Mull and the Small Isles – Bessie Ellen 2023

Vessel:
Where: Scotland
Duration: 3 days

Embark: Oban - 16 May 2025, 10:00
Disembark: Oban - 18 May 2025, 14:30

Prices from
£450.00€517.50 Per Person.
View tickets and availability

Sail the West coast of Scotland with tall ship Bessie Ellen, exploring the beauty of Mull and the Small Isles. Perfect for wildlife watching.

Join tall ship Bessie Ellen in the Scottish harbour town of Oban for a sailing holiday to remember! The sea around the West coast of Scotland offers some of the most stunning cruising grounds found anywhere in the world. Our departure from the highland town of Oban opens up a world of spectacular cruising and adventures, never lacking in great sailing whatever the weather.

Life at Sea

This voyage is perfect for those wanting to experience the magic of Scotland under sail and venture to anchorages off the beaten track, away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

The time at sea is yours to make your own and guests are invited to become as involved as much as they like by taking the wheel, navigating or hauling the ropes. Bessie Ellen is a traditional tall ship with not a winch in sight so it’s certainly a case of all hands on deck. No experience is needed and new comers are always welcome but a lust for adventure is a must! This hands-on adventure will take you where the wind blows, visiting unique islands, hidden lochs and the amazing array of wildlife there is up here inner seas and skies. There is just so much to take in and to make the best use of the wind and enjoy the full experience of sailing, we do not run to specific itineraries.

The Small Isles

Tacking westward through the Sound Of Mull we head out beyond Ardnamurchan Point and alter course to the North where the landscape opens up offering far-reaching views up to the Small Isles with Torridon away on the horizon.

The Small Isles are made up of a group of volcanic islands close to the mainland with the seas sheltered by the Outer Hebrides. Rum is by far the largest island possessing a cluster of formidable volcanic peaks. Askival (Ash Mountain) is the highest peak dominating the landscape and the name itself tells of the Viking settlers here.

Eigg, which measures just 5 by 3 miles, is by far the most vibrant, populous and welcoming of the Small Isles and it is worth the trek through the island to the top of An Sgurr just for the views over the Hebridean seas.

Muck, tiny but perfect is always a favourite stop. This privately owned island is home to only 12 people who live here year-round. Enjoy the peace and quiet in a walk across the island before heading home for a lobster lunch acquired from Sandy the gentle crofter.

Canna, in many ways, is the prettiest of the isles with its high basalt cliffs which are home to a colony of Puffins. Spend time lying on the cliff edge as they hover a few inches away before darting off to catch more eels. After anchoring for the night we succumb to the tranquillity of the island knowing there is little to do but walk, watch birds and take in the scenery and the hospitality of this island community.

Wildlife in the Hebrides

Wildlife is guaranteed at this time of year and not a week passes without seeing at least three of the Big five – Red Deer, Otter, Seal, Golden Eagle and of course the Red Squirrel. It is possible to stand amongst puffin burrows whilst watching the to-ing and fro-ing of the parent birds as they feed their young with mouths full of eels. Whales and dolphins are often seen out to the North of Colonsay and Canna, mostly Minke but Orca have also been known to visit these waters., so keep those eyes peeled!

As with all Bessie Ellen’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks. Curtained bunk berths are int he spacious shared open saloon below decks with bedding provided – you just need to bring your own towel.

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!