Steady 2024 Expedition Skye & small isles PTR

Your Sailing Area

Hebrides, Scotland

Besides being sailors, skippers and owners, Jan-Willem and Marielle are also keen walkers and wild camp enthusiasts. The hikes will be guided by them and there is also the opportunity to enjoy shorter walks on your own if you’d like.The hiking routes on the islands are well- known to us but the weather is god here and we do sometimes have to adjust our itinerary so please use the below itinerary as a guide only!

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DAY 1 -2 – OBAN

Your sailing and walking adventure starts in the Scottish port town of Oban. After getting acquainted with fellow guests and crew, set the sails to enjoy your first night on a quiet anchorage.

Our first stop is the island of Rum, part of the Small Isles archipelago. Rum is a national nature reserve and is the largest island of the Small Isles. Its most famous residents are the golden eagles (reintroduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. We will anchor in the natural bay overlooking the architectural Kinloch Castle.

DAY 3 +4 GUIRDIL BLOODSTONE HILL

Duration: 6 to 8 hours Distance: 21 km Overnight: Wild Camp
Climbs: Minishal 345m – Fionchra 462m – Bloodstone Hill 385m

We’ll leave the boat and set out on a two days mountain hike in which we walk to the West side of Rum. It is a hike through the valleys of Kinloch and Shellesder, staying overnight in Guirdil. The next day we will walk from Bloodstone Hill and Salisbury’s Dam back to Kinloch where we spend the night back aboard the boat.

DAY 5 + 6 THE RUM CUILLIN & DIBIDEL

Duration: 12 to 14 hours Distance: 21.5 km Overnight: Dibidel
Climbs: Corbett Askival 812m – Corbett Ainshval 781m – Fiona Trallval 702m

This mountain walk is a tougher hike climbing over the 5 main peaks on Rum, including 2 Corbetts and one Fiona. The Rum Cuillin is perhaps one of the most impressive in the Scottish Isles. The climbing is easy with good holds and solid rock, but the route is long and strenuous! On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Hebrides.

Area: Rocky mountaineering. Climbing is not too difficult if the right path is found. The way back is boggy. At the end of the 2-day mountain hike, we return to the boat.

DAYs 7-10 – EIGG AND CLIMBING AN SGURR

We’ll settle back into life on water and set the sails for the neighbouring island of Eigg. The second largest and most populous island of the beautiful Small Isles, Eigg is dominated by a remarkable vertical blockstone of An Sgurr. The impressive peak was originally a lava flow from the volcano on Rum some 58 million years ago. The lava followed an ancient riverbed and filled the valley. Over the following millions of years, the pitchstone lava, which is harder than the surrounding basalt, withstood erosion and remained standing while the surrounding rock was gradually worn away.

Now the kilometre-long ridge stands proudly, with the summit at 393 metres. The climb to the top offers truly fantastic views of the other Small Isles and of Skye and Ardnamurchan. The route is fairly easy, but the last part is a steep climb and we have to rock climb (very easy) along the ridge.

Our next stop is to the colourful town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. We can spend the afternoon exploring the walking trails ashore, sweet local pubs and artisan shops. In the morning we sail to the green paradise island of Kerrera, followed by a hike on the island. Compared to all the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist centre of Oban, Kerrera is very quiet and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastal areas. Cars are banned on the island except for a few locals, making it a walker’s paradise. In the evening, we enjoy the Captains dinner together before disembarking in Oban in the morning.

THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 4

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 60 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking. We have yet to cancel a tour on Steady but we operate with transparency and honesty!

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Steady 2024 Expedition Skye & small isles PTR

Guest berths: Rig:

More about Steady 2024 Expedition Skye & small isles PTR

Life on board

Steady has been sailed in Scotland by Dutch husband and wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle for over 10 years. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world are clear for guests to see and they are well versed in all the secret hot spots.

Getting Involved

Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.

A Typical Day

Set the sails after a hearty breakfast with the aim (depending on the weather of course!) to sail for 4-7 hours before finding a secluded anchorage away from the tourist hustle and bustle to settle down for the night. Lunch will either be served under sail or on anchor, made by Jan-Willem and Marielle in the spacious galley.

Spend a few hours exploring ashore in the afternoon before sharing a delicious freshly prepared meal aboard while sharing sea-faring tales and star-gazing on deck.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The main deck is well designed with plenty of open spaces and a cockpit for alfresco dining. The undercover deckhouse has 360degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!

Below decks gives way for a beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a really high standard. The fore leads along a small corridor where there are four well-considered twin bunk cabins with a toilet and separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are situated in the stern so have their own facilities.

As with all Steady’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased on board. Single occupancy is available with a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided. There is a suggested age limit on Steady’s trips so if you are over 75 years old and are interested in sailing with Steady, please give us a call in the office.

Kit list

Steady has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
Swimsuit and swim towel
Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

Warm, windproof and waterproof coat and trousers (There are some offshore MUSTO waterproof sailing jackets and trousers for guests use whilst onboard but these are not permitted to be taken off the boat and are limited so please let us know if they are needed)
Waterproof boots or clean wellington boots
Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Smidge repellent
Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
Camera/binoculars
Refillable water bottle
Personal wash kit (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
A good book to read!
We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!

SAMPLE MENU FOR Steady

All food is freshly prepared on board using locally sourced produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

Scottish Porridge
Fresh fruit, yoghurt
Toast and preserves
Eggs (how you like them!)

LUNCH

Homemade pumpkin soup with naan bread
Fish soup served with canapé with smoked salmon
Tuna salad with bread

DINNER

Appetisers; toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives

Mains

Mussels from Isle of Mull, served with bread, potatoes and mixed salad
Lamb stew served with couscous salad and green beans
Crispy skinned salmon, served with sweet potatoes, bimi, salad and homemade mayonnaise
BBQ with meat from Kerrera Balliemore Farm, served with baked potatoes, salad and fresh vegetables
Pumpkin curry Jack fruit with coleslaw (V)

DESSERT

Homemade chocolate mousse and cream
Homemade cheesecake with lemon sorbet
Crepe with ice cream, fruit and chocolate sauce

After dinner; coffee/tea with chocolate or bonbons

What’s included

All meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) *plus one glass of wine with your evening meal.
All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
Full crew plus tuition
Walking guides
Marina and fuel fees
All tender trips to and fro the boat
Lifejacket
Musto sailing waterproof suits whilst on the boat (standard sizing)

What’s not included

Alcohol and soft drinks
Any flights
Transit hotels
Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
Travel insurance
Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
Crew tips
Personal expenses

Preparation

Rucksack
Mountain hiking boots
Lightweight rainwear
Quick-drying clothes
Tarp/Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Cooking kit for hikers ( So you can boil your own water during hikes)
Water bottle
Headlight
Rescue blanket
Mosquito net head/midges repellent

NOTE:

Age from 16 years only
Very good physical condition required
Sturdy footwear and mountain experience required
Sailing experience not required

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.

This voyage will not be more than 12miles offshore.

Package Travel Regulations

THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 4

Please click here to view the Terms & Conditions.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 60 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking. We have yet to cancel a tour on Steady but we operate with transparency and honesty!