The Inner Hebrides in Summer: PV300625

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Mon 30-06-2025, 14:00Oban, Scotland	Tue 08-07-2025, 10:00Mallaig, Scotland	Provident	8 Nights	PV300625

Voyage Description

Sail on Tall Ship Blue Clipper aiming for St Kilda with Classic Sailing — dramatic coastline of skye

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Embarking in Oban

The unofficial capital of the West Highlands, Oban’s transport links make travel planning nice and straightforward, and there are some glorious landscapes to travel through en route to join the ship. We’d recommend arriving early to explore the town, perhaps visiting McCaig’s Folly with its stunning views across the bay, or nip into the distillery for a bottle to share with your fellow sailors.

Once on board you’ll enjoy a familiarisation from the crew before setting sail. It is only a few miles of open water before you are sailing in the Sound of Mull which has high mountains on either side and mostly flat water.

There are some stunning anchorages on the Atlantic side if conditions allow. Look out for otters and sea eagles, the perfect way to wrap up your first day on board!

sea eagle territory near mull — sea eagle

Lots to Explore

The whole of the Inner Hebrides will be your playground for this voyage, and the possibilities are endless.

Beautiful unspoilt beaches, abundant wildlife and wild landscapes greet you. Great anchorages and beautiful sailing grounds through the Sound of Mull and up the coastline towards Ardnamurchan point. Step ashore on the shores of Colonsay or visit the Whisky distilleries of Jura or Islay. You might visit the abbey at Iona or take the dinghy ashore at Fingals Cave on Staffa.

To reach your destination of Mallaig on Loch Nevis you must also navigate Skye, the largest and furthest North of the Inner Hebrides. Skye is a popular destination for hikers, historians and wildlife lovers alike. Famous for its stunning scenery and 12 munros (peaks above 3000 ft), the island offers fantastic walking, and the chance to spot otters, seals, whales, dolphins, red deer, sea eagles and more.

Sailing to and around Skye allows you to experience the wild beauty of the island, straying off the tourist trail and finding seclusion in hard to reach places.

Skye’s history is there for all to see, stretching back to ancient times. From the dinosaur footprints on the shore at Staffin, to Pictish round towers built over 2000 years ago, and the 12th century clan stronghold of Dunvegan Castle (the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland).

Sailing voyages will always include opportunities to explore ashore and discover this history for yourself. As a means of visiting these islands, traditional sailing has the added advantage of complete immersion in the landscape, often out of site of human influence. This landscape was the same that was gazed upon by everyone from the Picts and forcibly cleared peasants to the chiefs of Clans MacLeod and MacDonald. Waking up to the rugged coastline each morning, you feel a newfound respect and kinship with the people who’ve been surviving up here for thousands of years.

Disembarking in Mallaig

Before arriving into Mallaig there may be chance to stop off on the Knoydart peninsula, one of Scotland’s great wildernesses, perhaps with a celebratory pint at the Old Forge in Inverie, the most remote pub in Britain.

Mallaig itself , 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. Standard disembarkation time for Provident is 10am, so following a hearty breakfast you can have time to explore ashore before making your onward journey.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

Start & End Port

Oban, Scotland

For joining your vessel in Oban, the North Pier in the map shown below will be the best place to meet the crew. Your vessel will either be tied up alongside the wall, or out at anchor. Make sure you take a note of the ship’s number found in your confirmation in case of any problems on the day.

Oban: Gateway to the Highlands and Isles

Situated on the west coast of Scotland, Oban is a vibrant seaside town known as the “Gateway to the Highlands and Isles.” With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and renowned seafood, Oban offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world.

As you arrive in Oban, you’ll be greeted by the town’s iconic landmark, McCaig’s Tower, perched on a hilltop and offering panoramic views of the surrounding islands and mountains. Explore the charming streets lined with colourful buildings, browse the local shops for unique crafts and souvenirs, and indulge in the freshest seafood at one of the many excellent restaurants.

Oban is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. Take a scenic drive along the stunning coastal roads, visit the historic castles such as Dunollie Castle and Dunstaffnage Castle, or embark on a hiking adventure in Glen Coe, one of Scotland’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring glens.

Getting to Oban is convenient, with various transportation options available. From Scotland, you can travel by train on the West Highland Line, which offers a picturesque journey from Glasgow to Oban. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views of lochs, mountains, and charming villages along the way.

If you’re coming from southern England, you can reach Oban by car via the A82 and A85 roads. The drive takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the enchanting Loch Lomond and the majestic Rannoch Moor.

For those preferring to fly, the nearest airports to Oban are Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a train to complete your journey to Oban.

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to your voyage, where an unforgettable adventure awaits you.

Mallaig, Scotland

Mallaig: A Captivating Coastal Retreat

Nestled on the picturesque shores of the West Highlands in Scotland, Mallaig is a charming coastal village that offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Mallaig is an idyllic destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

As you arrive in Mallaig, you’ll be greeted by stunning vistas of rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and sparkling azure waters. The village itself is a quaint and welcoming place, known for its colourful fishing boats and charming harbour. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, soak in the tranquil atmosphere, and savour the freshest seafood delights at one of the local eateries.

Explore the surrounding area and discover the natural wonders that Mallaig has to offer. Hike through the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, or embark on a boat trip to the remote and breathtakingly beautiful Knoydart Peninsula. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled to spot seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds on their excursions.

Getting to Mallaig is a breeze, with various transportation options available. From Scotland, you can travel by train on the scenic West Highland Line, which connects Mallaig to Glasgow and Fort William. The train journey itself is a treat, offering spectacular views of mountains, lochs, and glens along the way. You can also have some fun on the Hogwarts Express from Fort William to Mallaig, properly known as the Jacobite Steam train.

If you’re coming from southern England, you can reach Mallaig by car via the A82 and A830 roads. The drive takes you through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes, including the majestic Loch Lomond and the awe-inspiring Glen Coe.

For those preferring to fly, the nearest airports to Mallaig are Inverness Airport and Glasgow Airport. From there, you can hire a car or take a train to complete your journey to Mallaig.