Skye & Outer Hebrides Sailing Holiday

Sailing Skye and the Outer Hebrides – Oban to Ullapool

Oban → Sound of Mull → Skye → North Uist → South Uist → Harris → Ullapool

The voyage begins in Oban, a natural meeting point for west coast sailing. The first days move north through the Sound of Mull or around the western edge of Mull, allowing time to settle into life on board and get to know Noonmark VI. These waters are sheltered and scenic, with forested shores and broad sea lochs making good conditions for easing into the rhythm of the voyage.

As the route opens toward the Inner Hebrides, the landscape becomes more rugged. The coastline of Skye rises steeply, with dramatic headlands and mountain backdrops visible from the sea. Approaching Skye under sail provides one of the most memorable views in Scottish waters, and anchorages here often offer good opportunities to go ashore for short walks or simply to take in the scale of the surroundings.

The Outer Hebrides – Harris, North and South Uist

From Skye, the voyage continues toward the Outer Hebrides, with possible stops along North Uist, South Uist or Harris, depending on weather and sea conditions. These islands are known for long beaches, wide horizons and quiet anchorages. Time ashore offers the chance to wander coastal paths, visit local communities, and experience the gentle pace of island life.

With big skies, few people and a landscape that invites wandering rather than rushing, time here can feel genuinely removed from the pace of everyday life:

• Harris offers sweeping white beaches and a landscape unlike anywhere else in Scotland
• North and South Uist bring quiet machair paths, local communities and long coastal views
• Anchorages throughout are peaceful and unhurried, with space to explore at your own pace

The voyage concludes in Ullapool, a friendly west coast harbour town with white-painted houses, good cafés and views across Loch Broom. It’s an easy place to pause before travelling onward.

Wildlife of Skye and the Outer Hebrides

Wildlife spotting is one of the quiet rewards of sailing in Scotland. It is common to see seals resting on the rocks and gannets plunging into the water. The occasional porpoise or dolphin appears without warning, moving alongside or through the wake before slipping back into the deep. Minke whales are the most commonly encountered, while humpbacks are rarer.

Birdlife is varied throughout the islands with Puffins, razorbills and guillemots gathering offshore during summer. Cormorants and shags dry their wings on the rocks, while White-tailed eagles can sometimes be spotted circling over the lochs and higher ground.

In quieter anchorages, red deer sometimes move across the hills in the early morning or last light of the day. Curious otters slip along the tideline, rewarding patient watchers. Sightings are never guaranteed, but time on the water and varied anchorages offer good opportunities throughout the voyage.

A Modern Yacht in Remote Waters

Noonmark VI is a modern offshore cruiser-racer that has sailed the world and competed in many prestigious events. She is now owned and skippered by Iain Forsyth, a Scotsman from the West Coast who has sailed these waters all his life.

Guests are actively encouraged to get involved, with plenty of opportunities to help set sails, helm, and plan passages. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy the view as she cuts through the water at a good, and sometimes exhilarating, cruising speed.

• Sleeping: berths for up to 6 guests, suited to both private charters and solo travellers
• Comfort: Full heating and air conditioning; Quooker tap for constant hot drinks
• Sailing style: Hands-on encouraged, but relaxed and flexible – join in as much or as little as you like
• Skipper: Experienced, knowledgeable, and at home in these waters

Things to note

Sailing vs Shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

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.

This voyage will be more than 12miles offshore.