Footloose to Skye and the Shiants

Tuesday 13th to Tuesday 20th September 2022

This exciting Footloose cruise is an opportunity not to be missed. Taking guests to the magnificent walkers’ paradise of Skye, and the Outer Isles of Harris and Lewis, join our experienced walking guides on an unforgettable journey through inspirational landscapes, steeped in history and romance, and tinted by the changing seasons.

Our grateful thanks to guest Nicola Gibbs for many of the words and fabulous pictures used in this weeks cruise log.

Tuesday 13th September

We departed from Oban in the early evening and set sail for our overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Wednesday 14th September

Stunning morning skies greeted early risers. Tenders ashore took guests to the very tranquil Isle of Canna where walkers and strollers alike enjoyed gentle walks (and a demonstration from our Guide of the Punishment Stone… you placed your thumb in the hole for a set number of hours.. or even days). Stunning views, and even paddling for some!

In the afternoon guests were tendered ashore at the much more dramatic Loch Coruisk on Skye for more strenuous walks, but rewarded by Hebridean refreshments at the end of our walk. The day was finished with an amazing Gala dinner, where the highlight was definitely the lobster!

Crossing The Minch, we anchored overnight off Tarbert, Harris.

Thursday 15th September

From Tarbert, the strollers embarked on an island tour of Harris.

For the walkers, a Footloose first! From anchor off Harris, walkers took a very scenic coach ride down to the Isle of Scalpay and through the island’s picturesque landscape for a round walk out to the Eileen Glas lighthouse, with welcome local refreshments at the lighthouse. Glorious views, dramatic scenery, and even the odd rainbow…. Or two … or three! A late seafood buffet back aboard greeted us as we sailed for Stornoway on Lewis.

We spent the afternoon cruising on passage towards Stornoway, Isle of Lewis where we berthed alongside overnight.

Friday 16th September

A full day on Lewis … for walkers and strollers alike a visit to the dramatic and romantic Callanish Stones.

Walkers then strode out from Gearrannan Blackhouse Museum over headlands to Dalmore beach for a packed lunch and soup… followed by a walk further north to the Butt of Lewis. Glorious golden beaches and stunning skies!

The strollers visited St Moluag’s Church and the Butt of Lewis during the afternoon.
But the day was not complete until another delicious dinner followed by foot-tapping music from local Stornoway duo… a few dances, and much delight at having music onboard once more! We remained alongside in Stornoway overnight.

Saturday 17th September

A gentle morning stroll in Stornoway from the moving memorial of the loss of life in the very poignant 1919 Iolaire disaster, back through the wildflowers of the Heritage Walk memorial to the ship, or a visit to the Lews Castle Museum.

A gentle afternoon at sea to relax as we spent the afternoon cruising on passage to our overnight anchorage in Uig bay off the Isle of Skye.

Sunday 18th September

From Uig, Skye, there was the option of a tour of the Trotternish Peninsula with lunch at the Flodigarry Hotel, or an exhilarating full day walk on the Trottenish Peninsula for the walkers with packed lunches. The steep climbs rewarded by amazing views, even down onto the Princess as she sailed from Uig to Portree.
All guests re-joined the ship in Portree.

We arrived and berthed alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh this evening where we remained overnight.

Monday 19th September

A sensitive and very carefully thought-through change to the itinerary on a day of much National feeling. A morning at sea to allow those who wished to join together in the Tiree Lounge to share in the nation’s mourning and remembrance for our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. A buffet lunch was followed by a beach landing log at Kilmory Bay on Rum, a beach said to be favored by our late Queen. Guests were able to stroll at will, enjoying the peace, the remoteness, the views back to the Ship, and even multitudes of distant deer up the glens.

A final dinner followed, with the opportunity to thank the Galley team for a few extra inches around our middles! We anchored overnight in Charlotte Bay off the Isle of Kerrera.

Tuesday 20th September

A serene sail from our overnight anchorage back into Oban… hearts aching at leaving, but souls filled with Scottish sunshine!

It’s easy to overlook how wonderful even the coach journey is from Oban to Glasgow … amazing views from the windows, and welcome Hebridean coffee served by Phoebe & Matt on the shores of Loch Lomond.