Photo: Stefan Krause ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Seals, lochs and long light.
Scotland’s west coast is for people who like weather: tidal streams, rain then sun, seals on the rocks and eagles over the loch. From Oban we take the Sound of Mull to Tobermory, round Ardnamurchan Point to the Small Isles and into Loch Scavaig on Skye, where the Cuillin rise straight out of the sea. Nights are spent in natural harbours and on buoys; marinas are rare.
- Loch Scavaig: anchoring beneath the Cuillin
- Tobermory and its painted waterfront
- Ardnamurchan Point, the westernmost tip of mainland Britain
- Whales and dolphins off the Small Isles
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Handover
Oban and boat handover
We meet at Dunstaffnage marina outside Oban at 17:00. Boat handover, fitting of oilskins, tidal briefing. Dinner in Oban with local seafood.
Overnight: Yacht, Dunstaffnage marina - DAY 2 · 25 nautical miles
The Sound of Mull to Tobermory
Out on the ebb and up the Sound of Mull past Duart Castle, 25 miles to Tobermory. Night on a buoy opposite the painted houses.
Overnight: Yacht, buoy at Tobermory - DAY 3 · 25 nautical miles
Round Ardnamurchan to Eigg
Round Ardnamurchan Point — tradition says a sprig of heather goes on the bow afterwards. Twenty-five miles to Eigg and a night at anchor off Galmisdale beneath the Sgùrr.
Overnight: Yacht, at anchor off Eigg - DAY 4 · 18 nautical miles
Eigg to Loch Scavaig
Eighteen miles north to Skye and the narrow entrance to Loch Scavaig. We anchor under the Cuillin and walk ten minutes to Loch Coruisk.
Overnight: Yacht, at anchor in Loch Scavaig - DAY 5 · 20 nautical miles
Skye to Canna
Twenty miles west to Canna, the outermost of the Small Isles. The harbour is sheltered from every wind; an evening walk to the puffin cliffs.
Overnight: Yacht, buoy in Canna harbour - DAY 6 · 40 nautical miles
The long leg back to Tobermory
The longest day: 40 miles south past Muck and Ardnamurchan back to Tobermory. Minke whales are often seen on this stretch.
Overnight: Yacht, buoy at Tobermory - DAY 7 · 25 nautical miles
Loch Aline and back to Oban
Down the Sound of Mull with a lunch stop in Loch Aline, then 25 miles to Dunstaffnage. Farewell dinner in Oban.
Overnight: Yacht, Dunstaffnage marina - DAY 8 · Check-out
Check-out
Yacht back by 09:00. The train from Oban to Glasgow takes three hours.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
Berth in a double cabin on a 40–50 ft sailing yacht
Professional skipper for the whole week
Yacht insurance and the boat’s security deposit
Bed linen, towels, dinghy with outboard
Final cleaning of the yacht
Ivan’s support: preparation, watches, daily debriefs
Transfer between Oban station and Dunstaffnage marina; oilskins and boots on loan
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
Kitty: provisioning, marina fees, fuel, water — usually €250–350 per person
Dinners in tavernas ashore
Marina berths and visitor moorings (£10–30 a night)
Extra diesel for the yacht’s heating
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Previous sailing experience and tolerance for cool weather are required: 12–16 °C air, water around 12 °C. Ivan explains layering and how watches work in tidal waters beforehand.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase
- Shoes with clean, non-slip soles
- Sun and wind protection, and a light rain layer
- Personal essentials suited to your experience at sea
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.