the Hebrides Archipelago, A Journey Deep Into the Heart of the Wilderness on the Le Bellot

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Ponant

Jamie Lafferty

Duration

9 DAYS

Class of Ship

Large Expedition Ship

Sustainability

Ship to Shore Power, Green Marine Certified

Berths

184

Ice Class Rating

Duration

9 DAYS

Class of Ship

Large Expedition Ship

Sustainability

Ship to Shore Power, Green Marine Certified

Berths

184

Ice Class Rating

Expedition overview and highlights

Marvel at the mysterious Callanish Stones megalithic site on the Isle of Lewis
Sail past the bird cliffs of the Shiant Islands, home to thousands of puffins, razorbills and soaring sea eagles
Visit the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the basalt wonderland shaped by ancient volcanic forces
Hike among the dramatic lochs and granite hills of the Hebrides, spotting seals, red deer and rare seabirds along the way

Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard Le Bellot for an extraordinary journey. Explore the archaeological sites and stunning scenery of northern Scotland, where ancient history, Celtic legend and incredible wildlife come together. This voyage from Dublin to Glasgow takes you to the heart of the wildest reaches of the British Isles, from the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland to the enchanted isles of western Scotland. Walk in the footsteps of Viking raiders on Rathlin Island, marvel at the dramatic Giant's Causeway and explore the mystical Callanish Stones. Cruise along the remote Shiant Islands, alive with the calls of puffins and sea eagles, and explore hidden gems like Canna, Lunga, and Loch Scavaig. Discover charming harbour towns like Tobermory and Rothesay. With guided hikes, birdwatching opportunities and immersive cultural encounters, this cruise offers a rich blend of nature and history for travellers seeking inspiration amid raw, rugged landscapes.

Near the surprising upside-down lighthouse, located on the west of the island, you will be able to visit the RSPB seabird centre. Then you will set sail towards the Hebrides archipelago. Located to the west of Scotland, it has around 150 islands and will reveal its diversity. You will make a stop on Iona, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, home to an impressive abbey, and probably where the Book of Kells was produced. Then, you will enjoy sailing along Staffa Island and its impressive basalt columns and will reach the volcanic territory of Lunga, in the Treshnish Isles. The small island is a protected area for seabirds and home to colonies of puffins and guillemots among others. You will continue your exploration of the Inner Hebrides on the Isle of Skye. With their granite hills and heather moorlands, the landscapes of Loch Scavaig are among the wildest in the Highlands and will be an opportunity for an unforgettable walk at Loch Coruisk. Canna, a charming islet inhabited by twenty or so souls and nicknamed “the garden of the Hebrides”, will unveil itself, with its Christian, Celtic, Nordic and Scottish vestiges, in a natural setting of great beauty, a sanctuary for rich marine birdlife. You will continue to the Outer Hebrides and you will discover Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. This port of call will take you back in time to between 2900 and 2600 BC, the period during which the island’s megalithic site would have been created… Before the circle of standing stones, aligned with the cardinal points, the mystery remains entire, the emotion is palpable. Your ship will then cruise towards Ullapool on the shore of Loch Broom in the western Highlands. This former herring fishing port boasts a picturesque atmosphere made up of white cottages and colourful fishermen's boats From the small port of Lochmaddy, the island of North Uist can be explored via its prehistoric sites and the large diversity of landscapes that exist in the Balranald Nature Reserve, between vast sandy beaches, rocky foreshore, wild marshes and sculpted dunes. Then Le Bellot will set sail towards Rothesay, an elegant Victorian seaside resort on the Isle of Bute. Constructed around its 13th-century castle, the small town brims with charm, with its fine dwellings in the extravagant Georgian architectural style, and its sumptuous wild and landscaped gardens. Finally, you will reach Glasgow, your disembarkation port.