14. Hebridean exploring around Mull & The Isles 2023

HEBRIDEAN EXPLORING AROUND MULL & THE ISLES

OBAN – OBAN

26 AUGUST 14:00 – 01 SEPTEMBER 10:00 2023 | 7 DAYS |€ 1350, – PER PERSON | FULL BOARD

There is just so much to take in and experience with a sailing holiday in the Hebrides, Steady does not run to specific itineraries. From bustling harbour towns to remote anchorages off the beaten track, from long stretches of sandy beaches and an abundance of wildlife, you won’t be short of things to do or see.

LIFE AT SEA

Tacking the ship westward through the Sound Of Mull, you could head out beyond Ardnamurchan Point and alter course to the North or South or Westwards to Barra and beyond. Taking the Southerly heading, follow the majestic coastline of Mull down past Treshnish and on to Staffa. A visit to Fingal’s cave is a must, but landing is very much dependant on the swell.

Beyond lies the sacred isle of Iona where the resonance of Columba lives on. Onwards, the ship will pass Torrans Rocks where Davy Balfour was wrecked in a tremendous storm, finally being washed ashore on Erraid. Heading on south to Colonsay, stop for the night alongside the pier and walk through the crew’s favourite islands for its gentle beauty and of course to taste some great ales from smallest island brewery in the world.

If the wind takes you North, Steady will sail out to the more remote Hebridean Isles. Rum, by far the largest island, possesses a cluster of formidable volcanic peaks, Askival (Ash Mountain) the highest peak, dominates the landscape, and the name itself tells of the Vikings that once settled here.

If we are fortunate with settled weather, the crew will take you to one of the most awesome anchorages in the world. Nestling at the foot of the Skye Cuillins lies Loch Scavaig, a sea loch with the waters of Loch Corusk pouring magnificently in. Following the trail, you will feel like you have walked right into middle earth.

Eigg, which measures just 5 by 3 miles, is by far the most vibrant, populous and welcoming of the Small Isles. There are wonderful views of Muck and Rhum from An Sgurr. Canna, in many ways, is the prettiest of the isles with its high basalt cliffs which are home to a colony of Puffins. Spend time lying on the cliff edge as they hover a few inches away before darting off to catch more eels.

SUNSETS & STARRY SKIES

Steady will show you the beauty of the islands from the water but you will also have the chance to explore ashore on foot.  Relax in sheltered anchorages and watch picturesque sunsets, and if we are blessed with dark skies, the stargazing from the deck is breathtaking. With little pollution, sailing in the Hebrides has some of the best opportunities for star gazing in the country.

Sailing in the Hebrides with Steady requires no previous sailing experience so you can sit back and enjoy the views, however, if you wish, the crew are more than happy to show you the ropes and even give you the helm!

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!

Wherever you sail with Steady, be sure that the views will be breathtaking and the wildlife in abundance, so have your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready for a wonderful trip. All meals are freshly prepared and cooked on board, and with private cabins and comfy social spaces, this is an adventure not to be missed!