Discovering the Scottish Highlands by Tall Ship

Your tall ship sailing adventure begins in Mallaig, the bustling and thriving port on the north-west coast of Scotland.  The town is a fascinating place where visitors can soak up the atmosphere of a working fishing port but at the same time, its remote location makes it a great place to relax.  Try the pleasant Mallaig Circuit walk which has great views over Mallaig harbour and across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.  Getting to Mallaig is also one of the highlights of this voyage, with one of the most spectacular train journeys in the UK between Glasgow and Mallaig.

Some of the islands we hope to visit:

The Small Isles

Rum is the largest island of the group and is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) who run the island as a National Nature Reserve.  The island is formed from an old volcanic plug and has its own Cuillin (rocky ridge) which is often confused with that on Skye when viewed from a distance.  Visitors are able to follow two small nature trails laid out around the village of Kinloch where there is also a village shop that is usually open in the evening.  A guided tour of Kinloch Castle is a must – the castle almost exactly as it was left in the 1950s by the former owners, the wealthy but eccentric Bullough family.

Eigg is the second-largest island of the group and is owned by a Community Trust which purchased the island in 1997, the most recent of inhabitants in the 8,000 plus years that the island has been inhabited.  As with Rum, the island is rich in wildlife and geology, whilst for a spot of ‘sun and surf’ Lagi Beach and the Singing Sands are recommended.

Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles and is owned by the National Trust for Scotland who have farmed it since 1981.  Like the rest of the island group Canna has many sites of archaeological interest and has links to the Neolithic, Columbian and Viking eras.  It has been a bird sanctuary since 1938, and over 150 species of birds have been monitored in the last 40 years.

Muck is the smallest of the small isles at 2 miles x 3/4 mile wide. Basking Sharks, Minke Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises and even Orcas are seen in the waters around Muck. A visit to the craft and tea shop near the harbour at Port Mòr is a must for delicious home-baked goods and a locally made gift.

Barra and Vatersay, Outer Hebrides.

Walk, hire a bike or kayak around the island with its white sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery.

From Castlebay, you will see Kisimul castle – ‘the castle in the sea’. Take a trip across the causeway to the even smaller idyllic island of Vatersay.

Buy some Hebridean toffee at Macroons Tea room or have a wee dram in the Castlebay bar.

Mingulay

Owned by the National Trust of Scotland and uninhabited except for about 500 sheep!

A wild and beautiful island with caves, sea stacks, turquoise waters and an abundance of seabirds.

North Uist

Described as a paradise for wildlife and beach lovers. North Uist has stunning Atlantic beaches for example at Traigh Iar – a stunning stretch of white beach, backed by sweeping dunes, and Balnarald RSPB nature reserve, a beautiful reserve on the north-west coast of North Uist with sandy beaches, rocky foreshore, marshes and sand dunes.

South Uist

An island with stunning white powder beaches, heather uplands, golden eagles and rare corncrake. Discover the oldest (reportedly) rocks in Britain at Ardivachar Point, in the north-west corner of the island or visit the Hebridean Woolshed to the South of the Island for high-quality local crafts.

Skye

We hope to stop at Loch Scavaig – one of the most dramatic of the Hebridean anchorages with the backdrop of the rocky mountain range – The Cullen.

As with all Blue Clipper’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Soft Drinks. There are six ensuite twin cabins and one six-berth cabin with a shared bathroom.  All cabins have bedding and towels provided. 

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!

All voyages for Blue Clipper

Blue Clipper

Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Schooner

Built-in Sweden in 1991, tall ship Blue Clipper is an impressive three-masted gaff rig schooner. With a clipper bow, original teak deck and elegant stern, she mixes a traditional tall ship feel with a relatively modern build giving guests an authentic experience with all the mod cons.

She has spent many years sailing all over the world from the Caribbean to the Arctic and is a frequent participant in the European Tall Ship regattas. Originally owned by the Brandy company Hennessy and named ‘Spirit of Hennessey, she appeared in many TV programmes and commercials before being privately bought in the late 90’s.

On deck, she boasts ample space for her guests to become fully immersed in hands-on sailing; heaving the ropes, hoisting the sails, learning ropes skills and even taking the helm. She has 3 kayaks and 3 paddle-boards for guest use while on anchor so you can explore even further inshore.

A spacious saloon, wheelhouse and galley also sit at deck level while below decks has been well-considered with six ensuite cabins a family cabin that sleeps six. All cabins have a porthole for natural light and heating/air conditioning.

Read more about Life on Board Blue Clipper here.

In 2016 she started her new life with her current owner and now spends her summers sailing  Scotland and the Hebrides and her autumn months heading south to Spain and Portugal.

Deck plan

More about Blue Clipper

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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  6x Twin Ensuite, 1x six-berth family cabin

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  9 in total. All Cabins are Ensuite aside from the six-berth that shares a bathroom.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's ideally but please check in the over for ages between 12-18 years.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - please bring EU adaptors.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.