The Shiant Islands: Voyage to the Puffin Islands!

Setting Sail from Mallaig

Mallaig, at the terminus of the West Highland railway, is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’ for its fantastic positioning. The views here are stunning, across Loch Nevis to Knoydart.

We’d recommend making the most of the chance to explore this beautiful fishing town, maybe jumping aboard the Jacobite steam train which operates in the summer months between Mallaig and Fort William.

When you step aboard 100-year-old gaff-rigged Brixham Sailing Trawler, Provident, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the crew and given a safety briefing.

Along the Way

Meeting your first puffin is always a great treat, but to do it in style on a trip to the Shiant Islands is hard to beat! The sky and seas are genuinely thick with these hilarious multicoloured creatures. They’re pretty tame in most places, but here they are so numerous that it feels like they’re going to crash into you at any moment, simply to avoid crashing into each other.

Getting to and from the Shiants is a great trip in its own right. You’ll have lots of time to learn about traditional sailing, rope handling and steering. Heading north from Mallaig there will also be some interesting navigation, because to get past the east of Skye is very much a question of timing. The narrow stretch of water or “kyle” between Skye in the mainland is what’s known as a tidal gate. The currents here are so fast that, even at Provident’s top speed, going at the wrong time means sailing backwards. At the right time, though it’s like riding a maritime rollercoaster as the boat whooshes through, like a cork out of a bottle.

From here, Provident turns west under the bridge and then up to the north. Depending on wind direction you may stop at Applecross or maybe Plockton. It’s a great anchorage with a pretty wee village and even a few palm trees.

A few miles further on, the island of Rona offers good shelter. Rona is a great place for a walk and is lovingly looked after by Bill who often has delicious island venison for sale.

The Shiants themselves are tiny and form a ring-like natural harbour. You can go ashore and scramble up the hills to take in the view and be amazed by the thousands of colourful inhabitants. It’s a pretty good place for a swim too (if that’s your thing). there’s even a natural stone archway to swim under .

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

The first section of the route — north through the Sound of Sleat and then through the narrow tidal passage at Kyle Akin — is well protected, with Skye to the west and the Scottish mainland to the east providing shelter from the Atlantic. Conditions here are typically gentle, with winds from the south-west at Force 3 to 4.

The most significant passage on this trip is the crossing of the North Minch between the north of Skye and the Shiant Isles — around 25 to 28 nautical miles of more open water. In July, conditions are typically moderate, with south-westerly winds and a low to moderate swell, though the Minch has a well-earned reputation for being lively when the weather turns.

Temperatures in July are cool, with daytime air temperatures typically between 13 and 16°C, dropping to around 9 to 11°C at night. Rain is likely at some point during the week — this is the west coast of Scotland in summer, and showers are part of the picture — but July is also one of the longest-daylight months of the year, with nearly 17 hours of usable light each day, and frequent settled spells.

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. For more on this, see our article What is a Hands-On Sailing Holiday?

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 Provident’s vessel page.

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)

The Way To A Crew's Heart... I had to take the opportunity to shout out to Morag Slesser of Provident, easily the best cook on the west of Scotland fleet. As occasional crew I can say eating one meal has us excitedly looking forward to the next, and there's the baking too !! If Morag isn't available for a trip she makes sure a more than capable cook steps in for her, Provident crews and guests are always well provided for !

Best, Gavin (Morag on the helm of Provident, a multi talented person.)

I have been back 2 days and haven’t stopped thinking about the holiday. Provi is lovely and the crew were amazing. Steve and Morag obviously love their boat, Jamie the mate was very helpful and Guilio’s cooking was fantastic. Outstanding moments include the pod of dolphins playing alongside, and the sail from Arklow to Dublin. Force 5-6 and a smooth sea made for an exciting experience. I can’t wait to go again but I need to save up….

Can’t think what I’d improve to be honest, except maybe to point out to potential customers that Provi is run in an eco friendly manner and the food was more veggie based than a committed carnivore would like. Didn’t worry us at all as it was so tasty, but it might worry some people. 

Sharon May 24

Fantastic trip. Crew were so keen to help and teach. They clearly loved sailing. Food was outstanding. Restaurant standard. Learnt so much. Had so much fun. Fellow passengers were so friendly. The Highlands and islands were stunning. Would highly recommend.

Tracy Summer 2023

Although we didn't manage to get to the hoped for destination (St. Kilda) we fully understood before we got on board that the weather would dictate the direction of travel. The crew were amazing and Morag's cooking is outstanding. A lovely old sailing boat and would highly recommend it to others.

Virginia Summer 2023