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 8 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage. Loch Sunart; this impressive loch several miles long and just stunningly beautiful, very protected and a great place to cruise in bad weather. The small secondary loch, Loch Na Droma Buidhe near the entrance to Loch Sunart is, more often than not, our first nights anchorage.

After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to head for Tiree, passing the Northwest tip of Mull and views of islands scattered to the south.  We will anchor on the sheltered East side and have time to go ashore before evening meal.

An early start will see us heading for open sea, passing the Skerryvore lighthouse and making our way to the Stanton banks.  Our charts will show us when we are there and all the while watching for seabirds feeding and spotting for whales.  Our intention is to overnight and move north for towards the southern tip of the Western isles.  Weather and sea state will dictate if we head back for Tiree for the night

Depending on the day before we will be at Mingulay or if Tiree we will depart for Mingulay and anchoring here for the night.  We will be in constant watch for migrating seabirds and whales.

With lots of time ashore and time to sail, we will explore the remote and seldom visited islands of Pabbay, Sandray and likely head for  Vatersay and Barra.  The skipper will look for a sheltered anchorage for the night.

Leaving the Western isles behind and make for the island of Coll, passing the cairns of Coll, a series of little islands and rocks at the northern tip of Coll.  Anchoring down the east side for shelter, possibly at Crossapol bay, a very sheltered location with fantastic beaches.  Also, a good area in the past for Basking shark and a good time of year to see them.

This morning shall see us continue west with an anchorage possibly around the Ross of Mull at the southern end of the island.  The crossing will see us passing the Treshnish islands and Staffa Island and we will keep a lookout for whales and dolphins.

If time allows, we may stop at Iona and a visit to the Abbey before rounding the Ross of Mull and following the coast.  Time to keep an eye out for both eagle species and a great coastline for otters.  An option of being dropped off at Loch Buie and walking the 2 hours round to meet the boat at Loch Spelve is a possibility

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 channel, always a good place for a sighting.