Sailing the Hebrides

This myriad of islands lying off the West coast of Scotland offers some of the most dramatic and stunning landscapes in the British Isles. Sailing the Hebrides is the perfect way to explore these islands.
Protected from the Atlantic swell by the outer islands, the Inner Hebrides offer a slightly gentler sailing experience than the Outer Hebrides, with both holding an allure of their own.

Each of the islands has its own personality, and during our sailing holidays, our skippers do their best to showcase some of the highlights, from traditional villages to uninhabited islands where nature reigns.

Explore the Inner Hebrides

At around 150 miles in length, the Inner Hebrides are strung from Skye in the north to Islay in the south. Each isle varies from the next, from white sandy beaches to sheer volcanic cliffs, as well as world-class whisky distilleries that draw whisky connoisseurs each year. 

Whilst the weather and tides always dictate the exact itinerary for your sailing holiday, we can guarantee some of the most beautiful cruising in the world with landscapes perfect for adventurers.

The larger islands are Mull and Skye, with the latter being the largest of the Inner Hebrides and the second-largest island in Scotland. However, despite her size, Skye still offers an untamed wilderness and otherworldly scenery that enchants all who visit.

Further south, Mull boasts panoramic landscapes and plentiful locations off the beaten track, including a 13th-century castle and the island’s only whisky distillery at Tobermory. Sailing through the stunning Sound of Mull, keep an eye out for dolphins and seals, which often frequent these waters.

Lying just off the coast of Mull are the beautiful islands of Iona and Staffa, which serve as frequent stop-off points.

Staffa has been entirely uninhabited since the 17 Century and is today famed for Fingal’s Cave a sea cave formed of hexagonally jointed basalt. If conditions permit, you may step ashore to explore these strange formations via the walkway – be sure to pack your camera, as the scenery is truly awe-inspiring.

From here, it’s often a short crossing to Iona, the centre of Gaelic monasticism for four centuries and home to Iona Abbey, the burial place of 43 Scottish kings and a focal point for Christianity. It’s little wonder that Iona is often referred to as the Sacred Isle!

On the south to Jura, you are likely to pass by the infamous Corryvreckan, the third largest whirlpool in the world, before arriving at peaceful Jura, where visitors can enjoy the peace and untouched scenery.

Lastly, it’s pretty Islay (pronounced eye-la), the most southerly isle in the Inner Hebrides and home to numerous working whisky distilleries, producing some of the finest malt whiskies in the world. Islay is stunningly beautiful, with dozens of beaches, numerous historical sites, and a welcoming population that encourages visitors to sample the smoky, peaty whisky for which the island is famous.

Head to the Outer Hebrides

With twelve inhabited and numerous uninhabited islands and only one tiny airstrip, the only way to really uncover the Outer Hebrides archipelago is under sail.

Setting off from the mainland, the first island likely to greet you is Barra, lying to the south of the Outer Hebrides. Often referred to as the ‘jewel of the Outer Hebrides’, this isle is a marvellous mix of rugged hills, rocky coves and beautiful beaches.

Ever so slightly to the north is South Uist, a long, narrow island boasting a 20-mile stretch of white sand along its west coast, fringed by flower-covered machair.

Continuing north, the flat island of Benbecula is home to the majority of Uist’s population and businesses, as well as an astonishing amount of birdlife. In contrast, the lands of North Uist are rugged and wild, packed with interesting archaeological sites and marked with incredibly scenic sea lochs.

From North Uist lies the pretty island of Berneray, a wonderful, quaint island offering a mix of flower-covered farmland, rocky bays, and sandy beaches. It’s the perfect place to while away a few hours.

Crossing over the Sound of Harris, keeping eyes out for dolphins and porpoises, the next stop is often the Isle of Harris. Known as an island of contrasts, the south is fringed with dazzlingly white, shell-lined beaches, perfect for beachcombing, while the north is more dramatic, with wild, untamed hills.

The most northerly island in the Outer Hebrides chain is the Isle of Lewis. The largest island in the archipelago, there is plenty to explore here, from ancient archaeological sites to stunning lochs and wildlife watching – over 4,000 Red Deer call Lewis home.

Wildlife Watching in the Hebrides

The Hebrides are undoubtedly one of the last untouched natural landscapes in Europe. The diverse habitats have allowed a plethora of wildlife to thrive in the area deemed by many to be one of the best places for wildlife watching in Europe.

The waters around the Inner Hebrides are well-known for whale watching, with Orcas occasionally sighted between May and September. Basking sharks are a frequent sight, whilst various species of whales often accompany our voyages along with dolphins and the ever-popular seals. Keen eyes may even spot one of the many otters who reside along this stunning coastline, as well as in the freshwater lochs.

When exploring ashore, keep binoculars to hand for spotting deer, wild goats, and a host of birdlife, including the majestic golden and white-tailed eagles, the latter being the UK’s largest raptor. Bird-lovers will also relish the fabulous marine bird life which can be spotted whilst at sea, including guillemots, kittiwakes, storm petrels and puffins, as well as the rarer northern divers and white-billed diver. 

Adventure Holidays Sailing the Hebrides

Whether lured here for the wildlife, spectacular scenery, rich history, or to simply get away from it all, the Hebrides are a truly special place certainly best explored under sail.