Guided Sailing & Hiking in the Small Isles

Your sailing Area

The Small Isles, Scotland

Spend the morning getting familiar with the boat before setting the sails from Oban to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. Tobermory is a colourful waterside town with plenty to explore in the afternoon.

The main itinerary of this adventure sailing holiday will explore the Small Isles archipelago. A geological wonder made up of four fascinating islands; Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna. Breathtaking coastal landscapes, untouched nature, secluded sandy beaches and idyllic retreats make for the perfect sailing holiday destination.

The island of Rum is a paradise for wildlife and is home to the impressive but now derelict Kinloch Castle. The island of Eigg attracts archaeologists and ornithologists with its fascinating geology and biodiversity. The island of Muck is the smallest of the islands and is easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Canna is finally the westernmost of the Small Isles and is run by the National Trust for Scotland as a farm, but also offers a cafe-restaurant, an excellent meeting place for guests and inhabitants of the island.

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Day 1 – Oban

Your walking and sailing holiday starts in Oban where you can meet your crew and fellow travellers and make yourself comfortable in your cabin. Around 7 pm you are invited for dinner and afterwards, the captain will inform you about the coming trip.

Day 2-Sail to Tobermory.

On the 1st day sail to the colourful fishing village of Tobermory on the island of Mull.

Arrive in the afternoon, with plenty of time for you to explore the town ashore.

DAY 3 – ‘THE FOSSIL TREE AND BURG WALK’ ON THE ISLAND OF MULL 18 KM | 5-7 HOURS

A taxi will arrive ashore after breakfast to take you to the start point of your first walk while you leave the boat in Tobermory for the day.

DAY 4 – SAILING TO THE ISLAND OF CANNA

Set sail to Canna –  the most remote island of the Small Isles, hidden from the mainland by the great mountains of Rum. It is an island of great beauty and variety, with green meadows and forests, wild moors and dramatic cliffs. There are two fascinating churches, an ancient cross, an inaccessible ‘castle’ atop a large rock and Canna House – the former home of folklorist and Gaelic scholar, John Lorne Campbell.

DAY 5 – CANNA, HIKE TO THE ISLAND OF SANDAY AND THE PUFFLS 12 KM| 3.5 HOURS

After the walk along the coastline to see the puffins on Canna, head back to the boat and sail to the island of Rum in the afternoon.
The Isle of Rum is the largest of the Small Isles with wild and rugged landscapes dominated by the towering mountains of the Rum Cuillin – a miniature version of Skye’s Cuillin. The area around Kinloch Village is owned by the locals, while the remaining land is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage.

DAY 6 – RUM, NORTH SIDE TRAIL (5.5 KM | 1.5 HOUR) & GUIDED TOUR IN KINLOCH CASTLE

Option 2 is a long hike to Kilmory Bay. This is an 18.5 km walk | 5 hours. The crew will liaise with guests to see capability and preference.

DAY 7 – SAIL DAY TO EIGG AND CLIMB AN SGURR 8 KM| | 3-4 HOURS

Eigg is the second largest and most populated island of the Small Isles. Eigg is dominated by An Sgurr’s remarkable vertical block stone. After decades of trouble with various landowners, Eigg was finally bought by the Eigg Trust in 1997 – a partnership between Eigg residents, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Highland Council. We will spend most of the day ashore exploring An Sgurr.

DAY 8 – SAIL DAY TO THE ISLAND OF MUCK AND HIKE ON MUCK 7 KM | 2.5 HOURS

After breakfast, we will set sail to Muck. The smallest island measuring less than 4 km by 2 km. Muck is a beautiful island, from fertile fields to sandy beaches and a beautiful west coast, it has much to offer the walker. Once we have explored ashore, we sail to the beautifully secluded Loch Drumbuie for a beautiful overnight anchorage.

DAY 9 – SAIL DAY TO KERRERA AND HIKE 12 KM | 3.5 – 4.5 HOURS

In the morning, sail to the green paradise of Kerrera, followed by a beautiful hike on the island. By contrast, compared to all the hustle and bustle of Oban, Kerrera is very quiet and offers beautiful views of the surrounding coastal areas. Cars are prohibited on the island except for a few locals, making it a walker’s paradise.

DAY 10 – OBAN

After breakfast, it’s time to sail back to Oban. After an active 10 days in which you enjoyed the beautiful green and water-rich environment, you can disembark by 10 am.

WILDLIFE

Sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots can be seen in their hundreds and white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing on Steady is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrow hawks and Peregrines and, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the diminutive Merlin. The sound is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.

There are frequent encounters with Common, Bottlenose & Whitebeak dolphins on board these trips, and Risso & White-sided dolphins are also occasionally sighted. There are plenty of whales in this part of the world too. Our most common encounters are with Minke – Humpbacks are a less frequent visitor, while the real star of the show is the resident pod of Orca if you’re lucky enough to see them gliding through the water. So keep your eyes peeled and have your binoculars at the ready!

THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 4

All voyages for Steady

Steady

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch

Join husband and wife team, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle Kerkmeer aboard their 1993 Dutch ketch as they take guests on sailing holidays exploring the wonders of the Hebrides in Scotland.

Steady is true to her name with a sturdy steel hull and was originally built as a charter vessel giving a considered layout below decks. Fitted with all the mod-cons and keeping guests comfort at the forefront, she sleeps eight guests in four comfortable twin cabins sharing two bathrooms with a generous shower. Newly re-fitted for 2022, the galley and saloon area live at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.

On deck level there’s a spacious cockpit with a navigation station and more seating, perfect for breakfast and morning coffee as the sun rises. There’s plenty of room on deck too to take in the surrounding views and learn the ropes alongside Jan-Willem and Mariëlle who love sharing their passion for Scotland and sailing with their guests.

Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing of this eye-catching vessel, and Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are excellent guides if you do want to get involved. They cater for all abilities and ages, so if you’d rather sit back and relax with a book, then that’s fine too!

Steady’s voyages explore the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda; an area of unspoilt wilderness and breathtaking beauty in the Western Isles of Scotland. Her sailing adventures give you access to the most captivating and remote hidden secrets of this incredible and beautiful place. As you sail through this stunning marine landscape you will likely be lucky enough to experience close encounters with rare wildlife and have time to soak up the unique and fascinating history and culture of the Hebrides and St Kilda.

Watch this short video of Steady sailing around Oban.

Steady Deck Plan 

Deck plan

Life on board

Steady has been sailed in Scotland by Dutch husband and wife team Jan-Willem and Marielle for over 10 years. Their love for Scotland, sailing and the natural world is clear for guests to see and they are well versed in all the secret hot spots.

Getting Involved

Steady is true to her name with her simple rig and winch system easy to navigate, providing a great base for guests to learn the ropes. Jan-Willem and Marielle can sail Steady comfortably on their own but they invite and encourage guests to take part in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, sorting and setting the sails, basic navigation and rope work, Jan-Willem and Marielle provide a safe and supported environment for guests.

A Typical Day

Set the sails after a hearty breakfast with the aim (depending on the weather of course!) to sail for 4-7 hours before finding a secluded anchorage away from the tourist hustle and bustle to settle down for the night. Lunch will either be served under sail or on anchor, made by Jan-Willem and Marielle in the spacious galley.

Spend a few hours exploring ashore in the afternoon before sharing a delicious freshly prepared meal aboard while sharing sea-faring tales and star-gazing on deck.

Sleeping and Relaxation

The main deck is well designed with plenty of open spaces and a cockpit for alfresco dining. The undercover deckhouse has 360-degree windows so is great for morning coffee while watching the sunrise or some shelter if the Scottish weather takes a turn!

Below decks give way for a beautifully appointed galley kitchen and generous, comfortable saloon which has been recently re-fitted to a high standard. The fore leads along a small corridor where there are four well-considered twin bunk cabins with a toilet and separate shower for guests. The crew quarters are situated in the stern so have their facilities.

Read more about what to expect from life on board Steady here.

As with all Steady’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and hot drinks. Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased on board.  Single occupancy is available with a 50% surcharge. All cabins have bedding and towels provided.  There is a suggested age limit on Steady’s trips so if you are over 75 years old and are interested in sailing with Steady, please give us a call in the office. 

Kit list

Steady has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Wash towel – micro fibre is lightweight and quick drying!
• Swimsuit and swim towel
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat  and trousers (There are some offshore MUSTO waterproof sailing jackets and trousers for guests’ use whilst on board but these are not permitted to be taken off the boat and are limited so please let us know if they are needed)
• Waterproof boots or clean Wellington boots 
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Smidge repellent
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or earplugs!

SAMPLE MENU FOR Steady

All food is freshly prepared on board using locally sourced produce as much as possible. Please note that this is an example of what you may be served. *One evening meal to be eaten ashore per voyage at guests expense to taste the local cuisine!

BREAKFAST

• Scottish Porridge
• Fresh fruit, yoghurt
• Toast and preserves
• Eggs (how you like them!)

LUNCH

• Homemade pumpkin soup with naan bread
• Fish soup served with canapé with smoked salmon
• Tuna salad with bread

DINNER

Appetisers; toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives

Mains

• Mussels from Isle of Mull, served with bread, potatoes and mixed salad
• Lamb stew served with couscous salad and green beans
• Crispy skinned salmon, served with sweet potatoes, bimi, salad and homemade mayonnaise
• BBQ with meat from Kerrera Balliemore Farm, served with baked potatoes, salad and fresh vegetables
• Pumpkin curry Jack fruit with coleslaw (V)

DESSERT

• Homemade chocolate mousse and cream
• Homemade cheesecake with lemon sorbet
• Crepe with ice cream, fruit and chocolate sauce

After dinner; coffee/tea with chocolate or bonbons

What’s included

• All meals are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Musto sailing waterproofs whilst on the boat

What’s not included

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

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 not more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included in the price?

  Yes - meals are included in the price (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks & hot drinks)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free diets.

• Are there any added extras?

  There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin bunk bed cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  No.

• How many bathrooms/showers does she have?

  Steady has a separate toilet and shower for guests.

• Are bedding and towels provided?

  All bedding and shower towels are provided but please bring Swimming towels if you wish to swim in the sea! Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No but you are welcome to take your own onboard for use when the generator is running.

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Steady does not have laundry on board for guests.

• Is there heating on board?

  Yes, there is a diesel powered stove for heating and all cabins have central heating.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken on board?

  Jan-Willem and Mariëlle are Dutch, however they are fluent in English & Mariëlle can speak German.

• Is there WIFI aboard?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan if travelling abroad.

• How do I charge my phone?

  There are power sockets throughout the saloon for charging.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling or Euro's depending on the voyage.

• Are there Life Jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Steady is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are there Waterproofs available?

  Yes, Steady has Musto sailing suits for each guest in average sizing while sailing. Please bring a waterproof if you wish to wear one ashore.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a love for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  No water toys but there is fishing gear.

• Will I be seasick?

  Everyone reacts differently but if you are unsure we recommend you take seasick tablets 24hours before you board.

• Is there an age limit for Steady's guests?

  Yes, her maximum age limit is a guide of 75 years for most voyages. Some of her expedition adventures vary so please check each voyage or give us a call in the office. Please check if you have any under 18's.

Travel Planning

From: North Pier

To: North Pier

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

Getting there

Oban, Scotland

PARKING

There is ample parking in Oban if you arrive by car. Secure parking can be found at MacQueen Bros, or you could try the Tesco carpark and pay for 24 hour parking on arrival using the Your Parking Space app.

BY RAIL

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go directly to Stansted Airport.

STAY IN OBAN:

There are plenty of places to stay in Oban. Try Witchwood House, The Scot or Perle Hotels Oban.