. We started from the restored Blackhouse village of An Gearrannan, heading up the coast for around 3-4 miles. All the special touches we were all starting to expect – stunning scenery, great walking, orchids and other flowers underfoot, beautiful beaches, some uphill stretches, some boggy sections … and a few stiles & fences thrown in for good measure! Soup and sandwiches restored us all at Dalmore beach, and a short rest on the coach was welcomed as we drove on to our second walk of the day – along the cliffs to the Butt of Lewis. More views, seabirds, flowers and the imposing sight of the Lighthouse as we neared the end of our walk.
The strollers visited St Moluag’s Church and the Butt of Lewis in the morning, and Dun Carloway Broch and the Callanish Standing Stones in the afternoon.
We sailed over dinner, sad to say goodbye to the Outer Isles but cheered by music from our guide John and from a couple of guests. .. and despite tired legs for some, the opportunity for a bit of after-dinner dancing!
We anchored in Uig Bay, Isle of Skye overnight.
Sunday 14th June
Having sailed on Saturday evening from Stornoway back over The Minch to Skye, coaches met us at our berth at Uig on Sunday, taking us all to the stunning Trotternish peninsula. Walkers enjoyed an exhilarating walk on the Quiraing.
The strollers took time to stop at Flora MacDonald’s grave at Kilmuir (also somewhat more recently the site of the memorial to the fashion designer Alexander McQueen) – a very atmospheric spot – also wonderfully picturesque, especially with the sun now out in full force, and Hebridean Princess sailing past in the distance! A gentle stroll took us down the slope to the Museum of Island Life to admire the blackhouses. Strollers continued our coach tour, stopping for a sumptuous lunch at the Flodigarry Hotel, complete with views out over the rolling lawns to the sea. A final few stops at the Kilt Rock waterfall and at a viewpoint to look back at the Old Man of Storr completed our tour, allowing us time to wander through the streets of Portree on our way back to the awaiting tenders. Our return to the Ship was marked with rum punch and Caribbean decorations on deck. We sailed from Portree to anchor off the coast of Raasay, our evening rounded off beautifully with the most wonderful sunset.
Monday 15th June
We departed our berth off the coast of Raasay on Monday morning, sailing southwards… seal and dolphin spotting en route. The Skye Bridge sparkled in the sunshine as guests relaxed on deck or in the lounge. We all enjoyed a splendid ham buffet as we sailed the final stretch to our afternoon anchorage off the Isle of Muck.
After lunch, all who wished to enjoyed walks and strolls ashore on the Isle of Muck. Some guests enjoyed the hospitality of the local café, some walked across the island to the beautiful white sands – paddling or swimming once there – and a more intrepid group of walkers went further, climbing up beyond the beach to the top of Beinn Airein (about 450 feet, but felt like 1000!). Stunning views rewarded us before we retraced our steps back to Hebridean Princess for a final evening sail and our Gala dinner, which was followed by more music, dancing, and much laughter. We concluded with Auld Lang Syne… a perfect finish to a wonderful day and a glorious week!
We anchored overnight in Charlotte Bay.
Tuesday 16th June
Our wonderful Footloose ended in Oban on Tuesday with sad farewells, and many promises to meet again!
