Skye, Shiant and the Summer Isles

Skye, Shiant and the Summer Isles

This adventurous Scottish cruise (10 nights) includes some of Scotland’s most famous and remote destinations: the delightful Small Isles of Muck, Eigg, Rum and Canna; the spectacular Isle of Skye with its deep-sea lochs such as Dunvegan and it’s famous castles; the uninhabited Shiant Isles with their thousands of puffins; and the remote Summer Isles, named after their green summer pastures, with their remote anchorages and rich wildlife.

Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch. Depending upon the weather and nature’s conditions, wildlife viewing varies.  

If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as sea eagle tours or whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request. Excursions and visits ashore are at your own cost.

Some of the places we may visit are:

Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles. If you wish, we can make time to visit the local distillery or visit eagles.

Canna, the Small Isles: We can set sail for the scenic anchorage at Canna and its neighbouring Sanday. There are seabirds galore on the island's high sea cliffs - puffins, shags, razorbills, black guillemots, Manx shearwaters - and breeding there, in the high crags, are sea eagles. There are two lovely beaches, three churches, a tiny ruined castle and a population of less than 20! A short climb up Compass Hill gives wonderful views of Skye and our destination, the islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Loch Dunvegan, Isle of Skye: With famous Dunvegan Castle built on a high rock overlooking the Loch which was the site of an old Norse fort. The castle has been home to the chief of the Clan MacLeod for hundreds of years.

Shiant Isles: The so called ‘enchanted’ or ‘holy isles’ in Gaelic, they live up to their name. Situated between Lewis and Harris and northern Skye they are a haven for birdlife. They were once owned by Compton Mackenzie who wrote the famous novel Whisky Galore.

Summer Isles: There are some 30 islands in this tiny Highland archipelago at the entrance to Loch Broom. There are beautiful anchorages at Tanera Beg and Tenera More which is the largest island. There are no roads on the islands and watch out for the basking sharks and porpoises. 

Loch Torridon: This loch takes us deep into the breath-taking mountain scenery of North West Scotland.

Plockton: A most picturesque Scottish Highland village with a natural harbour and wonderful views of Loch Carron. This picture postcard village was famously part of the Hamish Macbeth TV series. 

Loch Nevis: Another spectacular sea loch that runs inland from the Sound of Sleat. Surrounded by mountains and is one of the remotest sea lochs in Scotland.

Loch Aline: A delightful loch off the Sound of Mull. In Loch Aline there are woodland walks and, at the head of the loch, is ancient Ardtornish estate and woodland gardens.