The Scottish west coast cruise area in which we operate is stunningly beautiful, fascinating and also extensive. It stretches from the magnificent sea lochs of the west coast of Scotland and the Caledonian Canal, to the islands of the inner and outer Hebrides and St Kilda. It would take weeks, if not months to explore this vast area, therefore our cruise itineraries are designed as a series of journeys within our cruise area to highlight the unique aspects of each. Once our guests get a taste for the west coast of Scotland and its islands, many return year after year to explore a different area.
We cruise from the end of April to the end of October. The long days of spring and summer are perfect for exploring remote coastal landscapes and spending time on deck identifiying passing wildlife. The days get shorter in autumn, but there are other benefits including a bounty of wildlife, landscapes with stunning autumn colour and sunrises and sunsets perfectly timed for breakfast and dinner!
The Islands of the Inner Hebrides
Within the Inner Hebrides there are 36 inhabited islands. The main islands that we visit include the mystical Isle of Skye and the nearby "Small Isles" of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna. We also visit the Isle of Mull and its offshore islands - Iona, the Treshnish Isles, Staffa, Lunga, Ulva and Gometra. Each island is totally different from its neighbour with its own distinct character and magic.
The Islands of the Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides is a stunningly beautiful chain of over 100 islands on the edge of Scotland. Practically the entire west coast of the Outer Hebrides is continuous white shell-sand beaches and flowering machair grassland, while the east coast is indented with thousands of small sea lochs and inlets to create a very picturesque coastal landscape. The main islands that we visit include Barra, the Uists and Harris as well as the far-flung smaller remote islands of Mingulay, the Monachs, the Shiants, Bernery and Taransay.
St Kilda
St Kilda is an archipelago of islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean 64 kilometres from of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. It is an unforgettable place to visit because of its isolated location, evocative history, teeming wildlife and dramatic landscape. A trip to St Kilda is a lifetime experience desired by many of our guests and we have a very good record of reaching the archipelago, with the proviso that the safety of guests must always come first. We operate a 10-day trip to give the best chance of a suitable weather window and usually manage at least 2 nights anchored in Village Bay to explore St Kilda on shore, and cruising around the sea-stacks.
West Coast Mainland: Lochaber, Ardnamurchan, Morvern and Appin
Our cruises often call in at remote and idyllic anchorages in the magnificent sea lochs on the Scottish west coast mainland, such as Loch Carron, Loch Torridon, Loch Nevis, Loch Hourn, Loch Sunart, Loch Linnhe and Loch Etive, amongst others.
The cruise was excellent. St Kilda is breath taking for its geology, bird life and mysterious historic buildings. Gill and I quite spontaneously both compared its haunting atmosphere with Machu Picchu. Rob the captain took us as close as possible to some wonderful bird covered cliffs, stacks and caves and homed in on bird flocks, seals, minke whales, dolphins, otters and other wildlife sights whenever he glimpsed them. We enjoyed walking on Hirta and the other islands where we saw so many wildflowers. We were lucky to see the St Kilda mouse and wren although TV enthusiasts might consider the Balamory cat more important. I was surprised to learn that the crew of four had not all worked together many times as they formed such a well co-ordinated team. All the passengers got along well. Rob the captain seemed to know the islands in detail and is obviously a man of many accomplishments but still seemed happy to help serve meals. Sian, the lady chef, produced very fine meals and evening dinners were a culinary and social joy. Craig seemed to be everywhere helping and Zoe the naturalist never stopped looking for wildlife and pointing it out from the boat and when she guided us on the islands. We are both somewhat stiff jointed but with a little help we had no trouble with beach landings. We slept in one of the two smaller cabins. There was no space to spare but we quickly made ourselves at home and were very comfortable. The little wet room worked well. We can happily recommend Hebrides Cruises to anybody. Thanks to all you all.
Gill & Paul Gillians: 5 July 2021St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides