Stravaigin – Walk, forage, sail – Oban

YOUR SAILING AREA

HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

One of our most popular sailing holiday destinations, the coasts and islands that make up the West Coast of Scotland offer so much variation for ours boats and guests, you will quickly see why our guests return year on year. With ample remote anchorages where mountains run straight into the sea, miles of atmospheric landscapes, secret coves and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore, there really is something for everyone.

This voyage has a special focus on wild food foraging in the Hebrides and our itinerary allows us to flexibly sail between islands and remote mainland bays. We will go ashore with Heather, our walking and foraging guide as she introduces us to wild foods during our time ashore. Heather has spent over five decades exploring the west coast of Scotland and enjoying wild foods from a very young age.

The varieties of species change from shore to hillside making for an interesting array of flavours and tastes that can be brought to the table or identified for future reference. We ensure we take great care around the species and special qualities these wonderful places offer and can help you gain knowledge about foraging wild foods sustainably, as well as learning about the animals and insects they benefit.

Each day we will enjoy exploring the beauty of our chosen destination, its clear waters, coast and landscape and discover a little more about the wild foods that grow there. At dinner we can enjoy the addition of wild treats, from embellishments we have found on the day to specially created dishes, before spending the night at anchor under a blanket of stars, perhaps with a dram or hot chocolate in hand recounting the day’s adventures, planning, and looking forward to the next.

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Island Hopping

Over 70 islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, make up the inner Hebrides so you won’t go short of places to explore under sail. The geography of the landscape also makes for great sailing conditions and shelter if the weather takes a turn. Giving way for a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna spreading over several of the islands, many are home to fascinating ruins and have evidence of diverse clans and communities who once inhabited these remote lands.

The Isle of Mull is one of the larger inhabited islands in the Hebrides and is renowned for its abundance of wildlife. From dolphins, whales and sea eagles, endless walking trails and secluded anchorages, you could spend a week alone just exploring this beautiful island.

Iona sits just off the coast of Mull and its crystal clear, bright blue waters have made it one of our favourite spots in the inner Hebrides. It boasts ultimate tranquility, blue lagoons and sandy beaches only 1.5 x 3 miles – the perfect spot for some wild swimming! Keep a look out  for oystercatchers, sandpipers, redshanks, plovers, curlews and greylag geese as you explore the island on foot and discover the Benedictine Abbey standing on the site of the monastery founded by St Columba.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife watching in the Hebrides is a real treat with sightings of seabirds such as Black Guillemots seen in their hundreds while white-tailed eagles soar along the rugged coastline. Sailing with Stravaigin is often rewarded with widespread sightings of birds of prey like Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Peregrines. The sound of the seabird colonies is magnificently overwhelming, with the call of seabird colonies, Puffins, Guillemots & Razorbills, echoing off the cliffs.

Common, Bottlenose and Whitebeak Dolphins are frequent swimmers in the wake of the boats bow and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Minke or Humpback Whale too.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Stravaigin – Walk, forage, sail – Oban

Guest berths: Rig:

More about Stravaigin – Walk, forage, sail – Oban

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.

Kit list

Stravaigin 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 that have sailed before may have their own 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 are 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 (John does have some waterproofs for hire at £50pp. Please let him know on the number above if you require this hire – cash payable once you board)
• Short waterproof boots
• Sun cream (please use reef safe, eco products where possible)
• 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)
• Smidge repellent 
• Charging cables for personal devices (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices)
• A good book to read!
• We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

What’s included

• Full board (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
• Wild Foraging 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

PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS

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

Please click here to view the Terms & Conditions.

If the minimum number of participants is not reached within 60 days of the departure date then the tour may be cancelled or rescheduled. If the tour is cancelled you will receive a full refund of all payments made including the deposit made at the time of booking. We have yet to cancel a tour on Stravaigin but we operate with transparency and honesty!

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 12miles offshore.

FAQ

Travel Planning

From: North Pier, Oban

To: North Pier, Oban

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

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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 direct to Stansted Airport.

STAY IN OBAN:

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