7. Sailing in the Outer Hebrides 2023

Join Steady in Ullapool and sail with her to explore the wonder of the Outer Hebrides under sail.

LIFE AT SEA

The exact itinerary is dependent on the wind and tides but our crew know all the hotspots off the beaten track and the best places to anchor under the stars. As you board Steady and get familiar with your floating home for the week, the crew will have a better idea of where you might sail. Some possible anchorages include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, Taransay, Scarp and the Monach Islands.

If the wind is in your favour, another possible destination are The Shiants (or “enchanted isles” in Scottish Gaelic). A group of uninhabited islands that are known for their remoteness, dramatic coastline and rare seabirds. Home to one of RSPB Scotlands Sea bird Recovery projects, life on these remote islands is truly wild and equally important for our national bird populations. Anchor up and explore these wonders by foot whilst soaking up the rugged coastlines and keeping your eyes peeled at all times for exotic flora, fauna, wildlife and interesting archaeological remains.

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 Outer 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!