9. Remote Scottish Island Sailing Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants

• SKIPPERED SAILING
• REMOTE ISLAND EXPLORATION
• PRIVATE CABINS
• GREAT FOR COUPLES & SOLO TRAVELLERS
• FULL BOARD
• TIME TO EXPLORE ASHORE
• WILDLIFE WATCHING

THE OUTER HEBRIDES, SCOTLAND

Exploring the Outer Hebrides offers some of the most remote sailing grounds in the UK and an adventure sailing holiday is certainly the best way to reach the lesser explored islands. Some of the lesser populated islands can only be accessed by time-tabled ferries (that don’t always run regularly!) and some of the uninhabited islands can’t be accessed by any other means than by a private or charter boat. This makes a sailing adventure on Steady one of the best ways to explore the Outer Hebrides.

Panoramic landscapes are at every turn, with ancient woodlands lining mountains that plunge straight into the sea. You can travel for miles without seeing a single soul (except the wildlife of course) and you’ll be left memorised by the spell-binding beauty that this myth-shrouded part of the world has to offer.

There are miles of coast to discover, secret coves for picturesque anchorages and uninhabited islands for walking trails ashore. The itinerary is, of course, dependent on the wind and tides but our crew know all the hotspots off the beaten track and best places to anchor. As long as the weather is favourable, the main focus of this sailing adventure will be to set course for the Outer Hebrides, exploring the lesser known Shiant Islands along the way.

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 and Vatersay.

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.

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!

This offer is covered by the warranty of STO Garant. You can find the terms and conditions of this guarantee at STO garant’s website (www.sto-garant.nl/en/downloads).