Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles.  Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 5 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage. Crinan; is the Northwest entrance/exit to the famous Crinan Canal. Our anchorage in Loch Gilp is a beautiful spot surrounded by picturesque woodland views of the mainland and islands to the west.

A brief shore visit to explore the canal, then onwards to Craighouse on Jura and a chance to go ashore and visit the Jura distillery.  We will overnight here in the bay for a relaxed evening. .

An unhurried morning to Port Ellen at the south of Islay and the capital of island whisky and a chance to explore the town and one or 2 more distilleries and whisky shops. Overnight Port Ellen

After Breakfast we will head round and up the Sound of Islay, passing the stunning lighthouse with it’s white washed walls at MacArthurs Head as we enter the Sound. Time to look out for seabirds, diver species, seals on the shore and deer on the hill slopes on both Islay and Jura. We are making for the remote and uninhabited west side of Jura for the nights anchorage. If we are lucky, a superb place for catching a glorious sunset and a good chance of otter along the shore.

A short crossing to the island of Colonsay and Oronsay and a few hours ashore to explore these bird rich islands and walk along it’s superb beaches. We will likely continue onwards to the Ross of Mull, and overnight in this area.

In the morning we will cross to Iona for a morning excursion to the Abbey before heading along the Ross of Mull to Loch Buie. Always looking out for dolphins and minke whales and a high chance of white-tailed and golden eagle.  There will be the option to be dropped off to take the c. 2 hour walk to Loch Spelve to connect with Hjalmar Bjorge for our final night. Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for the final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, an hours steam from Oban; very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels from the local Mussel farm.

After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30. We will keep an eye out for otter as we exit Loch Spelve entrance, always a good place for a sighting.