This sailing season we were thrilled to be joined by travel content creators Kim and Del Hogg of Going the Whole Hogg. They jumped on board historic ship Bessie Ellen for a week of island hopping and sailing in the Hebrides. Kim and Del had limited sailing experience, but are keen adventurers, having just returned from an Everest Base Camp trek.
Built in 1904, West Country trading ketch Bessie Ellen celebrates her 120th anniversary in 2024 with a Round Britain Tour. This seemed like the perfect time to welcome Kim and Del on board to get a taste of historic sailing!
Life on board historic ship Bessie Ellen is just as much about the experience of sailing as it is about the destination. From falling asleep to the softly creaking hull, to learning the ropes and taking the helm, even a complete novice can step back in time and experience life at sea as it would have been a century ago.
Kim and sea dog Bracken at the HelmDel venturing onto the bowsprit
Owner and skipper Nikki discovered Bessie Ellen in a Danish shipyard in 1991, spending a year restoring her before returning to Plymouth. Nikki’s passion for preserving Bessie Ellen’s important place in maritime history shines through each voyage. As the Hoggs explain, skipper Nikki’s “passion for Bessie Ellen is infectious and she had us all getting stuck in, learning the ropes and being in charge at the helm…. It felt very rewarding to be combining travel and an outdoors experience with actively learning a new skill.”
Sailing on Bessie Ellen is suitable for all ages and levels of experience – so even if you’ve never set foot on a boat before you’ll soon find your sea legs! Kim and Del wrote an in-depth blog about their experience as novice sailors, you can read their full account below.
For a fully immersive experience, take a look at the Going the Whole Hogg‘s feature length ambient film of historic ship Bessie Ellen below.
Ready to set sail?
If you’d like to experience sailing on historic ship Bessie Ellen, why not join her Round Britain Tour in 2024. This tour will see Bessie Ellen make the journey around the breathtaking coastlines and historic ports of Britain. From the rugged beauty of Cornwall to Scotland’s magical lochs and islands, each voyage unveils the diverse wonders of Britain’s coastal heritage.
If you’re looking for stunning vistas, dramatic coastlines, and secluded beaches, the Outer Hebrides should be at the top of your travel list. Situated off Scotland’s West Coast, these remote islands boast powdery sands and azure waters that rival the Caribbean! Some of these beaches in the Outer Hebrides are only accessible by boat, making them the ideal stop on a Scottish sailing holiday.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to our top five beaches in the Outer Hebrides.
1. Mingulay Beach, Mingulay
Nestled on the uninhabited island of Mingulay, this beach showcases dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and the mysterious remnants of an abandoned village. Only accessible by boat, as you approach the island, the towering cliffs frame a stunning white sandy beach, waiting to be explored. Last inhabited in 1912, the remains of the abandoned village can still be seen today. The rich history of Mingulay shines through as you explore across the island, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and a medieval chapel dedicated to St Michael. Wildlife has certainly taken over these islands, with large populations of seabirds perfect for a spot of wildlife watching whilst relaxing on the beach.
2. Loch na h-Uide and Traigh a’ Siar, Taransay
As the largest uninhabited island in Britain, Taransay boasts two pristine beaches that run parallel to one another, linking both sides of the island. Loch na h-Uide, a sheltered lagoon, offers a picturesque spot for anchoring, Scottish wild swimming and kayaking. This beach is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, providing a refuge for various bird species, including oystercatchers and redshanks. On the other side of the connecting ‘land bridge,’ Traigh a’ Siar unfolds as a three-mile stretch of white sand. This stretch of beach invites you to enjoy a leisurely stroll and sunbathe on a secluded stop off the boat. Taransay’s appeal lies in its wildlife and unspoiled nature, making it a haven for those seeking connection with the natural world.
3. Hirta Bay on St Kilda, Scotland
Hirta Bay is located on the archipelago of St Kilda, the most remote destination in the British Isles, otherwise known as ‘The Islands at the Edge of the World’. St Kilda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its exceptional natural beauty and unique wildlife. The coastline here is a nesting ground for thousands of seabirds, including the iconic puffins and gannets. As you approach Hirta Bay, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the historic village and church, preserved by the National Trust for Scotland as a testament to the resilience of the island’s former inhabitants. The combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and an incredible array of wildlife, makes Hirta Bay one of the most unique and special beaches in Scotland. Only accessible by boat, Hirta Bay is a truly special stop on our sailing holidays to the Outer Hebrides.
4. Bosta Beach, Isle of Lewis
If ancient history and stunning surroundings are high on your list, a visit to Bosta Beach on the Isle of Harris is sure to delight. Along the fringes of this pristine beach lies the Bosta Iron Age settlement, dating back thousands of years. In 1992 a storm exposed an ancient village hidden under the sand dunes. A later excavation revealed a well-preserved settlement from the Late Iron Age. Due to the vulnerability of the original structures to erosion, they were allowed to return back to nature. A life-size reconstruction of an Iron Age home now stands on the edge of this beach, offering visitors insight into early settlers’ lives. While the beach itself may be small in size, it’s peaceful location in a sheltered valley makes it the perfect location to stop and appreciate the island’s natural beauty and rich history.
5. Traigh a Bhaigh, Vatersay
Located on the island of Vatersay, Traigh a Bhaigh offers breathtaking views of the uninhabited islands of Sandray, Pabbay, and Mingulay. Vatersay is the southernmost inhabited island of the Outer Hebrides, boasting an incredible array of landscapes, blending sandy beaches, machair grasslands, and rocky shores. The beach of Traigh a Bhaigh, or East Beach, is also host to colonies of seabirds, including razorbill, gannet, guillemot, and puffins. A regular stop on our sailing holidays to the Outer Hebrides, Traigh a Bhaigh has a deep sheltered bay, ideal for anchoring and tender excursions ashore, or making use of onboard kayaks and paddleboards to explore the stunning coastline up close.
Ready to set sail and explore the beaches in the Outer Hebrides?
The Outer Hebrides is a truly unique destination, and the best way to experience its natural beauty and cultural significance is undoubtedly onboard a sailing holiday, island hopping and exploring somewhere new each day with small groups of like-minded individuals. From the rugged seclusion of St Kilda to the tranquil waters of Vatersay, the best beaches in the Outer Hebrides offer a truly unforgettable experience. If you’d like to experience these fantastic Outer Hebrides beaches for yourself, why not join us on a Scottish sailing holiday?
At fifty miles in length, the Isle of Skye is the largest of the inner Hebrides and the second largest island in Scotland. Although connected to the north-west Scottish mainland by bridge, the island remains remote, rugged and seemingly untouched by modern advances. With approximately 30% of the local population speaking Gaelic, it is easy to forget you are just moments from the British mainland. The best way to discover this part of Scotland certainly has to be a sailing holiday in Skye.
Cuillin Sound, SkyeThe Storr, Skye
A sailing holiday in Scotland is an utter joy as we explore some of the finest sailing waters in the world. If weather permits, you may visit one of the many lochs surrounding Skye. Loch Scavaig and Loch Coruisk in particular are said to offer ‘the wildest scene in the Highlands’. These lochs are nestled on the southern half of the islands, at the foot of the often mist-shrouded Black and Skye Cuillin. The waters here are almost completely enclosed and said to be home to kelpies. Anchoring on Loch Scavaig, at the mouth of Loch Coruisk is utterly breath taking and perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring anchorages in the world. Step ashore to uncover another world, exploring foothills, untamed landscapes and the dark granite cliffs. Adding a little life to this often eerily quiet and still setting is the resident seal colony. You’ll also find occasional playful dolphins who accompany vessels across the waters, dancing in and out of the bow waves.
Loch Elshort, SkyeSea Eagle on the Isle of Skye
IS THE ISLE OF SKYE GOOD FOR WILDLIFE WATCHING?
Wildlife watching in Scotland is exceptional and nature lovers will delight in the numerous opportunities to observe the plethora of animal species in their natural habitats. Those who venture across the island may be rewarded with Red Deer, Otters, Sea Eagles, Hen Harriers and the Pine Marten. Out at sea, the waters almost throb with marine life with sea-farers often spotting seals, dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and a variety of whales. On a sailing adventure in this wildlife haven it’s best to keep cameras at the ready to capture memorable moments.
THE HISTORY OF SKYE
The beauty and history of Skye has longed lured filmmakers with the island featuring in many a Hollywood film including King Arthur, Transformers and the Legend of the Sword. Its wide and varied history can be seen in the seven castles that are located across the island. Some are ruinous remains whilst others stand tall, but each point to Skye’s tumultuous past, of clan feuds and violent battles. Each of our ventures to Skye allow time to explore the island so it is worth speaking with the crew who will be able to assist with any land arrangements to ensure your sailing holiday adventure is as you wish.
The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s second most visited destinations after Edinburgh and is home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes. It is a land of fairy pools, velvet moors and towering sea cliffs. Of mist shrouded jagged mountains, folklore and wonder. Barren and windswept, sailing holidays to Skye are thrilling and there is no denying that this enchanting, majestic island will hold visitors under its spell long after departing.
