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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Inner Hebrides Wildlife Cruise

The Inner Hebrides Wildlife Cruise

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Description

This five night Scottish cruise takes you along the majestic Sound of Mull, famous for its wildlife and bordered by the Isle of Mull and the Morvern Peninsula, and along historic Loch Linnhe. Our voyage will give you the full flavour of Scotland from the sea: its sheltered sea lochs, tranquil anchorages, picturesque harbours, ancient castles and even a whisky distillery. The mini cruise is a wonderful introduction to the breath-taking Hebrides and Islands.

We are pleased to offer to our passengers a complementary visit to Duart castle.

Trip Name
The Inner Hebrides Wildlife Cruise
Days
6
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 16.4 metres Passenger Capacity: 6 Cruise the isles (Skye, Mull, Arran, St Kilda, Islay, Jura, Canna, Rum, Barra to name but a famous few) and spectacular coastlines of the Hebrides onboard a classic vessel, the ex-tall ship, St Hilda, a traditional, beamy, 54ft wooden (larch on oak) ketch, fitted with a quiet, six cylinder 112 HP Kelvin engine. St Hilda is a vessel with an incredible Scottish lineage. Built in 1973 to the highest standard (Lloyds 100A1) at St Monans, Fife, by the internationally famous Millers boatyard (a family run business with 200 years of wooden boat building) and designed by G.L Watson, the world famous Glasgow based naval architect, who created the world's first yacht design office in 1873 and designed early America's Cup challengers (such as Thistle, Shamrock II, Valkyrie I and II) as well as the famous racing yacht Britannia. St Hilda was built specifically for sail training with a crew of 20. By 2007 St Hilda was converted for cruising with only eight people - six guests and a skipper and chef - and that is why today she is so spacious inside. St Hilda is one of the smallest of the “Tall Ships” and has competed in several Tall Ship Races. Although St Hilda has sailed across the North Sea on a number of occasions, she is more of a motor sailor than an "ocean greyhound"! We will usually get her under sail during a cruise (weather permitting, of course) however, because of our busy itineraries and like many yachts, we will usually not be able to reach our various night anchorages under sail alone. Accommodation The well-lit, roomy deck saloon is where everyone dines and socialises and where everyone enjoys a convivial atmosphere that is encouraged by shipboard life aboard this sturdy, ocean-going wooden ketch. Cabins are warm and comfortable with six berths for our guests: a spacious double en-suite (with shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes), a twin en-suite (with toilet, washbasin and opening porthole) and a twin cabin (with washbasin). The twin cabins are both close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied. The outdoor decks are large and safe, perfect for spotting wildlife and relaxing. You also have some deck space to embark your own equipment such as kayaks and surfboards.  You will also be able to use our own inflatable sea kayak. Your Crew Your professional skipper is passionate about boats, sailing, and the natural environment of the islands and sea lochs of the Hebrides and Argyll. He is more than happy to share his knowledge of the area to those on board while ensuring his shipmates have as much fun as possible. You also have your own on board chef who provides wonderful meals, locally-sourced and freshly prepared from the galley.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1-6 Scottish Castles and Sea Lochs
Some of the places we may visit are:Oban: Your departure point will be Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina), the gateway to the Hebridean isles. After a short introduction to life on board our small ship we lift anchor and set sail to our first destination. Loch Linnhe: The long Loch Linnhe goes all the way to Fort William. We travel past Lismore Island for the sheltered anchorage off Shuna Island. We can go ashore and visit the local nature reserve on the mainland and admire the famous Castle Stalker. There are lovely walks across the causeway bridge to Port Appin.Loch Spelve: A narrow entrance leads us in to the tranquil waters of Loch Spelve (on the beautiful Isle of Mull) with its surrounding ancient oak forest. If we are lucky we might spot an otter along the loch shore. We can also pick up some local grown mussels in the morning before we leave to our next destination.Duart Castle: Our daytime anchorage in Duart Bay is below the spectacular 13th century Duart Castle, the ancestral home to the Maclean clan. You can go for walks along the shore and visit the castle and learn about its rich clan history.Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Hebridean Isles with its famous whisky distillery and colourful waterfront. We anchor in the Bay where a Spanish galleon was supposedly sunk with all its treasure. We can spend a day ashore and for the adventurous there are fast boat trips that can be arranged to visit Fingal’s cave on the Isle of Staffa. There are also Sea Eagle Watch tours, guided walks or you can just wander along the streets, visit the delightful local museum, perhaps watch a pipe band, admire the wooden fishing boats and take in the long history of this lovely village.Isle of Oronsay: Just south of Oronsay island, another Inner Hebridean island, lies secluded Loch Drumbuie. A squeeze between high sided cliffs and we are in a perfectly sheltered anchorage. We can spend a tranquil night here.Loch Aline: In the picturesque Loch Aline there are woodland walks and, at the head of the loch, is ancient Ardtornish estate and woodland gardens.
Day 2 - Please Note:
Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch.If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as fly fishing, sea eagle tours, whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request.
Day 3 - DAY 3, STROMNESS
Romantically ramshackle, the appealing grey-stone town of Stromness may not be as big as the Orkney’s capital Kirkwall, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. The long-established seaport, with its Norse language-derived name, has changed little since the 18th century. Captain Cook’s ships stopped here in 1780 en route back from Hawaii, and Cook’s companions would have explored a place not dissimilar to today’s Stromness. Walk the narrow, flagstone-paved main street, dive down the tiny alleyways which entice you to explore further. The Stromness Museum is excellent and full of maritime tchotchke. The Pier Arts Centre and its towering collection of modern art have been described as a ‘little seaside Tate’. Just 12 kilometres north of the harbour lies extraordinary Skara Brae, one of the world’s most evocative prehistoric sites. Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, it is northern Europe’s best-preserved Neolithic village.
Day 4 - DAY 4, FAIR ISLE
Lying halfway between the Shetland and Orkney archipelagos, Fair Isle is one of the UK’s most remote inhabited islands. Even so, Fair Isle is fairly well visited – birders flock here. It has a reputation as one of the best places in Europe to see rare birds as they travel along their migration routes, as well as seabirds nesting and making a cliff-side cacophony. They’re monitored by an excellent observatory, which welcomes guests year-round. But Fair Isles doesn’t just appeal to birdwatchers, pharologists will enjoy seeing the isle’s two lighthouses and design mavens will relish the opportunity to pick up some of the world-renowned patterned knitwear – still produced in three artisanal workshops on the island
Day 5 - DAY 5, LERWICK
Lerwick is the capital – and only real town – of the Shetland Islands, a subarctic archipelago of some 100 islands that is closer to Bergen than Inverness. The Shetlands were Viking ruled until the 15th century, and despite the Norseman ceding control, the culture remained notably Norse-tinged, as can be seen at the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick. More history awaits at Fort Charlotte, a five-sided artillery, and the Böd of Gremista, an 18th-century fishing booth-turned textile museum. If time allows, head for Jarlshof, an hour’s drive from Lerwick. This Iron Age broch and Norse settlement have more than 4,000 years of human activity on one site. If venturing outside of Lerwick to Jarlshof, for example, be sure to keep an eye out for world-famous tiny Shetland ponies. Around 1,500 of them roam free throughout the archipelago.
Day 6 - DAY 6, PAPA STOUR
Arrive today at Papa Stour. This five-kilometre-long island west of Shetland is one of the remotest outposts in the British isles. It has a tiny population, and this lack of people is worrisome, with many fearing this island will go the way of St Kilda, where the last 36 residents were evacuated to the mainland in 1930. Still, that’s no concern of yours today – it’s a beautiful place to visit. A Marine Special Area of Conservation, the island is home to grey and common seals and otters and 18 species of seabirds. Orcas and harbour porpoises can often be sighted if conditions are correct. On the westward side of the island, the Atlantic has carved the coast into beautiful arches, stacks, blowholes and caves – the 360-metre long Hole of Bordie is the fourth-longest sea cave in the world. The Great Island of the Priests, as Papa Stour is known, also boasts some fascinating archaeological ruins.
Day 7 - DAY 7, TORSHAVN
Disembark in Tórshavn, the port capital of the Faroe Islands. Cut adrift in the Atlantic, halfway between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. Off the radar for most travellers, the Faroes are becoming increasingly well known for their scenic splendour (think New Zealand crossed with Iceland), and the unique cultural heritage. Thanks to a melange of influences, the Faroes has its own flag, saga, dances, traditions and language. Sited on the southern tip of Streymoy, the largest of the 18 islands, the lively little capital, ‘Thor’s Harbour’ will charm with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. You might opt to explore the twin-sited Føroya Fornminnissavn, an excellent museum; the Skansin Fort; the church of Havnar Kirkja, with its distinctive clock tower. Or the shops might tempt you, the fabulous concept store, Öström, or renowned knitwear designer Gudrun & Gudrun is an obvious choice in a place where sheep outnumber people nearly two to one.
Day 8 - DAY 8, AT SEA
Relish in the beauty of being at sea today. Cruising itself is the very definition of leisure, and you’ll love this lazy, laissez-faire-type of day. Enjoy the soothing motion of the waves. Breathe deeply while keeping a keen eye out for marine life. Cast adrift from the Faroes, be nurtured by the soul-nourishing powers of the ever-changing colours of the North Atlantic as you sail toward Iceland.
Day 9 - DAY 9, AKUREYRI
Home to some 18,000 residents, Akureyri stands proud as the Land of Fire and Ice’s ‘Capital of the North’. It’s the gateway to some natural wonders including the Myvatn region, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon. But before you rush off, take some time to explore: Iceland’s winsome second city is colourful, cosy and utterly enchanting – even the red traffic lights are cute. Instagrammers will adore heart-shaped stop signs. Enjoy the quaint harbourfront; climb the steps to the towering Akureyri Church; stroll around Lystigardurinn, the city’s Arctic botanical garden; visit the Laufás Turf Houses; get in the festive spirit early at the Christmas House (Jolahusid); admire the exhibits at the Akureyri Art Museum or the Hof cultural centre; or take a dip in the outdoor, geothermal swimming pool.
Day 10 - DAY 10, ÍSAFJÖRDUR & VIGUR ISLAND
Arrive today in the charming, tiny fishing harbour of Ísafjördur. The village’s touristic highlights include the Westfjord Heritage Museum and The Museum House (Old Hospital). Located at the heart of the Westfjords peninsula, it’s a great jumping-off point for exploration so journey by Zodiac to the island of Vigur – the pearl of the Western Fjords. The second-largest island in the fjord, measuring two kilometres by 400 metres, it’s a significant seabird colony, which is home to arctic terns, puffins, black guillemots and eider ducks. As one of only two inhabited islands in the fjord, Vigur is also the site of a single farm, which has been in the same family for generations. During your time on the island, you might see Iceland’s only windmill, the country’s smallest post office and oldest boat, which was built more than 200 years ago and in regular use until relatively recently.
Day 11 - DAY 11, REYKJAVIK
Your Scotland, Shetland, Faroe Islands and Iceland cruise ends in Reykjavík. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Discover Oban, Loch Linnhe & Loch Spelve
    • Visit Duart Castle, Tobermory, Isle of Oronsay & Loch Aline

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