Adventure Sailing Around Scotland’s North West Coast
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Sail Scotland’s wild northwest coast from Ullapool, where towering mountains meet the sea and remote anchorages await around every headland.
Sailing around Scotland’s northwest coast is one of the great adventures available to anyone prepared to get a little off the beaten track. Aboard traditional tall ship Flying Dutchman, you’ll explore one of the last truly wild coastal regions in Europe, where towering mountains rise straight from the sea, deserted beaches stretch for miles and deep sea lochs cut far into the landscape.
Wind, weather and tide shape the route on this nine-day voyage. No two departures are ever the same, and that’s precisely the point.
- Sail Scotland’s last truly wild coastal region
- Remote anchorages and uninhabited islands
- Seals, dolphins, puffins and possible whale sightings
- Dramatic sea lochs and Atlantic coastline
- No sailing experience required
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Sailing Around Scotland’s Northwest Coast: A Wild and Windswept Region
Ullapool → Wester Ross → Outer Hebrides → Shiant Isles → Assynt Coast → Lochinver → Ullapool
Flying Dutchman departs Ullapool and heads out into some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Europe. Scotland’s northwest coast is a place where mountains rise straight from the sea, deserted beaches appear around headlands with no path leading to them and the only way to reach many of the finest anchorages is by boat. This is a part of Scotland that larger vessels simply cannot access, and Flying Dutchman’s experienced crew know these waters and their secrets well.
Rather than following a fixed itinerary, this voyage lets wind, weather and tide lead the way. Possible destinations include the Outer Hebrides, calling at Stornoway and Tarbert, the sheltered sea lochs of Wester Ross and Loch Ewe, the dramatic Shiant Isles with their vast seabird colonies and the rugged Assynt coastline around Lochinver. Along the way, countless small anchorages, uninhabited islands and remote bays offer stops that no cruise ship will ever find.
Sea Lochs, Remote Islands and the Freedom of the Hebrides
Some days on this voyage will involve longer passages across open water, with everyone on deck and the full Atlantic sky overhead. Others may find Flying Dutchman settled quietly in a particularly beautiful anchorage simply because there is no reason to leave. That freedom is the defining quality of this voyage, and one that guests consistently find more valuable than any fixed programme.
The Shiant Isles, rising dramatically from the Minch, are home to vast seabird colonies and rarely visited outside of a handful of sailing boats each season. The sea lochs of Wester Ross offer sheltered, mirror-calm sailing in landscapes of extraordinary beauty, with Torridon’s ancient mountains reflected in the water. Further north, the coastline of Assynt is among the most geologically remarkable in Britain, with peaks and headlands shaped by forces going back three billion years.
- Shiant Isles and their vast seabird colonies
- Sea lochs of Wester Ross and Loch Ewe
- Assynt’s ancient and dramatic coastline
- Stornoway and Tarbert in the Outer Hebrides
- Remote anchorages unreachable by larger vessels
Wildlife, Anchorages and Life Aboard
The waters of Scotland’s northwest coast are among the richest for wildlife in Britain. Seals are a constant presence, puffins return to their clifftop colonies each summer, dolphins are frequently spotted from the deck and whales surface in the deeper channels on the right day. There is always something worth watching from the bow.
Evenings at anchor in a remote bay, away from harbours and other boats, bring a quality of quiet that is genuinely hard to find elsewhere. Guests are welcome to get involved with sailing, steering and navigation throughout the voyage, or simply to sit on deck and let the landscape do its work. This is a voyage designed for those who enjoy adventure, nature and arriving somewhere difficult to reach by any other means.
Traditional Tall Ship Flying Dutchman
Not to be mistaken for the legendary ghost ship, Flying Dutchman very much makes port, spending her summers exploring the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides. Family owned and operated, she’s traditionally rigged with 480m² of sail area and an experienced crew who know these waters well. Below decks, 11 twin ensuite cabins are warm and comfortable, with all bedding and towels provided.
A dedicated chef makes the most of fresh local Scottish produce throughout, with breakfast and lunch included and evening meals taken ashore to support local communities. Get involved with hoisting sails and navigation, or simply put your feet up and watch the Hebrides go by.
- 22 guest berths | 11 twin ensuite cabins | Half board
- Dedicated chef | breakfast and lunch included
- Evening meals ashore to support local Scottish hospitality
- Well-stocked bar and generous main saloon
- Perfect for solo travellers, couples and older families
[Read more about Flying Dutchman]
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 not be more than 12miles offshore.
With the Flying Dutchman, you can feel the romance of the sea…
Offering sailing tall ship holidays in Scotland and the Hebrides, the Flying Dutchman aims to give guests a traditional tall ship adventure. Family owned and operated, the Flying Dutchman is perfect for solo travellers, couples or older families looking for that traditional tall ship experience, making memories that will certainly last a lifetime.
Getting Involved
The crew encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing this fascinating schooner. She is traditionally rigged but also has a winch system, so she can be sailed comfortably by the crew if guests simply want to put their feet up and enjoy the views! From hoisting the sails, basic rope-work and even some simple navigation skills, you can get involved as much or as little as you’d like. Once the sails are up, you can enjoy the beauty of silently crossing the ocean using just the power of the wind.
Dining Aboard
A designated chef ensures that you’re well fed and looked after after a day of sailing the Scottish Seas. With an abundance of local, fresh produce, you’ll be amazed at what comes out of the small galley. Breakfast, lunch and hot drinks are all included in the half-board ticket price. Evening meals aboard are not included (unless you are tucked up in a secluded anchorage!), and this is done so that guests can experience true Scottish hospitality ashore and support the local economy while enjoying sustainable, local produce.
There is a £90pp per week cash payment onboard for guests if they would like to serve themselves beer/wine from the tap, snacks and soft drinks. Snacks are prepared by the chef and are set out in the saloon for guests each day. This payment is optional, but it’s encouraged. (This is cash only, no card payment.) Guests then wash up anything from these snacks themselves (no washing up for actual meals).
Sleeping and Relaxation
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal area to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. She has ten ensuite twin cabins below decks, and all cabins have air-conditioning or heating, with all bedding and towels provided.
The rear deck is layered with wood, which emphasises the traditional atmosphere of the ship. On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
A Typical Day
Generally, after a hearty breakfast, the crew will gather guests to discuss the plan for the day, based on the current weather forecasts. It’s time to get the boat ready, prepare lines, lift the anchor, and hoist sails. Usually, you’ll spend the morning sailing before exploring ashore in the afternoon. Lunch is most often served underway with evening meals ashore. For longer expedition voyages, there may be longer hours under sail.
Sample menu
Our menu varies on location, the weather, and the rotation cook, but this should give you an idea of what to expect.
Breakfast
(Alternating Full English and Continental)
- FULL ENGLISH – Eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, haggis
- CONTINENTAL – Waffles, scones, croissants, eggs, porridge
served every day… - Cereal, yoghurt, fruit salad
- Cold cuts & cheese platter
- Orange juice, milk
Lunch
- Soups with bread (garlic, mini-pizza, onion)
- Pasta salad with side dishes
- Mussels
- Local seafood
Dinner
All meals are served in dishes per table. Every dinner consists of a main course, including a salad and some sides and a dessert. The last evening we’ll have a more extensive meal, including a starter (scallops, prawns, smoked venison, etc., depending on availability). Normally, the diners are between fish or meat.
- Home-made shepherd’s pie
- Casserole
- Fish or chicken curry
- Fresh salmon
- Beef stew
- Paella
Flying Dutchman
Guest berths: 24 Rig: Schooner
The Flying Dutchman has a vast 480m² sail area to propel her through the water. The experienced crew will take care of everything aboard; however, if guests wish, they are welcome to join the crew, hoisting the sails or taking the helm. She’s perfect for solo travellers and couples of all ages and abilities.
The main saloon is a generous space with plenty of portholes providing a comfortable area with lots of natural light. A combination of sofas and tables makes it a great communal space to get to know your fellow guests and enjoy meals inside. There is also a well-stocked bar within the saloon area. Below decks, there are ten ensuite cabins for guests with bunk beds, all with heating and air-conditioning.
On the main deck, there are three different tables and couches to sit on; this area is covered to protect the guests from the rain. This offers the opportunity to stay outside and eat your dinner under the stars.
Deck plan
Berths on board
Single berth in shared Twin Cabin Ensuite: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
Single berth in shared Twin Plus Ensuite Cabin: Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite. The Plus cabin has a little more floor space.
Twin Cabin Ensuite (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one person. Two single bunk berths, and an ensuite.
More about Flying DutchmanMore holidays in Scotland
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UK Sailing Expedition from Scotland to Portsmouth
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Sailing to Islay and Mull in Scotland
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Sailing the Feis Ile: Islay Whisky Festival in Scotland
Offshore Sailing from Amsterdam to Inverness
Tall Ship Sailing the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda
Tall Ship Scottish Whisky Sailing Tour
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
