Island Hopping in the Inner Hebrides

Islands Steeped in history

Explore the remote Isle of Rona and the Shaints Islands aboard Provident, from Mallaig. Mallaig is wonderfully situated to explore the east coast of Skye and some of the Northern sea lochs. Just opposite is Loch Nevis, and the Knoydart peninsula one of Scotland’s great wilderness areas. Accessible only by foot or boat is the hamlet of Inverie with the most remote pub in Britain – the Old Forge.

Bound for the Island of Rona, which lies north of Mallaig and neighbours the islands of Raasay and Skye, you’ll take in the stunning views of the dramatic Inner Hebrides. Rona, from the old Norse term for “Rough Islands”, is rocky and almost entirely uninhabited place. It is dotted with remnants of settlements and reminders that it was once home to 180 people! There are paths however, which makes exploring the stunning islands quite easy.

But what is there to explore? Being 5 miles long and less than a mile wide, Rona boasts a mix of rugged landscapes, rich, mossy woodland, secret coves and abundant wildlife. On the east of the island is the remote Church Cave, used by islanders to worship until 1912 when the construction of the islands church (now holiday homes) was complete. In the cave, the pulpit is made of a stone pillar and pews are boulders!

In the north, you’ll find Rona’s Lighthouse. Construction began and 1853 and the light was first lit upon completion in 1857. Prior to the lighthouse, a widowed Islander named Janet Mackenzie kept a light lit in her window to help keep the local fishing boats safe from the rocks. With it’s secluded sheltered coves, it’s no surprise that Rona developed an reputation for being a haven for pirates in the 1600’s!

The Shaints Islands lie to the North west of Rona, off the coast of the Isle of Lewis. There are lots of seabird colonies here and it is relatively easy to move about provided you stay away from the cliffs.

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

Mostly flat seas between the islands with some more exposed stretches. Expect a real mixture of conditions, as things can change quickly, but the crew are incredibly knowledgeable and familiar with all the sheltered anchorages and hiding places around the islands. The itinerary is kept loose to make the most of the conditions at the time, and the focus is on enjoyment, rather than ticking off any particular destinations. 

A NOTE ON VOYAGE DESCRIPTIONS

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best and safest sailing routes for the forecast. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or prior experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail. Handling cargo adds an extra dimension – building teamwork and communication skills and leaving you with a great sense of achievement.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Provident

What is Included:

• Bedding
• All meals and soft drinks aboard.
• All safety equipment, including lifejackets
• Fantastic sailing

What is Not Included:

• Travel to and from your voyage
• Personal travel insurance.
• Alcohol (although reasonably priced wine, beer and whisky will be available to purchase on board). Consumption of alcohol is always at the discretion of the skipper
• Waterproofs - If this is your first voyage good walking waterproofs will be fine. We only recommend buying sailing waterproofs if you are frequent sailors.
  • You will find exploring ashore in walking gear much better than struggling around in sailing kit!

What to Bring

• Enthusiasm!
• Waterproofs - see above.
• Your own towel.
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Sailing boots or wellies are also helpful.
• (An alterative to boots in summer is to bring another pair of flat shoes with a good grip in case the first pair get wet).
• All terrain type Sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasickness tablets or pressure-point wrist bands (talk to your pharmacist)
• Your own logbook if you'd like to keep track of your sea miles
• Tech chargers (USB sockets are available in all the cabins) and waterproof cases for anything valuable

N.B. BOATS HAVE LIMITED STORAGE SPACE SO PLEASE LIMIT YOURSELF TO ONE SOFT BAG OR RUCKSACK  (NOT SUITCASES)