Guided walking & Sailing in Hebrides

YOUR SAILING AREA

Walk and Sail, SCOTLAND

The format for the week will be that we sail between islands and remote mainland bays from where we will go ashore with our qualified guide for a chosen walk on return to the boat after the all-important coffee and cake we will set sail to our next Anchorage and repeat this pattern of daily excursions each night spent at anchor under a blanket of the stars. Dram or hot chocolate in hand recounting the days adventure, planning, and looking forward to the next.

Unlike many others offering sail and walk holidays where you get dropped ashore to find things out for yourself, all the walking is in the company of a fully qualified and highly experienced mountain guide. The skipper himself is also fully qualified mountain guide, having guided around the world for prestigious companies such as “National Geographic” All our guides are chosen from close acquaintances and are as passionate about this beautiful yet delicate landscape who will not only keep you safe but will be able to share all the local insights from history and folklore to flora & fauna and the fascinating geology of this wonderful area.

Your comfort and safety are always at the top of our priority list so exact itineraries may vary to account for wind and weather, however we are most certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit.

Day1: Meet Mallaig 15:00 – Sail & Anchor Isle of Eigg.

Day2: Guided walk up the iconic Sgurr of Eigg– (Walk 3—4 hrs): Sail/ Anchor Isle of Muck

Day3:  Explore the delightful Small Hebridean island of Muck not a high-level walk today as the highest point is only 138m above sea level.  Sail/ Anchor Isle of Canna (Walk approx. 2hrs)

Day 4:  Guided walk-up Compass hill and or visit the puffin colony on the joining island of Sanday:  Sail/ Anchor Isle of Rum (Walk 3—4 hrs)

Day 5:  Guided walk -the Otter walk or venture up one of the Rum Cuillins so many choices on this fantastic Hebridean island:  Sail/ Anchor Isle of Skye (Walk 1-2 0r 3-4 hrs)

Day 6:   Have we saved the best till last, you decide, Guided walk around the awe inspiring Loch Coruisk  a hidden gem nestled in the Heart of the Black Cuillins of Skye, Or if guests prefer a walk up to catch what the skipper considers the best view In all of Scotland from Sgùrr Na Strì :Walk–Sail/ Mallaig (Walk 3—4 hrs)

Day 7:   Leisurely Breakfast aboard pack up ready for onward travel disembark. 10:00am.

THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 3

All voyages for Stravaigin

Stravaigin

Guest berths: 6 Rig: Bermudan Sloop

Stravaigin offers guests comfort while sailing with style. Owned and skippered by a Scottish family, Stravaigin offers guests sailing holidays on Scotland’s west coast in some of the best cruising grounds the Hebrides has to offer.

Stravaigin is an old Scots word meaning “to wander with no particular intent”.  Stravaigin’s owners say that this encapsulates their ethos of immersive adventures, exploring and discovering new landscapes, experiences, foods, cultures while creating meaningful experiences and memories that will last forever.

Below decks, Stravaigin has been well considered and laid out for guests optimum comfort. The bright and airy saloon with a large table and TV screen sits next to the generous L-shaped galley where guests can enjoy local cuisine and home-cooked meals. She has three private double berth cabins with one ensuite. Two of the double berth cabins can be separated with a lee-cloth for friends or comfortable solo travellers and both bathrooms have a shower.

Stravaigin has a modern Bermudan sloop rig with winches and full navigation systems. If you have never sailed before and are looking to learn the ropes, Stravaigin’s crew love to teach guests and get them involved with all aspects of sailing. Alternatively, she can be sailed single-handedly so if you’re after a relaxing sailing holiday soaking in the sights and delights of Scotland and the Hebrides, then that’s fine too!

Sailing holidays on Stravaigin vary from day sails in the inner Hebrides to week-long sailing adventures exploring the West coast of Scotland. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families looking for private charters.

Deck plan

More about Stravaigin

Life on board

Wherever you end up with Stravaigin, it will certainly be an adventure to remember and with her owner and skipper born and bred in Scotland, you’re in the best hands to discover all the secret spots. John knows the best trails and as you board Stravaigin, he will be able to give you a rough idea of the itinerary and what can be achieved over the week.

Getting involved

Stravaigin requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views although the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm if you’d like! She’s a great boat to learn how to sail, with a modern winch system and simple gaff rig.

Sleeping, eating and relaxation

Stravaigin is fitted with private double cabins, a spacious saloon area and outdoor eating cockpit perfect for those summer evenings. Each day guests enjoy delicious locally sourced food as John whips up a feast in the galley of fresh seafood, organic meats and veggies from local islands, not to mention cakes and bread from the Solace Bakery. You’ll be well-fed and all your hot drinks and meals are included in the ticket price.

Into the water

Skipper John is also a trained snorkel instructor so if guests want to experience some truly refreshing wild swimming in Scotland, then do let him know as you board. There are also two paddle-boards available for guests to use and discover the nooks and crannies of this fascinating coastline. Wetsuits are not available on-board so please bring your own if you would like. There are waterproofs available to hire, please let us know at the time of booking.

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Soft/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
• Use of onboard stand-up paddle-boards
• Qualified mountain Guide

What’s not included

• Waterproofs – but you can hire (average sizing) at £50 per voyage, please let us know at the time of booking.
• Swim towel or wetsuits
• Alcohol
• 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

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Stravaigin?

  Stravaigin is still running a Test & Sail Policy for the 2022 sailing season whether guests are vaccinated or not. Please refer to our COVID page for more information.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes - all meals are included in the price (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot Drinks) Please note that alcohol/soft drinks are not included. There is an honesty bar onboard.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of 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?

  3x double berth

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  John does have some offshore sailing jackets/trousers for hire - £50pp per voyage.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim.

Travel Planning

From: Mallaig

To: Mallaig

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

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PARKING

Mallaig offers limited long stay parking in a car park to the left on the Train Station as you drive into Mallaig. Alternatively try another long stay spot at 24 East Bay, Mallaig.

BY RAIL

You can travel by rail overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston to Fort William. Once in Fort William you can take The Jacobite Steam Train or the electric train direct to Mallaig. Mallaig station is then only a 5-10 minute walk to the harbour pontoons.

BY AIR:

Glasgow or Edinburgh Airport are best placed for access to Mallaig. From either of them take a train onto For William and then onto Mallaig which takes approximately 2-3hours. There are good links direct from the airport to the train and bus terminals for onward travel to Fort William.

STAY IN MALLAIG:

There are plenty of places to stay in Mallaig. Try Chlachain Inn, Seaview Guesthouse or West Highland Hotel.