A trip focused on discovering the most beautiful spots on the Outer Hebrides (and St. Kilda).

On the far western border of Scotland lies a unique group of islands that this trip focuses on: the Outer Hebrides. These islands have a long history of human habitation and are famous for nature, space, tranquility and seclusion. From the Big Islands like Harris&Lewis to the smaller ones like the Monachs, the islands all have their completely unique character and atmosphere. What could be better than exploring these (remote) islands by sailing ship!

Around the Outer Hebrides, wind and tide are leading. For this trip there is no fixed program but we let ourselves be guided by the elements. If conditions are suitable, our main goal is to sail to the hard-to-reach St. Kilda. A place that can only be reached by ship and tells a unique story. If the sea is more turbulent we stay on the sheltered side of the Outer Hebrides, as there is more than enough to see here as well!

The sea around the Outer Hebrides is home to a huge diversity of life. From Puffins to Dolphins, Basking Sharks and Whales.

During this trip, we will not spend every night in a port but also spend several nights at anchor among the islands. The undisturbed peace of anchoring in remote places is a unique experience!

Embarkation / Disembarkation

• voyage 1
  • Embarkation: July 26 from 18.00 in Ullapool
  • Embarkation: 3 August to 10.00 in Ullapool
• voyage 2
  • Embarkation: August 3 from 18.00 in Ullapool
  • Embarkation: 11 August to 10.00 in Ullapool

Cost

Because our double cabins are different sizes, we have divided them into two categories.

• Standard cabin ...............................€ 1495,- per person
• Comfort..........................................€ 1665,-per person
• Single cabin........................... € 2195,- ( limited availability)

Included:

• Based on double cabin with shower and toilet.
• Bed linen and towels.
• Crew consisting of: Captain-Sailor-Cook
• Use of Zodiac for landings.
• Half board including coffee-tea-milk and juice with meals.

Not included:

• Arrival and departure to the ship
• Personal expenses
• Any additional entrance fees and drinks
• Drinks on board

We sail with an international travel company on board. Our guests on this sailing trip include those from the Netherlands, Switzerland, England, Germany, Sweden and Scotland.

Possible destinations:

Harris and Lewis

Harris & Lewis is one island with the northern part called Lewis and the southern part called Harris, however, the boundary is not clearly drawn. It is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides and although it forms one island there is a clear difference between the landscape and atmosphere. Lewis is flatter than Harris which has more mountains and cliffs. The largest town on Harris and Lewis is Stornoway in the northeast, a pleasant town with stores, restaurants and museums . West of Stornoway you will find the "Callanish Standing Stones," a Neolithic relic used during ritual activities. It is estimated that the stone circle is 6000 Years old. The "Harris Distillery" is known for the good Gin they make.

North Uist:

North Uist is relatively flat and consists largely of marshes and lakes that are important habitat for rare bird species. Lochmaddy is the largest town on the island with about 1,500 residents, most of whom still speak Gaelic. There are beautiful walks on the island, the nature here is beautiful. There are archaeological finds all over the island such as burial mounds, stone circles and standing stones.

South Uist:

South Uist is a lot more hilly than North Uist with hills up to 600 meters. The eastern side of the island consists of hills and dramatic shorelines; the Atlantic side consists almost entirely of beach. Lochboisdale on the east side is the largest town on the island, this is where the ferry from Oban arrives, among other things.

Eriskay:

Between south Uist and Barra lies the island of Eriskay. The land on the island is unsuitable for farming or ranching; for centuries its inhabitants lived mainly from fishing. In 1941, the ship "SS Politician" en route to America stranded on the coast of Eriskay with 20,000 barrels of whiskey on board. In 1949, the movie "Whisky Galore" based on this story was released.

On Eriskay walk "Eriskay Ponies" a native breed of horse

Barra:

Barra is one of the southernmost islands of the Outer Hebrides and is known for its azure sea, white beaches and stunning vistas. Barra has the world's only commercial airport where planes land and take off from the beach at low tide. There are daily flights from Glasgow to Barra. It is absolutely recommended to walk up a hill here to see the views of the island.

St. Kilda:

Located off the coast of the Hebrides, this volcanic archipelago consists of the islands of Hirta, Dun, Soay and Boreray. Here are some of the highest cliffs in Europe, with large colonies of rare and endangered bird species such as puffins and gannets. The archipelago has been uninhabited since 1930.

People have lived on the island of Hirta for thousands of years. The community that permanently inhabited Hirta for two millennia eventually perished at the hands of fundamentalist pastors and epidemics. In 1930, the last residents were evacuated. On land, one can walk around the abandoned village and experience what life must have been like for the residents. In several of the houses there is an exhibition about the families who lived in those houses

Sailing vessel The Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is built in 1903. In 2004 Klaas bought this ship and reconstructed it in order to serve as a passengers’ ship that is able to sail the international waters. The ship has a worldwide license according to international safety rules and the ship has been outfitted with the latest navigation and communication systems.

The interior is warm and cosy. The mahogany wood adds to the maritime atmosphere. Refreshments can be found at the bar which is provided with a beer tab. Each cabin has its own bathroom with toilet and shower. Outside you will find plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the passing scenery.