Tuesday 8th to Tuesday 15th July 2025

Sail south from Oban to Knapdale and enjoy walks on the scenic, unspoilt mainland, before exploring the varied landscapes of the southern Inner Isles. With enticing visits for non-walkers, this cruise offers something for everyone.

Tuesday 8th July

A warm welcome awaited guests at Glasgow Central Station and Airport from two of our Footloose Guides, who gave an interesting commentary during our very scenic and smooth journey to Oban. Guests were given an even warmer welcome on arrival on board Hebridean Princess, with Champagne and the chance to meet up with old friends and start making new ones. After a welcome talk and lifeboat drill we enjoyed a scenic evening sail to our overnight anchorage at Bloody Bay.

Mr Rodney Franks celebrated his birthday with a cake.

Wednesday 9th July

We sailed to the Isle of Coll in the morning, berthing alongside for walkers and strollers alike to enjoy an atmospheric (if damp) morning exploring. Walkers strode out for a six mile leg-stretch across the island and back, enjoying the sheep, orchids, the sight of a few choughs, and the fresh air.

Over lunch we cruised to Tiree, with a coach waiting to take guests for an afternoon excursion. The strollers enjoyed the Skerryvore lighthouse museum, while walkers wandered in the dunes, negotiated a few fences, and loved glimpses of the sea as the weather improved.

The Captain’s Gala dinner rounded the evening off in style and we anchored off Bunessan, Isle of Mull, overnight.

Thursday 10th July

A relaxing morning was spent at sea, passing the Isle of Iona with views of the abbey en route to our afternoon on the Island of Colonsay. A delicious buffet lunch was served on board ahead of our afternoon ashore.

While the walkers crossed the island on foot, the strollers took advantage of a minibus shuttle to Colonsay House. Everyone had the chance to explore the beautiful gardens, and some took the opportunity to venture further, reaching the stunning white sands of Kiloran Bay… several guests braving the water for swimming, and several paddling. The shuttle bus was available to take everyone back to the ship after refreshments in the sunshine on the terrace at Colonsay House.

We sailed during the evening to Port Ellen where we berthed overnight, enjoying the warm evening – and for those who took late night drinks out onto the Skye Deck, the chance to watch the new ‘Buck’ Moon rising over Islay.

Friday 11th July

A coach took walkers and strollers to the Finlaggan centre on Islay, strollers staying for a guided visit while walkers went on to Ardnave point for walks in the dunes and beaches (more paddling and swimming) – surrounded by stunning views out beyond the Point.

While walkers enjoyed sandwiches, soup and picnic extras, strollers were treated to lunch at the Port Charlotte Hotel after which they took a distillery tour, collecting the walkers on their way back. Their tales of whisky tasting were matched by our debate over the birdlife seen at the RSPB reserve near Ardnave… was it a deer or a duck?! As the evening got warmer and warmer guests relaxed with drink on deck while we sailed into a dramatic sunset on passage to our overnight anchorage off Tayvallich.

Saturday 12th July

As the summer temperatures soared to very hot 29 degrees, walkers set out for a full day 9 mile walk from Tayvallich, with strollers opting to explore the two areas on foot more locally with lunch on board as Hebridean Princess relocated to Crinan.

For the walkers, wonderful views, forest tracks, a picnic lunch and much needed cooling drinks and ice creams at the pub in Crinan to round the day off. A gorgeous evening, but a Footloose ‘first’ … guests moving round the ship in the evening to find the shade!

We anchored overnight off Ardfern.

Sunday 13th July

Today was spent enjoying two visits on the mainland: we tendered ashore at Lochgilphead for local walks and a visit to Kilmartin Glen in the morning, and then again at Ardfern in the afternoon for a visit to Arduaine Gardens – where cool shady spots and cold drinks were sought by most!

A lovely sunset lit up our evening sail back to the Small Isles where we anchored overnight off the Island of Canna.

Monday 14th July

As we sailed in the morning for the remote village of Inverie for our final visit of the trip, the Captain offered a tour of the Ship’s Bridge to those who were interested, before tendering us ashore for walks and strolls in the afternoon. 

The scorching heat of the last two days gave way to rain, so while some walked up to the Brockett Memorial to enjoy the valley views, others strolled on the beach, or enjoyed local hospitality at The Old Forge – the most remote pub on mainland Britain.

Our cruise rounded off with a spectacular Gala dinner, full recital of the Ode to the Haggis, a chance to meet and thank our wonderful chefs working in the Galley all week, and a few post-dinner jokes and songs in the Tiree Lounge from Chief Purser Jim and some of our Guides.

Tuesday 15th July

Disembarkation took place after breakfast and we hope all our guests enjoyed this fabulous Footloose cruise. We look forward to welcoming them all back on board soon.