Hidden Outposts of the Northern Isles

Friday 4th to Monday 14th August 2023

Take a stunning summer cruise around the beautiful Shetland and Orkney Isles and discover some hidden gems as we visit some of the most remote and off the beaten track islands in Britain.

Friday 4th August

Embarkation took place at the port of Inverness and guests were welcomed on board by Captain Richard Heaton and the crew.

Saturday 5th August

We left Inverness and spent the morning cruising the Moray Firth, cross over the Pentland Firth on passage towards the Orkney islands. In the afternoon we landed on North Ronaldsay, where guests enjoyed an excursion offered by local residents which included the lighthouse.

We anchored off Stronsay overnight.

Sunday 6th August

After breakfast, minibuses were available in Whitehall, Stronsay to take guests to visit the Vat of Kirbister, a stunning natural rock arch.

Our afternoon port of call was Sanday to explore Quoyness Chambered Cairn or a tour of the island.

We anchored at Sanday overnight. Thank you to Tris Thorne who was camping on Sanday and captured these shots of Hebridean Princess at anchor.

Monday 7th August

After spending the morning cruising north on passage towards Fair Isle, we landed on the remote outpost for afternoon walks to the Bird Observatory, the Museum and to take in the views of South Lighthouse.

Late in the evening we arrived and berthed alongside in Lerwick, Shetland where we remained overnight. Tuesday 8th August

Our morning tour involved taking the local ferry from Laxo to Whalsay, Symbister for visits to the Hanseatic Museum and the Heritage Centre.

In the afternoon a coach was available to take guests to Sumburgh Head and Jarlshof or guests could explore Lerwick independently.

We remained alongside in Lerwick, Shetland overnight and evening entertainment was provided.

Wednesday 9th August

After a morning spent discovering the Shetland Museum and Archives, a coach transported guests to visit Scalloway Museum, followed by a visit to Carol’s Shetland Ponies.

We remained alongside in Lerwick, Shetland overnight and once again local musicians came on board to entertain guests after dinner.

Thursday 10th August

Green and fertile Fetlar played host to our morning visit. Guests could discover the island’s history and heritage at the Interpretive Centre and visited Fetlar Hall to meet local crafters and enjoy homebakes. Minibuses were available to transport guests to explore Loch Funzie, Tresta beach and the Kirk of St Boniface.

Our afternoon tour of Baltasound, Unst, including the Boat Haven and the Heritage Centre.

We anchored north of Lerwick overnight, passing Out Skerries en route.

Friday 11th August

After spending the morning cruising south on passage towards the Orkney Isles, we arrived at Papa Westray for an afternoon tour of the Knap of Howar.

We anchored overnight at the Bay of Doomy.

Saturday 12th August

We spent this morning cruising through the Orkney islands and the west coast of mainland Orkney including the views of the Old Man of Hoy.

In the afternoon we arrived and berthed alongside in Stromness, Orkney, to visit the ancient remains of Skara Brae the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness on a tour of the Neolithic Heart of Orkney.

We remained alongside overnight at Stromness.

Sunday 13th August

Our final port of call was the uninhabited Isle of Stroma in the Pentland Firth. Abandoned in 1962, this once populous isle played host to morning walks.

We spend the afternoon at sea as we cruised the east coast of Scotland, passing Channonry Point on passage towards our overnight berth in Inverness where the Farewell Gala Dinner was held.