Footloose through the Inner Sound

Tuesday 2nd to Tuesday 9th May 2023

Our first Footloose cruise of 2023 offers a tantalising blend of energising walks and fascinating visits to suit every taste. The diverse landscapes of the Small Isles and Skye contrast with the mainland gems of Plockton and Shieldaig on this Footloose escape of peaceful seclusion.

Our thanks to guest Nicola Gibbs for providing many of the words and photographs for this weeks log.

Tuesday 2nd May

For those guests travelling by coach from Glasgow to Oban, some stunning views and lovely commentary along the way from our Guide, Marilyn, complete with some very apt verse.

Arrival at the Princess was marked with a piper to play us onboard, welcome Champagne as we stepped onboard, a delicious dinner, and a sunset as we left Oban for our overnight anchorage. A Coronation theme was evident in the beautiful floral displays on the dining tables, completing our perfect first evening!

We anchored overnight in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Wednesday 3rd May

This morning gave us the opportunity to walk in the dramatic landscape of Loch Coruisk on Skye. The weather was kind, and walkers and strollers alike set off amongst the boulders, marvelling at the grip the gabbro rock provided beneath our feet. A very welcome Hebridean drinks table awaited us at the mouth of the loch with refreshments while we waited for tenders back to the Princess, affording us some stunning views of countless deals along the way.

Our walking efforts were also rewarded with a mouth-watering salmon buffet for lunch as we set sail for our afternoon cruise north under the Skye bridge to our evening anchorage, where we enjoyed the Welcome Gala dinner.

We anchored overnight off Portree, Isle of Skye.

Thursday 4th May

An absolutely stunning walk in the sunshine for the more energetic up along the Quairaing on Skye’s Trotternish peninsula, while others enjoyed a coach tour of the north of the Island with a fabulous seafood buffet at The Flodigarry Hotel. Free time to wander round delightful Portree before Pimms on deck to round the day off!

We anchored overnight off Gairloch.

Friday 5th May

Today we spent a beautiful morning cruising in the sunshine and an afternoon visit to the picturesque village of Plockton with walks and strolls ashore for all.

We remained at anchor overnight off Plockton in Loch Carron.

Saturday 6th May

Coronation Day on the Princess: guests woke to find the ship dressed for the occasion, from the breakfast tables to the decks. The bow flags from aft to forward spelt out King Charles 3.

A glorious morning cruise towards the Isle of Raasay preceded the Royal celebrations, with many guests choosing to watch King Charles’ Coronation in the Tiree Lounge, raising delicious glasses of English Sparkling wine to mark the occasion. Others took the opportunity for more time ashore to enjoy the scenery.

A more strenuous walk up Dun Caan in the afternoon allowed walkers to walk off a Hebridean Fish and Chip lunch (glorious views over to Skye and beyond at every turn) while strollers enjoyed the distillery, hotel or simply stretching their legs along the gentle coast paths. Drinks on deck and a glorious sunset rounded off another perfect day!

We anchored overnight off Shieldaig.

Sunday 7th May

Walks ashore for all at remote Shieldaig, once again with sunshine and glorious far-reaching views, and the chance to look for the sea eagles said to be nesting locally – although possible sightings were unconfirmed. A delicious ham buffet helped us celebrate the Coronation Big Lunch before we sailed again towards Kyle of Lochalsh where we remained overnight.

Monday 8th May

A wetter morning today for our walks and strolls at Armadale, but the garden colours were beautiful, despite the rain. Views were not as far reaching as we had become accustomed to however!!!

The sun cleared as we fitted in a final walk on the Isle of Rum in the afternoon…. Greeted back at the jetty by some of the ship’s hotel team with refreshments – including rum, of course! Our gala night rounded off a superb Footloose week.