Sailing to the Faroe Islands

The Hebrides, Scotland, to the Faroe Islands

One of our most popular sailing holiday destinations, the coasts and islands that make up the West Coast of Scotland, offer a great deal of variation for our boats and guests, which is why our guests return year after year. Think remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore.

Step aboard the magnificent Blue Clipper, a three-masted schooner, for a hands-on sailing adventure from Oban, Scotland, to Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. This is a voyage through some of the most dramatic and remote seascapes in the North Atlantic.

The wind and weather will determine your route. The skipper and crew will have a better idea of what to expect from the weather as you board.

The Inner Passage

Sail through the more sheltered Inner Hebrides, a region rich in Gaelic heritage, rugged coastlines, and sweeping sea views. As we navigate the Little Minch, we may drop anchor at islands like Uist, known for its quiet lochs and wide Atlantic beaches, and Benbecula, a low-lying isle that sits between North and South Uist, scattered with freshwater lochans and open skies.

From there, we head north toward the mountainous landscapes of Harris and Lewis, where ancient rocks and white sandy bays meet. If time and weather allow, we may step ashore to explore the dramatic terrain.

Rounding the Butt of Lewis, the northernmost point of the Outer Hebrides, we bid farewell to land, passing cliffs where seabirds wheel. Beyond the Butt, the real offshore adventure begins—a 200-nautical-mile open-ocean crossing into the North Atlantic.

The Wild Atlantic West

If weather and sea conditions are in our favour, we’ll venture along the wild, Atlantic-facing west coast of the Outer Hebrides—one of the most remote and awe-inspiring sailing routes in Europe. This is a stretch of coastline shaped by wind and waves, where cliffs rise sharply from the sea, and you can go for miles without seeing another person.

Our first potential stop is the Monach Isles, a low-lying archipelago west of North Uist, known for its expansive sandy beaches and one of the largest grey seal colonies in the world.

From here, we sail further into isolation toward the St Kilda archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and crown jewel of remote British islands. Home to dramatic sea stacks, millions of nesting seabirds, and the ghostly remains of a long-abandoned village, St Kilda feels otherworldly. Landing here is always weather-dependent, but if we do, it’s an experience few ever forget.

Next, we aim for the Flannan Isles, steeped in mystery and maritime legend. These wave-battered islets are known for their now-automated lighthouse and the story of its vanished keepers in 1900, a tale that has captured imaginations for over a century. Wildlife thrives here: puffins, gannets, and fulmars nest in their thousands.

After these raw and isolated landfalls, Blue Clipper will set our course across open ocean toward the Faroe Islands—a multi-day passage into deeper waters and higher latitudes. The rhythm of the sea takes over, sails trimmed for endurance and direction, while the vastness of the North Atlantic surrounds us.

The first sight of land appearing on the horizon is in the southern Faroes, beginning with Suðuroy, a dramatic island of sea cliffs, fjords, and close-knit fishing villages. From there, we explore islands like Sandoy, known for its softer landscapes and deep-rooted Faroese traditions. Depending on time and weather, we may discover even more hidden gems along the archipelago’s southern edge—places rarely reached except by sea.

Finally, we sail into the harbour of Tórshavn, the charming and historic capital of the Faroes. With its turf-roofed houses, winding streets, and lively maritime culture, it offers a warm and colourful contrast to the wild places we’ve visited along the way. This marks the end of a truly extraordinary passage, one carved by wind, guided by stars, and enriched by the quiet magic of the far North Atlantic.

Things to note

Sailing vs shore time

Do I need to take part in night watches?

Are there midges in Scotland?

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.