Inner Hebrides, Scotland
Wildlife, whisky, country sports and untouched waters
Inner Hebrides, Scotland
6 day itinerary
The islands scattered off Scotland's west coast offer some of the most beautiful cruising in the world. Uninhabited landscapes are ready for adventure, while whisky connoisseurs come from worldwide for tastings and distillery tours. And the wildlife is spectacular: expect to see orcas, whales, eagles, seals and much more.
Mull
Take to the skies
Embark your yacht at Oban, the gateway town of the Hebrides. Head northwest towards Mull to visit the 13th century castle and learn about its troubled past with a local historian. Go north through the stunning sound of Mull, keeping an eye out for dolphins, orca and seals. Disembark at Tobermory, home to the island’s only whisky distillery. Meet the head distiller for a private tour and tastings of this small yet powerful single malt. Take to the skies for para-jet flights in search of whales, orca and sea eagles.
Iona
Sacred island
Head round the northern tip of Mull and towards tiny Staffa, an entirely volcanic Island uninhabited since the 17th century. Drop anchor and explore Fingals Cave, a sea cave formed completely in hexagonally jointed basalt. Take the walkway to explore it yourself, or meet the island’s only residents, puffins. Next, Iona, the centre of Gaelic monasticism for four centuries. Moor up and go ashore for a view of Iona Abbey, a focal point for Christianity and the burial place of no less than 43 Scottish Kings!
Scarba
Nature's power
Our next stop is Scarba, a small island adjacent to Jura. Here lies the “Corryvreckan”, the third largest Whirlpool in the world. The flood tides and currents can produce waves of up to 30 foot in height and the noise it produces can be heard up to ten miles away on the right tide. Take to the skies in a helicopter and view this fantastic natural phenomenon from above. For the more adventurous, a tandem para-motor flight between the two islands can be arranged. Alternatively, stalk wild goats and red deer on Jura.
Islay
World-famous whiskies
Head west to the Isle of Colonsay. With only 130 inhabitants, it offers some of the most pristine beaches in the world and gets the most hours of sun in Scotland. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in a secluded bay. Fish for mackerel, then cruise to Islay, spotting Basking sharks, Seals and pods of Dolphins on the way. Known as the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay has 8 working whisky distilleries producing some of the finest single malts in the world. The Bunnahabhain distillery produces one of the lighter Islay single malts - we will arrange a private tour and tasting.
Jura
Extreme adventures
Heading south, with the Isle of Jura to our east, enjoy the dramatic landscapes and untouched scenery and glacial beaches. Enjoy a day of deerstalking only a stone’s throw from your yacht. Take the short drive from Port Askaig to tour The Islay woollen Mill. Take the kayaks or paddleboards to explore the seal colonies. Take the helicopter for afternoon tea half way up the Paps of Jura. Go heli-fishing for Brown Trout on the numerous hill lochs. Salmon fishing can also be arranged. A purpose built sand racetrack will be ready to unleash the 200hp off road rage buggies on.
Lagavulin
Local specialities
Three of the world’s iconic whisky names are found in Islay: Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroig. Enjoy private tours and tastings at all three. Helicopter to Loch Gruinart, an RSPB sanctuary, home to Islay Oysters, best enjoyed for lunch at a remote bothy cottage. Play golf on the Machrie, one Scotland’s best links courses. Dive for scallops opposite Laphraoig distillery and enjoy the fruits of your labour with a dram overlooking the distillery. Later, enjoy a whisky dinner with a renowned whisky specialist to celebrate the end of a unique holiday.