Guided Sailing & Walking Holiday in Scotland
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Discover the Small Isles by land and sea with a sailing and hiking holiday on adventure yacht Steady.
The West Coast of Scotland is an adventure lover’s paradise. From hiking stunning landscapes ashore to sailing between idyllic island anchorages, sailing yacht Steady is offering a ten-day sailing and walking holiday in the Hebrides. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Skye and the Small Isles with a combination of guided hikes, independent island exploration and skippered sailing.
This voyage is perfect for the adventure traveller looking to combine two amazing experiences in unique locations. Sail to places only accessible by boat as you stay clear of the tourist hotspots and explore nature trails through mountains, spot wildlife over rolling hills and see the coastline with a whole new perspective.
- Island hopping
- Varying hikes from 10 to 20 km.
- Wildlife watching
- Guides included
- Private cabins
- Fully skippered
- Full board
- Package Travel Cover
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
The Small Isles, Scotland
Besides being sailors, skippers and owners, Jan-Willem and Marielle are also keen walkers. The hikes will be guided by them, and there is also the opportunity to enjoy shorter walks on your own if you’d like. The hiking routes on the islands are well-known to us, but the weather is good here, and we do sometimes have to adjust our itinerary, so please use the itinerary below as a guide only!
DAY 1 – OBAN
Your sailing and walking adventure starts in the Scottish port town of Oban. After getting acquainted with fellow guests and crew, set the sails to enjoy your first night on a quiet anchorage.
DAY 2 – TOBERMORY, ISLE OF MULL
We start the voyage gently so everyone can get used to each other and the boat. Sail along the sheltered Sound of Mull to the colourful town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. From Tobermory, there are some lovely short hiking trails to warm us up, and there are also some lovely pubs and shops to enjoy in the afternoon.
DAY 3 – SAILING TO THE ISLAND OF CANNA
Today we will set course for the Small Isles, and a few hours under sail will see us reach the island of Canna, the most remote island in the archipelago. You cannot see Canna from the mainland as it is hidden behind the high mountains of Rum.
Canna is an island of great beauty and variety, with green meadows and forests, wild heathlands and dramatic cliffs on the north and west sides. There are two fascinating churches, an ancient cross, an inaccessible ‘castle’ atop a large rock and Canna House.
The walk along the coastline offers fantastic views of the Outer Hebrides, Rum and the Cuillin of Skye, and there are a few fine sandy beaches. The neighbouring island of Sanday is connected by a bridge and has some impressive cliffs, with two large rocky cliffs providing an ideal base for a colony of puffins.
DAY 4 – CANNA & PUFFINS
Our first long walk is on the island of Canna. A varied walk along cliffs and over hills, highlighting the beautiful cliffs of Sanday, where we will look for the puffins. With luck, we will also see the great skua here. We will have lunch in the middle of nature from our own packed picnic.
DAY 5 – SKYE, LOCH SCAVAIG & CORUSK
We take you to one of the Hebrides’ most beautiful anchorages. Nestled at the foot of Skye’s Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig. Surrounded by impressive pointed mountain peaks, you’ll see large numbers of grey and common seals at very close distances. Loch Scavaig is connected to the inland lake Loch Corusk, and walking around the loch is breathtaking. The lake is fresh water, so it’s also great for taking a refreshing dip!
DAY 6 – EXPLORING THE ISLAND OF RUM
We raise anchor and sail to the island of Rum. Rum is a national nature reserve and the largest island of the Small Isles. The island’s most famous residents are the golden eagles (reintroduced in the 1980s), red deer and the hardy Rum ponies. We anchor here in the natural bay overlooking the architectural Kinloch Castle. After lunch, there is an opportunity to go ashore by dinghy. There are several beautiful hiking trails on Rum Island, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking mountain and coastal scenery.
DAY 6 – HIKING RUM
We will make a joint hike in which we will head into the hills. The route will take us past streams and waterfalls, and once at the top, enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is a good chance of spotting red deer and the golden eagle.
DAY 7 – EIGG AND CLIMBING AN SGURR
Eigg is the second largest and most populous island of the beautiful Small Isles. Dominated by a remarkable vertical blockstone of An Sgurr, this impressive peak was originally a lava flow from the volcano on Rum some 58 million years ago. The lava followed an ancient riverbed and filled the valley. Over the following millions of years, the pitchstone lava, which is harder than the surrounding basalt, withstood erosion and remained standing while the surrounding rock was gradually worn away.
Now the kilometre-long ridge stands proudly, with the summit at 393 metres. The climb to the top offers truly fantastic views of the other Small Isles and Skye and Ardnamurchan. The route is fairly easy, but the last part is a steep climb, and we have to rock climb (very easy) along the ridge.
DAY 8 – MUCK, A DROP IN THE OCEAN
Muck is 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. A visit to the tearoom for the delicious homemade pastries is a must! After the joint walk, we will sail to the beautifully secluded Loch Drumbuie in the afternoon, where we will anchor overnight.
DAY 9 – KERRERA
In the morning, we sail to the green paradise island of Kerrera, followed by a hike on the island. Compared to all the hustle and bustle of the nearby tourist centre of Oban, Kerrera is very Quiet and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastal areas. Cars are banned on the island except for a few locals, making it a walker’s paradise. In the evening, we enjoy the Captain’s dinner together before disembarking in Oban in the morning.
Wildlife in Scotland
Sailing with Steady offers incredible wildlife experiences. From Puffins, razorbills, and guillemots along the cliffs, soaring sea eagles above the Ocean and Red deer and otters onshore. Watch out for curious seals, playful dolphins, and occasional whales, including Minke and even orcas. Binoculars are highly recommended – you never know what might appear next!
THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 4
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 Stead,y but we operate with transparency and honesty!
Things to note
Sailing vs shoretime
Nightwatches?
Will there be Mosquitos?
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 not be more than 12 miles offshore.
Package Travel Regulations
THIS TRIP IS COVERED BY our PACKAGE TRAVEL REGULATIONS. MINIMUM PASSENGER = 4
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 Steady but we operate with transparency and honesty!
Owned and skippered by husband and wife team Marielle and Jan-Willem, sailing with Steady is a relaxed and inspiring way to explore the Hebrides. With a real passion for nature, the landscape and living well, Marielle and Jan-Willem love to share their love of Scotland with their guests.
GETTING INVOLVED
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
The day starts with a hearty and wholesome breakfast to get ready for a day of sailing. Below decks, everything is cleared, and above deck, the sheets and sails are prepared before you get underway. Departure is around 9.30 am to make the most of the day. The skippers often have a destination in mind, but the weather will influence the decision, so they never guarantee an itinerary. As with all our fleet, the sails are used as much as possible, so Steady will go where the wind takes her.
Usually, lunch will be enjoyed outside when under sail and in good weather. You will then spend the evening and night in a calm anchorage. Being close to shore means you’ll be able to be dropped off by dinghy to stretch your legs and spend some time exploring the diverse landscape that the Hebrides have to offer.
The number of hours of sailing can vary between 4 and 7 hours a day, so you’ll be sure to work up an appetite ready for dinner to be served at around 7 p.m. The evenings are relaxed, with time to chat with new friends or find a quiet spot on board with your book.
Sleeping and Relaxation
Whatever the weather, it is wonderful to be out on the sea. Enjoy the beautiful views and the clean air that fills your lungs – not to mention the exhilaration of seeing Steady’s full rig being filled by the wind. Steady has a spacious deckhouse with views in all directions, so you can still enjoy the surroundings when the weather isn’t behaving. Below decks, there is a spacious, modern, fitted galley with a generous sofa area, dining table, and multi-fuel stove to keep out the evening chill.
After a full day in the open air, you can sleep peacefully in our cosy and comfortable private cabins, ready for a new day of seafaring adventure. There is a full-size domestic shower and a separate toilet for guests to use too.
Dining Aboard
Both Jan-Willem and Mariëlle love good food and cooking. The menu includes meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Throughout the day, guests are offered coffee & tea and soft drinks to keep hydrated in the salty sea air.
Breakfast is varied each day, often including bread, cheeses, jams and spreads in addition to yoghurt and porridge or granola – sometimes there are boiled eggs, or fried bacon and eggs on offer if you’re doing a longer sailing day.
Lunch is a relaxed affair on deck, usually consisting of soup or salad, served with a selection of different breads. Examples include pumpkin, tomato or lentil soup, fish chowders, tuna salad or couscous salads; all made with the finest fresh produce.
Dinner is heartier, really filling you up after a day in the fresh air. It’s really varied but uses the best ingredients and draws on cuisines from around the globe, from Moroccan lamb stew to a simple lasagne to an authentic chicken curry made with fresh herbs and spices. Sometimes, if the skipper has bought some fresh fish, it’ll be barbecued up on deck. Dinner is always served with a selection of vegetables or salad.
There is, of course, dessert, which includes Greek yoghurt with fresh fruit, a selection of ice creams or simply coffee and chocolates.
Sample menu
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.
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 a canapé with smoked salmon
- Tuna salad with bread
DINNER
Appetisers: toast with different cheeses, nuts, olives
Mains
- Mussels from the 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
Steady
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Staysail Ketch
Onboard Steady, most guests like to lend a hand with the sailing, 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! She has a modern rig and simple winch system, so she is a great boat to learn the ropes.
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.
Steady is true to her name, with a sturdy steel hull, and was initially built as a charter vessel, offering 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, with a shared shower and separate toilet. The galley and saloon area lives at the heart of the boat with a peninsula galley and plenty of seating alongside the cosy multi-fuel stove.
On the 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, the environment and nature with their guests.
Deck plan
More about Steady
More holidays in Scotland or UK
UK Coastal Sailing : Liverpool, Isles of Scilly & Plymouth
Yacht Charter Sailing – Devon, Cornwall & Beyond
Sailing the Bay of Biscay to Gran Canaria
UK Sailing Expedition from Scotland to Portsmouth
More holidays on Steady
Hands-on Offshore Sailing to the Outer Hebrides
Remote Islands & Wonderful Wildlife: Sailing the Hebrides
Remote Scottish Island Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants
Guided Sailing & Walking Holiday in Scotland
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
