28 July 2022
All absolutely wonderful! The crew – Skipper Angus, boatswain Callum, chef Charlie and guide Sam – were friendly, courteous, and 100% competent at all times, and simply great company, in whom we had complete confidence. Angus skilfully navigated us around scenic and wildlife-rich sites that were more or less sheltered from the somewhat persistent south-westerlies, with tranquil anchorages, and was always willing to let us peer at his seabed charts along our route (Loch Sunnart > N. Ardnamurchan > Inverie > Rum > Tobermory > Strontian > Sunnart > Ulva > around S. Mull, including Iona, to Lochbuie, then Loch Spelve > Oban). Lots of enjoyable walks along the way, enlivened by Sam’s amazing ability to spot wildlife and his encyclopaedic knowledge thereof – a highly experienced guide who added enormously to our enjoyment. Charlie magicked up delicious, wholesome meals in her tiny galley, and Callum got us safely anchored, on and off the tender and completed the cheerful company. Great Team!
Peter Skelton
This must be one of the most relaxing holidays I have ever been on. A lifelong ambition was fulfilled be visiting Staffa and seeing Fingal's Cave and it was every bit as spectacular as I had hoped. Not only did we walk down the route to it to look into it but, thanks to Chris judging the tide to be right, he was able to get us right inside it. Iona and its abbey were impressive too of course and being able to land on Lunga in the Treshnish Islands and see the seabird colonies - puffins galore - was equally marvellous. The sail round Mull was an eye-opener too, seeing lochs from the sea rather than from the land. They were wonderful locations to spend the nights. And the weather was glorious. The wildlife was in abundance too with lots of seabirds and seals and good sightings of cetaceans. Bottle-nosed dolphins were the first up to bow-wave and we also had 4 or 5 Minke whales fishing and a few porpoises, but the most spectacular were over 100 Common Dolphins which came leaping from all directions to accompany us for over an hour. The hospitality on board was as friendly as ever on a Hebrides Cruises's trip thanks to Chris, Craig, Zoe and Sian with her delicious meals. Add to that very compatible fellow-travellers and no WiFi (so no gloomy news) and this was a holiday to be long treasured in the memory.
Helen Mainwood: 23 April 2022Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles