8-26. Discover the Outer Hebrides: from Ullapool to Stornoway

Discover The Outer Hebrides :

A Sailing Adventure from Ullapool to Stornoway 2026

Embark: Friday, 26 June 2026, at 17:00 in Ullapool

Disembark: Friday, 3 July 2026, at 10:00 in Stornoway

Duration: 8 days

Embark on the Adventure of a Lifetime! Set sail on a spectacular 11-day voyage along Scotland’s breathtaking west coast. Discover stunning islands, from the vibrant hub of Oban to the picturesque port of Ullapool, nestled in the heart of Loch Broom. Perfect for adventurers and nature enthusiasts, this trip promises an unbeatable blend of adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss your chance to experience the ultimate sailing getaway!

Highlights of this Voyage:

Wildlife in the Outer Hebrides – Spot dolphins, seals, and maybe even orcas
The Shiant Islands – Famous for their impressive bird populations
The Ruins of Duntulm Castle – Spectacular views over the Minch and the Outer Hebrides
The Standing Stones of Callanish – Explore the mysterious prehistoric stones

Ullapool to Stornoway: Possible Route

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure!

This 8-day sailing journey will take you along the breathtaking landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, offering a unique opportunity to explore Scotland’s rugged coastlines. From the charming Ullapool to the historic Stornoway, this trip is the perfect blend of adventure, sailing, nature, and culture.

Day 1. Ullapool – The Start of Your Adventure
Your sailing journey begins in Ullapool, on the shores of Loch Broom. At 5:00 PM, we, Jan-Willem and Mariëlle, will welcome you aboard Steady, moored at the fishing quay. Here you’ll meet us and your fellow travelers who will share this adventure with you. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a communal dinner—the perfect moment to get to know each other. After dinner, we’ll provide a detailed briefing about the journey ahead.

Day 2. Loch Gairloch
After a restful night, we set sail for Loch Gairloch, a stunning bay south of Ullapool. Surrounded by the impressive mountains of Wester Ross and an untouched coastline, this spot offers breathtaking scenery you won’t soon forget. The calm waters of the bay provide an ideal anchorage for our first stop. Here, you can soak in the tranquil surroundings, take a refreshing walk, or simply relax onboard. Keep an eye out for the many seals swimming in the bay—one of the many highlights of this special place.

Day 3. To the Bird Paradise: The Shiant Islands
On the third day, we set an early course for one of the most remarkable places on this journey: The Shiant Islands. After sailing approximately 25 nautical miles—while keeping an eye out for dolphins, seabirds, and maybe even a whale—we reach this remote archipelago in the middle of the Minch. The Shiants are renowned as a bird paradise, home to thousands of puffins, guillemots, and gannets nesting on the steep cliffs.

With plenty of time to go ashore, we explore these rugged, pristine islands rich in nature and tranquility. The views over the sparkling sea and the constant movement of birds in the sky make this place unforgettable. We spend the night anchored near these unique islands, in the heart of nature.

Day 4. Duntulm, Skye: Castle Ruins and Stunning Views
Duntulm, located at the northern tip of the Isle of Skye, is steeped in history and natural beauty. Here you’ll find the ruins of Duntulm Castle, once home to the powerful MacDonald clan. Perched on a cliff, this site offers spectacular views over the Minch and the Outer Hebrides.

The area is perfect for spotting seabirds, seals, and with a bit of luck, even dolphins. With its serene bay and rugged coastline, Duntulm is a special stop for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Day 5. Tarbert: Harris Tweed and Whisky
Today we sail to Tarbert, a charming harbor on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Tarbert is famous for its picturesque setting and cozy atmosphere. We’ll spend the night in the marina, giving you the opportunity to explore the local sights. Visit the distillery to sample delicious Scottish whisky or discover the history of Harris Tweed, which originates here. This is the perfect place to enjoy the culture and artisanal traditions of the islands.

Day 6. Heading to Stornoway
We follow the coastline from south to north towards Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. As we set sail, we can enjoy the pristine nature along the impressive coastlines of Harris and Lewis. Upon arrival in Stornoway, we’ll stay overnight in the marina, where fishing boats and pleasure yachts moor side by side. The long, light evenings are perfect for stretching your legs and taking a walk around Lews Castle.

Day 7. Excursion to the Standing Stones of Callanish
If the route goes as planned, we’ll have the opportunity to take an excursion from Stornoway to the famous Standing Stones of Callanish. These prehistoric stones offer a fascinating insight into ancient rituals. This historical tour also includes visits to the Arnol Blackhouse, Dun Carloway, and other highlights of Lewis. The excursion lasts 6 hours and is at your own expense. (For a group of 8 people: £57 per person)

Day 8. Farewell After an Unforgettable Journey
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. We reflect on a week full of adventure, discovery, and new friendships. It has been a journey where we explored Scottish waters together, discovered special places, and created memories that will last a lifetime. As you pack your belongings and leave the ship, we hope you feel that you’ve not only seen a part of Scotland but also discovered a part of yourself.

Nature Sets the Course: “Nature and the weather shape every voyage, making each sailing adventure truly one of a kind. The proposed itinerary serves as a guideline and may be adjusted to match the conditions, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience. Your safety and happiness always come first.”

Wildlife

Sailing with Steady promises amazing wildlife encounters. You’ll often see seabirds like puffins, razorbills and guillemots, while sea eagles soar majestically along the rugged coastline. On land, keep an eye out for red deer, and with a bit of luck, you might spot an otter in the bay. The seabird colonies, especially during the breeding season, create a cacophony of sounds that echo off the cliffs. As we sail through Scottish waters, you may also spot seals curiously poking their heads above the water or sunbathing on rocks.

Dolphins are frequent visitors, with common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and white-beaked dolphins often playing alongside the boat. Occasionally, we spot Risso’s or white-sided dolphins, and Minke whales are common. On rare days, you might even see humpback whales. The real stars of the show, however, are the local pod of orcas — an unforgettable experience if you’re lucky enough to see them. Make sure to keep your binoculars handy!

Is This Adventure Calling You?

This voyage is perfect for those who enjoy an active and diverse holiday, exploring new destinations in the company of fellow travelers.

Looking for variety and adventure – Perfect for those who want to explore new destinations and experiences in the company of fellow travelers.
Passionate about nature and sailing – Ideal for sailors and nature enthusiasts who enjoy active holidays in unspoiled surroundings.
Wildlife lovers – A great choice for travelers eager to spot dolphins, seals, and seabirds in their natural habitat.
Comfortable with active travel – Suitable for those with good energy and adaptability, as the trip includes longer sailing passages and extended time on the water. You’ll need to feel confident moving around on a ship in motion.
Age is just a number, but… – This voyage requires physical effort and balance at sea. Guests over 75 are encouraged to contact us beforehand to ensure this active and extended sailing trip is the right fit for them.

Onboard Catering

Enjoy healthy, varied, and most importantly, delicious meals prepared with care by Mariëlle. Whether you’re vegetarian or have other dietary needs, we’ll make sure each meal is flavorful and made with fresh, local ingredients. Although we can’t offer vegan meals, we’re happy to accommodate other dietary requests. All meals on board are included, along with drinks like tea, coffee, milk, and orange juice. A glass of wine is served with dinner. Other drinks are not included and will be settled at the end of the trip. For safety reasons, no alcohol is served before or during sailing.

Hands on Deck!

This adventure is all about rolling up your sleeves and joining the action! Whether you’re hoisting the sails, lending a hand in the galley, or simply sharing a laugh with your fellow sailors, your involvement makes life onboard lively and unforgettable. Together, we’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where teamwork and fun go hand in hand.

Price

• €1,725,- (shared cabin)
• €2,587,50 (single use of a double cabin, 50% surcharge)

Included:
• Captain and mate/cook
• All meals and drinks (tea, coffee, etc.)
• Use of Musto BR1 sailing gear, bedding, towels
• Eco-friendly showergel and shampoo
• And more!

Excluded:
• Personal expenses, soft drinks, and alcohol
• Travel to and from the ship
• Travel and cancellation insurance

Getting to the Ship

You are responsible for arranging your travel to and from the ship.

From Inverness to Ullapool:
- By Bus: Take the 961 Citylink bus, which departs several times a day from the Inverness bus station (next to the train station). The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Costs around £13–£19
- By Taxi: A taxi from Inverness to Ullapool costs around £90-£120 and takes approximately 1 hour. This is a convenient option if you’re traveling with a group or need flexibility.
From Stornoway to the Mainland:
- By Ferry: The CalMac ferry operates between Stornoway and Ullapool. The crossing takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- By Plane: From Stornoway Airport, you can fly directly to Inverness, Glasgow, or Edinburgh with Loganair. The flight to Inverness takes around 40 minutes.

Click here for more info

Book Your Trip with Steady Sailing

Ready to book your sailing adventure with Steady Sailing? Simply complete our booking form, and we’ll send you a no-obligation quote. Once you confirm, we’ll follow up with a few additional questions and finalize your booking. This ensures we’ve got everything covered for your unforgettable journey along Scotland’s west coast and the Hebrides.

For questions or to book, click here – we’re happy to help!

Travel & Cancellation Insurance

We highly recommend that you secure your own travel and cancellation insurance for your sailing trip. This will ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situations. Please make sure your insurance covers both the trip and the activities you plan to do with us.