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Isles and Inlets of Argyll
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Itinerary
Day 1:
Holy Loch to Loch Riddon. After boarding at 3pm and a safety briefing we depart Holy Loch heading south west along the magnificent Firth of Clyde. Toward Point often has minke whale and basking shark reports and there are frequent pods of dolphins and harbour porpoises. We pass through the tranquil coastal waters of the Kyles of Bute with natural harbours, sheltered beaches and tidal narrows, providing stunning scenery. At around 8pm we arrive at secluded Loch Riddon, a sea loch opening from the Kyles of Bute and surrounded by mountains, and anchor off a beautiful country house with its own wharf and "Admiral steps" and enjoy dinner in perfect peace and tranquillity. Seals are a familiar sight including the more rare and misnamed "common" seal. At night phosphorescence can often be seen because of the high density of plankton. Under the water there are langoustine, crabs (swimmer, shore, hermit and large crabs that are good to eat) lobsters and scallops that are regularly caught by the local fishermen as well as fish to be caught. This area is on the edge of the line of total darkness and is one of the most southern places in Europe to experience the stars as you never have before, with no light pollution at our anchorages at night.
Day 2:
Loch Riddon. Wake up at anchor to the sound of water lapping on the hull. After a leisurely breakfast, watching the seals swim around the boat, we can fish for bait for the lobster pot and for mackerel for dinner. We can also learn how to tie knots or just sit back (and photograph) and enjoy the wildlife - often as much as 24 bird species each day that are seen throughout the season. After lunch we can up anchor and head for the Burnt Islands and the island of Eilean Dubh that help create the picturesque narrows of the Kyles of Bute. From this lovely anchorage we can use the dinghy to pass the remains of an Iron Age fort and, in the breeding season, we can get close to the bird sanctuary to see Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls nesting with Oystercatchers, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Eider Ducks and many other species. We also have a chance to dinghy close to the rare, Common Seal colony on the Islands. We can also launch a lobster pot.
Day 3:
Depending on the weather (and availability) guests can choose an alternative itinerary on Days 3 and 4, exploring Loch Fyne and visiting Inveraray. The cruise will then take in Loch Goil.
Arran and Burnt Islands. We are up early and after picking up the lobster pot we head down the beautiful West Kyle and out over the Sound of Bute to Arran. Sail training can be included if wished. We lunch on the way and once out in the open sea we hoist the sails. We sail over towards Arran for an invigorating and often lively sail as we meet the full force of the ocean swell and winds around the steep sides of the remote east coast of Arran. Stay alert for leaping dolphins and cruising basking sharks. Gannets plunge into the sea from a great height and, if conditions are right, we quietly sail so close to Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills and three metres long "Lion" Jellyfish that we could almost touch them! We return to a secluded and beautiful anchorage off the Burnt Islands at the head of the Kyles of Bute to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:
Loch Fyne. If the weather suits on day three we can head off to Loch Fyne to explore the longest sea loch in Scotland. This area is a hotspot for marine life and although it can never be guaranteed we are often fortunate enough to spot dolphins and porpoises and even the very occasional whale and basking shark as we travel up the loch. From May to July there are often rafts of puffins on the surface of the loch and many other bird species. We have lunch on the way and passing through the narrows head for our next anchorage off Loch Fyne's west shore at Minard.
Day 4
Burnt Islands/Loch Striven. After breakfast we can take the tender close to the shores of the Isle of Bute and if we are lucky watch the wild goats in close proximity. We can also climb from the dinghy to see the mysterious "Maids of Bute" painted stones with a poignant history and also visit an outdoor "sculpture park". We have the option to go ashore to go rock pooling or for a walk along the East Kyle to see a charming early 19th century community church and try real ale at the Colintraive Arms, a traditional hostelry.
We can leave the Burnt Islands after lunch and head for the very remotest of Scottish sea lochs, Loch Striven which is a total escape. On the way we can collect a plankton sample to examine later at anchor in the quiet waters of the loch. We anchor at the head of the loch to watch for wildlife and soak in the silence.
Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:
Inveraray. We travel further up Loch Fyne to the small town of Inveraray where we anchor off for the day and visit magnificent Inveraray Castle, a shrine to the Campbell clan and home to the 8th Duke of Argyll. We can also take in the castle gardens and walk through the grounds for a fantastic view of Loch Fyne. We return to Minard to our night time anchorage and dinner.
Day 5
Loch Striven. After breakfast we can go ashore by tender to climb the trail on the loch side, which takes us high enough for magnificent views of the loch and sea. The coastline is also a very pretty walk with lots of shells on the shoreline and perfect for rock pooling at low tide. If the tide is right we can collect plump mussels for dinner that night. After lunch we up anchor and head for the marina for a late arrival.
Day 6
Holy Loch and Disembarking. We have a final breakfast and disembark.
Optional six night tour:
Loch Striven/Loch Goil. We have a lovely long cruise from Loch Striven, enjoying lunch en route, passing Holy Loch and on up Loch Long to Loch Goil. On reaching Loch Goil we pass ancient Carrick Castle, once a Viking fort and a resting place for Mary Queen of Scots. Our anchorage is off a delightful stream in a pretty bay; another excellent spot for swimming from the boat. Loch Goil is a popular place for seals, dolphins and porpoises and we should be lucky enough to spot some from the deck. There is the option for an evening stroll along the shore walk in an area where red squirrels are regularly seen.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with St Hilda Sea Adventures.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Reviews of this trip
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Quite the best holiday of my life!
Quite the best holiday of my life!
Jose taught me new skills on my camera and new tips for shooting. The views from the boat were breathtaking . I I really recommend this cruise.
Many thanks must go to Christophe for his sailing expertise and extensive knowledge of the Islands & surrounding waters & lochs. Thanks to Kerry for her delicious meals which appeared like magic from below deck and for looking after our every need during our cruise. Loved the birthday cake and Champagne!!
Although the weather and the seas were not always kind to us it did not dampen our spirits and only added to the “Scottish” experience. This was truly a memorable holiday made more so by the warm hospitality of all staff in this family run business from Christophe and Kerry to Collette and Julie.
Well done!
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St Hilda Sea Adventures
PreferredWe anchor in the most sheltered, idyllic, safe havens where passengers can visit world famous malt whisky distilleries and remote Scottish islands such as St Kilda, Mull, Skye, Jura, Islay, Staffa and Iona. The magical Scottish seas are full of wildlife both above and below the waves. You can fish, swim, dive, set lobster pots and sail the sea and its lochs and marvel at the dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks, otters, sea eagles, myriads of sea birds and the occasional whale. Each day is as action packed or as relaxing as you please.
A cruising holiday on board our small ships is fun and informal. The roomy deck saloons are where everyone dines and socialises and the outdoor decks are perfect for spotting wildlife, relaxing and eating al fresco and, throughout the cruise, you will have the services of your own skipper and cook. There is plenty of room on the decks to carry canoes, windsurfers or cycles. The small ships’ tenders can also take you ashore for some wonderful, serious coastal and cliff walks or you could just wander along the shore beachcombing and examining the pretty seaside rock pools.
Our two, small cruise ships are St Hilda and Seahorse II. St Hilda is a traditional, wooden 54ft ketch. She is an ex-tall ship and sail training vessel and on St Hilda, youngsters and adults love to help work the sails.
Seahorse II (82 feet long) was built to the highest standard for the Norwegian fjords and life in the high northern latitudes and is powerful enough to cruise the many spectacular islands, stacks and lochs of Scotland’s West Coast yet small enough to anchor in remote and hauntingly beautiful places that larger passenger ships are unable to visit. On the spacious aft deck, we have a powerful little crane for launching tenders and sea kayaks. Seahorse II is a sturdy, go-anywhere, yet comfortable adventurer and follows the same itineraries as St Hilda but, on request, can be chartered for longer and even more adventurous passages.
Why Travelstride
Details
Ship Name
St Hilda
Ship Description
St Hilda is one of the smallest of the “Tall Ships” and has competed in several Tall Ship races. There are two cabins, a roomy, double, en-suite in the aft cabin and in the fore cabin there are four, comfortable berths, with an adjacent toilet and shower . You admire the views from her open decks and eat in an airy, well-lit saloon and, what a pleasure it is, to wake up to the sound of the water lapping against the hull. A truly unforgettable Scotland holiday!
Flights & Transport
Ground transport included
Group Size:
Intimate Group - 12 max
Maximum Number of People in Group: 6
Cancellation Policy:
Must be notified to us in writing by the person who made the booking. If you cancel your holiday:
More than 56 days prior to the start of your holiday/cruise, you will only be charged your deposit.
Between 56 and 30 days, you will be charged 50% of the holiday/cruise cost.
Between 30 and 14 days, you will be charged 75% of the holiday/cruise cost.
Note: If less than 14 days before the start of your holiday/cruise or on or after the commencement of the cruise, you must pay the full holiday/cruise cost.
Note: We appreciate that wholly unforeseen events may result in cancellation. In view of the above and for your peace of mind we therefore strongly advise you to take out appropriate comprehensive Accident & Cancellation Insurance at the time of your booking.
Trip ID#:
IslInsSth
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