Logs
Answer the call of the Cuillin to discover the magic of Skye on this ‘footloose’ walking adventure. Enjoy the immersive experience of the wild landscapes of the ‘Misty Isle’ and the remote Sutherland coast, rich in flora and fauna, with our knowledgeable walking guides and make memories to last a lifetime.
Tuesday 22nd September: Oban
Guests came aboard in Oban, the “Gateway to the Isles”, and settled into their cabins as the harbour lights came on. During our first dinner together, we slipped our moorings and sailed north through the night towards the Small Isles.
Wednesday 23rd September: Isle of Rum and Loch Scavaig
We woke at anchor in Loch Scresort with the hills of Rum rising straight up from the water. Guests went ashore to explore this wild island, now a national nature reserve, on walks to suit every pace.
In the afternoon we crossed to Loch Scavaig on Skye, one of the most dramatic anchorages on the west coast. From there a short walk ashore took guests to Loch Coruisk, which sits in a bowl of the Black Cuillin with the jagged ridges all around it.
We spent a night at anchor off Isle Ornsay.
Thursday 24th September: The Sound of Sleat and Shieldaig
We spent the morning cruising. We headed up the Sound of Sleat and through the fast tides of Kyle Rhea, then passed under the Skye Bridge and out into the Inner Sound.
In the afternoon we reached Shieldaig, a pretty village of whitewashed cottages around its own sheltered loch, and guests went ashore for walks.
We arrived late that evening in Lochinver and berthed alongside overnight. As Lochinver is famous for its pies, a selection were procured and served as surprise canapés, or ‘Canpies!’
Friday 25th September: Lochinver and Ullapool
Our Footloose walkers set off on a full-day walk with packed lunches, heading across Assynt’s remarkable landscape to meet the ship in Ullapool.
The Strollers stayed in Lochinver for a visit to the Highland Stoneware Pottery, where they could watch the hand-painted pieces being made.
In the afternoon we sailed to Ullapool, where the walkers came back on board. The Strollers visited the Ullapool Museum and explored the town independently.
That night we anchored in Staffin Bay, off Skye’s Trotternish coast.
Saturday 26th September: Portree and Dunvegan
We spent the day on Skye, starting from Portree with its colourful harbourfront. The Footloose walkers set out on a full-day walk in the Dunvegan area.
The Strollers took a coach to Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLeod, and came back to Portree for a free afternoon of browsing.
That evening we berthed alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh.
Sunday 27th September: Plockton, Balmacara and Eilean Donan
We spent the morning in Plockton, a lovely village where palm trees grow along the shore thanks to the Gulf Stream. Walks and strolls set out from there.
In the afternoon the Footloose walkers went to Balmacara, while the Strollers visited Eilean Donan Castle on its island where three lochs meet.
We anchored that night in Loch na Dal, off Skye.
Monday 28th September: Armadale and Inverie
The morning brought us to Armadale. The Footloose walkers set off on foot straight from the ship, and the Strollers visited Armadale Castle and its gardens.
In the afternoon we crossed to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, a community that can only be reached by boat or a long walk in, and guests went ashore for a final walk and refreshments at the Old Forge pub, mainland Britain’s remotest inn.
For our last night and farewell gala dinner we anchored in Charlotte Bay, off Kerrera, with Oban’s lights just across the water.
Tuesday 29th September: Oban
We returned to Oban, where we said goodbye to our guests at the end of a week of islands, castles and hill walks.
