Footloose through Lochs and Isles

Tuesday 18th October to Tuesday 25th October 2022.

Whether enjoying a tranquil stroll or a brisker walk, this cruise of mainland and island highlights offers the best of both worlds. As autumn spectacularly tints the unparalleled landscapes of Skye, Raasay, Eigg and Mull, join Hebridean Princess for our last Footloose cruise of the season.

This weeks blog was guest edited by Nicola Gibbs.

Tuesday 18th October

For those guests meeting in Glasgow, a stunning autumnal coach ride via Inveraray began the trip, with the setting sun turning the skies alight over the Connell Bridge as they neared Oban. They were piped aboard in true Hebridean style, with the warmest of welcomes from the Princess team. A late evening sail took our guests from the night lights of Oban to a sheltered anchorage near Tayvallich as they settled onboard and enjoyed their first evening dinner.

Wednesday 19th October

Today we anchored off Tayvallich and guests were tendered ashore to enjoy walks and strolls, including a stunning woodland and ridge walk that opened up spectacular views over to Jura and the surrounding small islands. An afternoon and evening of cruising northwards followed, with stunning skies and views as guests prepared for their first Gala dinner.

Thursday 20th October

After cruising in the morning we arrived in Tobermory on Mull. Walkers took a coach (complete with delicious hot soup and packed lunches… with the local tame robin in attendance) for an autumn walk down through Aros park back down to the town. Stollers walked out to the Lighthouse and then took a coach out to the beautiful sandy bay at Calgary…. And most managed some free time to explore the charms of Tobermory itself, including the Silver Shop.

Friday 21st October (Morning)

We anchored off the beautiful Isle of Ulva, where walkers and strollers alike enjoyed the magnificent scenery, rounded off with the magical appearance of coffee and a wee dram on the jetty before we tendered back to the Ship.

Friday 21st October (Afternoon)

A delicious salmon buffet awaited guests on board, served superbly by Chief Purser Lyndsey. An early afternoon cruising in the October sunshine followed as we sailed around the Isle of Mull from Ulva to Iona. On arrival guests visited the Abbey, walked out to The Bay at the Back, or up to Dun I, the highest point on the island, with spectacular views in every direction.

Saturday 22nd October

We sailed into Oban in the early morning to take on water, allowing strollers to enjoy the town, with a trip to Seal Island and local gardens in the afternoon. Walkers caught the local ferry over to wild and beautiful Kerrera for a full day walk. Glorious October sunshine for most of a more strenuous walk, the highlights of which were most definitely the outstanding scenery, fairytale Gylen Castle perched on a headland, and the views from our picnic stop.

Sunday 23rd October

Guests woke to the lights of Oban as we watched the sky slowly clear ready for a morning to explore the town or visit Kerrera by tender. Walkers strode up to McCaig’s Tower, enjoying spectacular views back down to the Princess before returning for Hebridean Fish and Chips. A gentle cruise after lunch took us to remote the Kingairloch Estate on Loch à Choire where guests strolled at will.

Monday 24th October

A full day walk from Ballachullish for walkers, enjoying far reaching views to reward them for the long climb up The Devil’s Staircase. Other guests enjoyed excursions by coach and cable car around Glencoe, before returning for a Farewell Gala dinner and final sail back towards Oban Bay.