Ullapool to Oban Bessie Ellen 2022

Join tall ship Bessie Ellen in the Scottish port town of Ullapool for a sailing holiday to remember! Your journey will be packed full with some of the most remote and beautiful sailing locations in the UK with plenty of wildlife watching too.

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 Summer Isles

A short hop from Ullapool lies the Summer Isles, picturesque and secluded, providing a first night anchorage away from it all.

Lying halfway across the Minch, Shiant provides a welcome break in the passage across, haunted by the mournful song of the seals. This is a birds paradise where seabirds breed in their thousands; puffins, guillemots and razorbills fill the bay while ashore the Gret Skua protectively guard their nests. A walk along the southern shore to the old village and lie down amongst the wildflowers, look out across a pewter sea towards Skye and your mind dream.

Sailing in the Outer Hebrides beckons with the purple peaks of Harris hiding the perfection of the white strands and turquoise waters running down the western coasts of these islands.  Taransay is a favourite along with Ensay for a night stop on the edge of the Atlantic before exploring the magic and seclusion of Loch Skyport, where a long climb up Hecla tempts the most sturdy of walkers. At the head of the loch, the remains of the old cattle drovers pier remind us of the past when drovers would come across from the mainland to collect the island’s cattle from the Uist’s and Benbecula before loading them onto boats to cross the Minch.

The Small Isles

Crossing the Minch from the Outer Hebrides, the wee island of Canna provides good shelter and wonderful hospitality all connected with the real magic that makes up the Small Isles. Canna is your perfect island with lush green fields and steep cliffs all sewn together with a good deal of history.

The Small Isles, made up of Rum, Eigg, Muck & Canna lie off the coast between Ardnamurchan & Mallaig.  All are very different both geologically and culturally.  All the islands now have thriving communities with Canna & Muck retaining old agricultural ties and Rum and Eigg turning to craft skills and small crofting.

Each island has a character of its own. Rum, dark and foreboding offers a safe haven in stormy weather while Eigg dominates with the Sgurr, a great walk for superb views. Muck is very charming indeed, gentle and verdant with awesome views back towards Rum. Ponies and cows roam the white sandy beaches and its not unknown for the laird to bid you good-day from his old tractor. Whatever your island odyssey, there is a place for all here.

As the Small Isles fade astern, Ardnamurchan Point with her dominant lighthouse beckons us into the shelter of the Sound of Mull.  At 25NM long, the sound offers plenty of sailing in flat water with magnificent views of Mull and Sunart and plenty of sheltered bays. Tobermory is a favourite for the charismatic street of painted cottages, fab fish ‘n’ chips and not forgetting the famous Mishnish inn. We also love a small bay sheltered by Isle Ornsay on the Drimnin peninsular, a haven for otters and often a White-tailed eagle flies overhead.

 

The sound opens up to the beginning of the great glen, at the western end of  Lismore you can see, stretching far into the distance, the magnificent mountain range culminating in Ben Nevis, Britains highest peak. This ‘great glen’ cuts across Scotland, divided by Loch’s Ness, Oich and Lochy all joined by the Caledonian canal and terminating at Inverness on the North Sea coast.  Our journey, however, ends here at the gateway to the Isles and the bustling port of Oban. Our final night is spent close by  but a promise of a final anchorage in a secluded loch offers a farewell to the magic of Scotland and all that draws us back time after time.

Wildlife in the Hebrides

A sailing holiday in Scotland comes with guaranteed wildlife watching 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 in the 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!

All voyages for Bessie Ellen

Bessie Ellen

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch

Step aboard Bessie Ellen, a classic tall ship with over 120 years of history, and embark on a sailing holiday that takes you back to a bygone era. As one of the last West Country trading ketches, Bessie Ellen has a remarkable past. She sailed through the turbulent times of both world wars, and has since been recognised for her historical significance, as she proudly graces the National Historic Ships Register, signifying her importance as a vessel in need of conservation.

Today, Bessie Ellen has transitioned into a vessel that sails the waters of the British Isles and Europe, offering unforgettable hands-on sailing holidays. With a warm and experienced crew, she provides guests with a comfortable and authentic tall ship experience. 

Life on board Bessie Ellen

Sail alongside skipper Nikki and her crew as they navigate the stunning coastlines of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides and  St. Kilda. Discover unique landscapes, encounter abundant wildlife, and enjoy delicious food sourced locally and prepared on board. Joining on this maritime adventure is Bracken, the spirited and seaworthy ship dog, eager to accompany you on your voyage!

Choose from a range of sailing experiences on Bessie Ellen. Opt for a traditional sailing weekend break, delve deeper into the maritime experience with a weeklong trip, or embark on a 10-day exploration to remote destinations. Whichever journey you choose, you can be certain that you will be transported to a world where the wind fills the sails, the sea beckons, and the echoes of history resonate with every nautical mile.

Read more about what to expect from Life on board here.

Sailing on Bessie Ellen is more than just a holiday. As you step aboard this historic vessel, you become part of her living legacy, connecting with the spirit of seafaring that has endured for over a century. Book your voyage with Bessie Ellen today and embark on an extraordinary journey through time.

More about Bessie Ellen

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know at the time of enquiry.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  There are 12 comfortable berths in the former cargo hold. This is an open plan area that is also used for meals and relaxing. Each bunk has its own reading light and privacy curtain.

• Is there a porthole in my berth?

  There are portholes within the saloon for natural light but not in each berth.

• How many toilets/showers does she have?

  Bessie Ellen has two toilets/showers for guests.

• Are bedding and towels included?

  All your bedding (duvet and pillow) is provided but please bring your own towels (washing and/or swimming).

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Bessie does not have laundry facilities on board.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes there is heating if needed!

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  English.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan if needed.

• Can I charge my phone or camera?

  Yes. We run generators every day in the morning and evening, which run the 240 volt system of normal 3 pin sockets.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - Pounds Sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Bessie Ellen is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are waterproofs available?

  No. Please bring your own. There are a few oilskins spare for emergencies only.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like, whether the know how to or not.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are worried to take some medication 24 hours before travelling.

• Is there an age limit?

  No, but we advise over 16's for scheduled voyages as there is an open saloon sleeping arrangement. There is no limit for private charter.

Travel Planning

From: Ullapool

To: Oban

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Ullapool

BY RAIL:

Garve is Ullapool’s closest station. Trains run 1 – 4 times a day from Inverness to Garve. Inverness has good rail and air links from the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Inverness Airport is about 1 hour 30 minutes to Ullapool by taxi. There are direct flights to Inverness from the major London airports.

STAY IN ULLAPOOL:

There are plenty of places to stay in Ullapool. Try Creagan Guesthouse, Rosslyn Cottage or Harbour House.

 

Oban

BY RAIL

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.