Mingulay, Monachs, North and South Uist

The Outer Hebridean islands are the most westerly chain of Scotlands western isles. Defined by rocky coastlines, rugged mountains and vast stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise water. Each of the many islands offers its own unique charm and beauty.

Towards the southern end lies Mingulay, a once bustling community it now lies uninhabited. Now home to a range of wildlife including puffins, guillemots and razorbills a diversity which continues into the surrounding waters with life, including Seals, Dolphins, Basking Sharks and Minke Whales, creating an idyllic spot for nature enthusiasts.

Nearby, a plethora of similarly diverse islands, including Sandray (rumoured to be the Queen’s favourite) and other islands including Pabbay, Vatersay and Barra.

Further north and on the west side of the island chain sit the Monach Isles, home to a huge number of nesting seabirds found in their rich machair, which is carpeted with wild flowers at certain times of the year.

The Uists are famed for their fine white sand beaches and wetland habitats. Divided into North and South regions. Rich with a variety of birds, including Golden Eagles and Black-Throated Divers, as well as Seals and Otters.

The Uists are also home to a unique cultural heritage, with traditional Gaelic music and language still a prominent part of island life.

Please see our cruising areas to find out more about the islands we visit

Details

• Holiday type: All Inclusive
• Departure/Arrive: Oban, Argyll and Bute
• Vessel: Hjalmar Bjørge
• Max number of guests: 8

For more information visit our Useful Information page.

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we, are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to, tweak, the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: 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 9 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage.

Day 2-3: Cross the Sea of the hebrides and make for Mingulay and cruise around and visit neighbouring islands, with time ashore to explore

Day 4: Through the Sound of Barra and head north for Monach Isles.  If sea, weather and tide conditions allow we will overnight here.

Day 5-7: Head North for the Sound of Harris and anchor in a haven nearby and explore the many Lochs of North and South Uist and Benbecula, hopefully passing the remote and difficult to reach lighthouse of Uisinish on South Uist.

Day 8: Steam to the Small Isles, Canna or Rum with a run ashore.

Day 9: Back to the Sound of Mull for the final nights anchorage, Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, a short 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.

Day 10: Arrive in Oban for 10:30, ready for a fond farewell.