Sailing through the Inner Hebrides of Scotland

Sailing the Inner Hebrides – Inverkip to Oban

Inverkip → Arran → Mull of Kintyre → Gigha → Jura → Mull → Oban

This Inner Hebrides sailing holiday sets sail from Inverkip, a sheltered harbour on the Firth of Clyde and a perfect starting point for settling into life aboard. The channels here are broad and the breezes steady which make good conditions for getting familiar with Noonmark VI’s responsive handling, whether you want to practise sail handling or simply watch the coastline drift past from the cockpit.

The exact route remains flexible, shaped by wind and weather, and balancing open stretches of coastline with protected waters and natural anchorages. A likely first stop is Arran, often described as Scotland in miniature. Sailing into Loch Ranza is framed by steep, heathered slopes and a small castle overlooking the loch.

Mull of Kintyre, Gigha and Jura

Rounding the Mull of Kintyre introduces more open-water sailing, where Noonmark VI’s speed and stability come into their own. The headland has long been a key landmark for sailors, marking the transition between the sheltered Clyde and the wider Atlantic-facing Inner Hebrides.

• Gigha is a low-lying, green island known for clear-water bays, easy walks and a community-owned garden and café overlooking the anchorage with a good spot to swim or stretch your legs
• Jura rises dramatically from the water, its three distinctive Paps forming an unmistakable skyline; the sounds and passages around the island offer rewarding tidal pilotage and quiet eastern anchorages
• Mull brings sheltered sailing days, wildlife spotting and wide moorland scenery; conditions permitting, a stop at the colourful waterfront of Tobermory is a highlight

The voyage ends with disembarkation in Oban, the bustling gateway to the Hebrides, with time to explore the harbour and town before heading onward.

Wildlife of the Inner 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

[Read more about Noonmark VI here]

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.