Discovering the Scottish Highlands by Tall Ship

Your tall ship sailing adventure begins in Ullapool, a town in the remote mainland highlands.  When you arrive in Ullapool you just know you’re about to begin an unforgettable adventure.  The harbour town is the portal to discovering a dramatic highland landscape, rich in its natural and historical heritage.  As we leave this Highland treasure, you’ll discover an ever-changing terrain of mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches.  When it comes to heart-achingly beautiful scenery, the highlands of Scotland deliver.

Some of the places we hope to visit:

The Summer Isles Archipelago

A string of tiny islands in the mouth of Loch Broom. Rugged and beautiful. Tenera Mor – the largest of the Summer Isles is just 1.2 by 1.6 miles. The island is uninhabited and reportedly for sale!

The Shiant Islands

Located in the Minch, east of Harris, this group of rocky islands are home to a large seabird population. Described as a wild and beautiful place with columnar cliffs and now uninhabited.

Isle of Scalpay
A tranquil island between Skye and the Applecross peninsula and connected to the Isle of Harris by a bridge.

ISLE OF HARRIS

The outer Hebridean island of Harris is one that has offered inspiration for generations.  With its rich traditions, stunning shifting scenery and a strong sense of community.  Harris offers a unique introduction to island life on the edge.  Visit the village of Tarbert, home to the Harris Tweed Shop and the recently opened Isle of Harris Distillery.

Gaze out across the West Harris sands to the famous uninhabited Castaway island of Taransay and experience a glimpse of the isolation from which the proud self-sufficient communities of the Outer Hebrides were born, or tour the adjoining Isle of Scalpay with its strong seafaring connections to understand more about the symbiosis of islanders and ocean.

ISLE OF LEWIS

The largest of the Outer Hebrides, Lewis offers amazing opportunities to explore all the elements life on the edge in the Atlantic Ocean – with history, heritage, wilderness, wildlife, arts and crafts.

See the ancient Callanish Standing Stones rising from the Lewis landscape to give an imposing outline against the endless island skies and hear the echoes of the past murmuring round these monoliths – an eternal testament to islanders enduring spirit and ingenuity.

Explore the sea caves and stacks at Garry Beach to better understand how the relentless seas have shaped the island environment and the lifestyles of those who live here.

Loch Torridon and Sheildaig
Beautiful and dramatic sea Loch surrounded by the Torridon mountains.

Lochinver
A small fishing port in a sheltered bay north of Ullapool. We like to stop here for the amazing pie shop the Lochinver Larder!

Isle of Rasay
An island to the east of Skye with breathtaking natural beauty and its own distillery to sample from.

Applecross
Meaning ‘sanctuary’, has beaches, calm waters and gentle hills with lovely sunsets.

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: Ullapool

To: Ullapool

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