Small Isles, Skye and Knoydart (2026)

This trip across the Inner Hebrides focuses on the Small Isles. Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna. These are known for their rugged beauty, wildlife, and isolated charm. Each have dramatic scenery and abundance of wildlife and their own way of life. Wildlife includes Red Deer, White-tailed Eagles and some very rare plants.

To the North of the Small Isles lies the largest island of the Inner Hebrides; the Isle of Skye. Skye is celebrated for its dramatic mountain scenery, rich history, and strong Gaelic culture. The impressive Cuillin mountains provide a heroic backdrop to capture soaring Golden Eagles and White-tailed Eagles fly before. Waters surrounding the island are great for Cetaceans including Minke Whale, Common Dolphin and Harbour Porpoise.

Skye’s many fascinating geological features include the Quaraing and the Old Man of Storr. With Hebridean Adventures we take you the quieter anchorages, which allows our guests a most unique experience of Skye which cannot be duplicated when driving or walking on land.

Knoydart peninsula, often called ‘Britain’s last wilderness’ because of its remote, rugged landscape and still accessible only by boat or on foot. It has stunning sea lochs, home to a huge diversity of wildlife. A spectacular location and one that will stick in the memory of guests travelling there with us. It’s a haven for boats to enjoy an evening’s anchorage whilst eating Dinner and scanning for hunting Otters.

A cruise that encapsulates the ruggedness of the Scottish West Coast and Inner Hebrides whilst providing some fascinating cultural history. It has it all in one trip.

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 6 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage. Most likely Loch Sunart, it being an excellent haven and a handy jump off point for our adventures West and North

Day 2-5: Leaving Loch Sunart behind we cruise north towards the beautiful and varied landscapes of the Small Isles. The largest Isle of Rum as our most likely destination. Rum is a great destination for all sorts of wildlife but Manx Shearwaters in particular could be a highlight, with sights and sounds of them rafting on the sea. With a possible 2 nights at the Small Isles we can take our time to explore.

Leaving the Small Isles, we head north for Skye, visiting the isolated Loch Scavaig with walking access to the dramatic Loch Coruisk.  We could overnight here in favourable conditions or heading for the Sound of Sleat and eventually the Isle Ornsay, a pretty little village with a small quayside that just calls you to land. With an excellent art gallery  its a scene not to be forgotten.

The bay its situated in can be good for wading birds, divers, and raptors too. One of the  2024 visits found a Greenshank and a Hen Harrier both seen from the quayside.  The following day offers a short cruise up Loch Hourn on north side of Knoydart, then back down and south for a a night anchored up in Loch Nevis. Should you wish to go ashore for a walk or visit the isolated Old Forge pub,  a community owned pub, still 18 miles from the nearest useable road.

Day 6: Leaving Knoydart and heading south back to the Sound of Mull, possibly reaching Loch Aline, should there be favourable tides or our regular shelter, Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for final night of your adventure, a very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels for a starter from the local Mussel farm.

Day 7: After chefs breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30.  Keeping an eye out for Otter as we exit Loch Spelve via its narrow channel, always a good place for a sightings. Once back it’ll be time to disembark with fond farewells and amazing memories.