The name “The Small Isles” really doesn’t do justice to a unique group of four islands, just south of Skye, each with its own amazing character, culture, scenery and geology. The best way to soak in the atmosphere of these islands is on an island-hopping trip from the sea, all the while surrounded by vistas of the other inner and outer Hebridean islands on the horizon. The islands have tiny populations, and the people are very friendly. One of the delights of going ashore is to casually chat with the inhabitants of these islands that you happen to meet and find out first hand what life is like here.
Eventually, the draw of the Cuillin Mountains, ever present on the horizone will be too overpowering and you will leave the delightful Small Isles to reach the iconic Isle of Skye and visit beautiful Loch Coruisk and Loch Skavaig. Find out more about The Small Isles, one of the best kept secrets of the Hebrides and let us take you from Canna to Coruisk on our exclusive “Skye and the Small Isles Explorer” 6-night cruise departing July 4th. Only three cabins left for 2015.
Unfortunately our trip coincided with the most prolonged strong winds for twenty five years, which made the crossing to St. Kilda impossible. Nevertheless our skipper, James, made the best use of both wind and sea conditions and managed to get us over to the Outer Hebrides when other operators had been unable to do so. Taking advantage of the islands themselves we sailed almost the entire length of the archipelago, from Harris to Mingulay, going ashore on Eriskay, Vatersay, Harris and Mingulay. James also attempted to get us over to the Shiants, but we had barely cleared Scalpay when it became obvious to everyone that the conditions made this too dangerous. Despite these setbacks we had an interesting and enjoyable trip and were very grateful to James for what he enabled us to experience. We have nothing but praise for the way in which we were looked after on board by the rest of the crew; Viv served up a series of excellent meals (I still dream about her pork!), Charlotte was constantly busy seeing to our every need, and Will kept us alert, both on board and ashore, to any wildlife that was around and provided a wealth of information on our walks. All four crew members were a delight to sail with and I am only sorry that we had such a short time to say goodbye to them.
David Leonard Davies: 11 June 2022St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides