Expedition Sailing from Iceland to Scotland via the Faroe Islands
Sail from the Arctic shores of Iceland to the Faroe Islands before finishing on West coast of Scotland with expedition vessel Valiente.
Sail Iceland to Scotland and you’ll cross some of the most storied waters in the North Atlantic, island-hopping from Iceland’s volcanic coastline through the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls of the Faroe Islands and on to the Hebrides, where medieval castles, sandy beaches and whisky distilleries line the route south.
Aboard expedition yacht Valiente, the journey is as much about the open ocean passages as the destinations themselves. This voyage is perfect for those who want to experience the full breadth of the North Atlantic, one island at a time, under sail.
- Offshore passages across the North Atlantic
- Iceland, Faroe Islands and the Hebrides
- Wildlife watching on open ocean crossings
- Viking history and island culture ashore
- No sailing experience required
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sail Iceland to Scotland: Iceland and the Faroe Islands Crossing
Ísafjörður, Iceland → Vestmannaeyjar → Faroe Islands → Hebrides → West Coast of Scotland
The voyage begins on the west coast of Iceland, sailing south along a coastline shaped by volcanic activity, hot springs and centuries of Norse settlement. Rounding the south coast, Valiente passes the lonely lighthouse at Pridrangar, rising from its pinnacle in the middle of the sea, before heading out across open ocean toward the Faroe Islands. The crossing is around 370 nautical miles and takes roughly three days, with everyone on the watch system and the North Atlantic all around. Whales and seabirds are frequent companions on this passage, and the moment the Faroe Islands finally appear on the horizon is one to savour.
Landfall in the Faroes brings some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the North Atlantic. Steep cliffs and sea stacks drop straight into the Atlantic on the north-west coast, and Valiente sails past the island of Mykines, the iconic waterfall at Gásadalur and the formations of Drangarnir and Tindholmur. Notable stops include Vestmanna’s famous bird cliffs and the hike to Leitisvatn above Midvagúr.
Thorshavn and the Heart of the Faroe Islands
Before heading south, Valiente stops at Thorshavn, the Faroese capital and one of the most characterful small cities in the North Atlantic. The old town is remarkably intact, with narrow streets, log houses and turf rooftops that speak directly to the Norse roots of these islands. It’s a place worth taking time over, and the crew are happy to build in as much time ashore as conditions allow.
The waters around the Faroe Islands are rich with wildlife throughout the passage, with seabirds following the boat and the chance of whale sightings on the open crossings. Norse history runs through the whole archipelago, from place names to architecture, and the sense of connection to those early seafarers is hard to shake.
- Mykines lighthouse, the Faroes’ westernmost point
- Gásadalur waterfall, Múlafossur
- Sea stacks at Drangarnir and Tindholmur
- Vestmanna bird cliffs
- Thorshavn old town and turf-roofed houses
The Hebrides: Whisky, Castles and Tidal Waters
The final stretch of this voyage takes Valiente through the Hebrides, sailing between medieval castles and small island communities with grassy hills and rocky shores as a backdrop. The waters here, known to the Scots as The Minch, demand attentive sailing as tidal currents shape the passages between islands. The Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Skye are among the highlights, and whisky distilleries appear at regular intervals along the route. Talisker Distillery on Skye sits directly on the path south and makes for a very welcome stop.
It’s a fittingly unhurried end to a voyage that has covered some of the most compelling waters in the North Atlantic, from Arctic Iceland to the warm, peaty harbours of the Scottish west coast.
Expedition Yacht Valiente
Built for Arctic waters, Valiente’s steel hull is tough on the outside and welcoming within. Central heating runs throughout, and all 10 guest berths have comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. Joining Valiente means becoming an active part of the crew. No experience needed. Her skilled skipper, first mate and dedicated guide will have you taking the helm and trimming sails in no time.
- 10 guest berths | 4 bathrooms | Full board
- Hands-on sailing with experienced crew throughout
- Skipper, first mate and dedicated guide on board
- Steel hull designed for icy Arctic conditions
- Central heating and cosy cabins throughout
- Galley meals cooked together with fellow guests
Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
Night-watches?
Travel insurance notes
As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise everyone to have the appropriate personal accident travel insurance while onboard, in addition to standard travel insurance that would cover them between booking and departing for their 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 12 miles offshore.
Getting Involved
You don’t need any experience to join Valiente’s expedition sailing holidays, just a love for the natural world and a real sense of adventure. Sailing with Valiente is a real hands-on, humbling experience as you work with the crew and fellow guests to navigate the Arctic wilderness together. Get stuck into all aspects of life on board, from taking the helm, setting & trimming the sails, basic sail theory and domestic duties.
The skipper and first mate (co-skipper), plus a dedicated guide for Svalbard sailing voyages, will be on board for the duration of Valiente’s sailing holidays. Along the way, preferably by sailing but sometimes under motor, all guests are included in the sailing experience.
The physical sailing of Valiente is relatively straightforward, so she’s a great boat to learn on if you haven’t sailed before. Her simple rig has three sails: the main, genoa and jib, all working off a winch system. The wheelhouse is set at deck level, with a modern navigation system. You can take the helm and work with the skipper to keep your course. The crew who sail in these waters are highly skilled, resourceful, and calm, and they are always on hand to guide guests.
The boat works on a relaxed watch system, usually 4 hours on and 8 hours off. This gives guests a real chance to have some focused sailing time, while also having time to just be. To sit, watch the world go by, relax, nap, read a book in your cabin, play cards in the saloon, or simply sit at the bows, watching and reflecting as the world glides by. If Valiente spends time on anchor, the watch system will run overnight, but with all guests and crew participating, you wouldn’t be on watch on consecutive nights.
There is always a thorough safety briefing and introduction once guests have settled onboard, followed by a “man overboard” procedure (don’t worry – this is a fender, not a real person!) and a fire safety drill.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat (there’s even heated towel rails in all bathrooms and a heater in the wheelhouse), so there she is wonderfully cosy! The spacious saloon and galley are set midships with 360-degree windows at deck level – perfect for cooking with a view. The galley is really well equipped with an induction hob, two domestic ovens, two fridge drawers and plenty of storage space. All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but cabins are not allocated until all guests are on board, so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and proper facilities for their needs!
There are full-size domestic showers with plenty of hot water, although, as with all sailing experiences, guests are asked to be respectful with their water consumption. A small bath towel is provided per person, but you’ll need to bring an extra hand towel or swim towel if you wish.
Eating Aboard
Aside from setting the sails and taking the helm, the next most important aspect of Arctic sailing on Valiente is definitely the food! Once you’ve boarded the boat, a crew member will split all guests into pairs, who are then divided over a rota for breakfast, lunch and dinner duties. With an average of 10 people on board, you’ll normally end up doing one of each service over a week’s voyage.
If you’re not much of a cook, fear not! There will be a menu plan for the whole voyage, with all provisions on board. The menu plan is entirely flexible depending on the day’s plan— maybe you catch a fish, or perhaps the more confident cooks want to experiment a little! Alongside the menu plan, there is a correlating recipe book, especially made with ingredients, quantities and cooking methods to match the meal plan. Cooking on board is an integral part of how a sailing ship operates. A hearty feed after a sailing adventure, a chance to bring everyone together, for confidence to grow, and cultural culinary tips to be shared.
Sample menu
This is an example of what could be served while sailing with Valiente. There is no dedicated cook on board Valiente. Guests all take it in turns on a rotation basis to cook for the boat. This is an enjoyable part of sailing with Valiente as you make firm friends and experience recipes from around the world!
Breakfast
- Eggs, bacon, beans and toast
- Pancakes with jam and spreads
- Oatmeal with various toppings
- Bread and spreads
- Yoghurt and/or milk with cereal
Lunch
- Cauliflower or onion Soup
- Fish soup (using fish we’ve caught from our lines!)
- Cream porridge with cured meats
- Tomato soup and omelette
- Pancakes
Dinner
- Fish or veggie burgers
- Pasta with smoked salmon
- Chilli con carne
- Tacos
- Vegetable lasagne
- Bali chicken stew
- Salmon with root vegetables and sour cream
- Pasta bolognese with salad
- Sautéed reindeer stew
- Self-caught cod with pea puree
Dessert
- Fruit salad with vanilla sauce and firkløver chocolate
- Cream buns
- Sweet biscuits or chocolate
Valiente
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff
From week-long adventures in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard to offshore Barents Sea crossings and ski & sail voyages in Norway, sailing with Valiente requires no prior experience. It is perfect for adventurous souls of all ages.
Joining Valiente will see you becoming an active member of the crew, taking part in all aspects of sailing. From the day-to-day running of the boat, winching sails and taking the helm to cooking up meals with your fellow guests, the crew of Valiente will be on hand to guide you at all times.
Tough on the outside, soft on the inside. With her steel hull made to withstand icy waters, below decks is a welcome contrast. Central heating runs continuously throughout the boat, so you’ll be wonderfully cosy! The saloon and well-equipped galley are set midships with 360° windows at deck level with plenty of storage space.
All cabins have heating, comfy beds, thick duvets and wool blankets. The cabins are a mix of double beds and twin bunks, but cabins are not allocated until all guests are on board, so that everyone is matched with the right size bed and right facilities for their needs!
The Arctic sailing grounds are a vulnerable area increasingly under pressure from climate change. The owners of Valiente are committed to protecting the environment as much as possible and believe that small boats with fewer people are considerably less harmful to the environment and local wildlife than larger cruise ships.
Deck plan
More about Valiente
More holidays in Iceland, Scotland or The Faroe Islands
UK Sailing Expedition from Scotland to Portsmouth
Sailing to Islay and Mull in Scotland
Sailing through the Inner Hebrides of Scotland
Tall Ship Sailing the Firth of Clyde, Scotland
More holidays on Valiente
Coastal and Fjord Sailing in Norway: Ålesund to Trondheim
Norwegian sailing adventure: Bergen to Ålesund
Expedition Sailing Around Greenland: Qaqortoq to Sisimiut
Sailing Expedition to Disko Bay, Greenland: Sisimiut to Ilulissat
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
