Autumn Watch around Mull with Wild Hebridean Swimming

Mid-September is a wonderful time to experience Mull, offering a quieter atmosphere, dramatic landscapes, and superb opportunities for wildlife watching especially birds of prey. Both Golden and White-tailed Eagles will have newly fledged youngsters still relying on their parents, while juvenile Hen Harriers, Merlins, and Short-eared Owls disperse across the islands, often making them easier to spot.

At sea, we’re likely to encounter local dolphin and whale species, including Bottlenose and Common Dolphins and Minke Whales. At this time of year, sightings of larger whales become increasingly possible, Fin and Humpback Whales, the occasional Orca, and even Basking Sharks. We’ve even been treated to Bottlenose Whale in the past!

But the voyage isn’t only about wildlife. There are rich cultural opportunities too: a visit to Iona, its abbey, and the island’s deep historical significance; a close pass by Staffa, with its magnificent basalt columns and the cave that inspired Mendelssohn’s famous overture; and the chance to explore Tobermory. For those who enjoy a walk, we can also drop guests ashore and pick you up a few miles along the coast. Throughout the journey, you’ll be guided by our knowledgeable and experienced onboard team.

Wild Swimming

We’re also delighted to have Emma from Wild Hebridean Swimming joining this voyage. Throughout the trip she’ll be offering guidance for those who are curious about experiencing the water for themselves, whether that’s a gentle dip or a more adventurous swim at suitable anchorages. She’ll also be sharing her knowledge of the sea and the wild swimming environments we encounter along the way. There’s absolutely no obligation to take part — simply enjoy her company and expertise in whatever way suits you.

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we, are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to, tweak, the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles.  Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 5 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage at Tobermory.

Day 2:  A couple of hours in the colourful town of Tobermory and a short walk if you wish round to Rubha nan Gall and the lighthouse..  Late morning we will make our way to the Treshnish isles and the island of Lunga in particular.  The afternoon will give plenty of time to properly explore these magical group of islands and opportunities to encounter varied wildlife.  We will make for Ulva and a secure sheltered anchorage for the night.  The breeding seabirds may have departed but migratory species will be on passage along with Whale and Dolphin activity which is good at this time of year.

Day 3:  From Ulva we will make our way south passing Staffa and it’s basalt columns and then head towards Mull and the sea lochs of Loch na Keal and Scridain.  With time ashore, it is a great opportunity to watch out for both eagle species and other raptors.  Mull is great for otter spotting so we will keep an eye out for them. Anchorage on the Ross of Mull.

Day 4: Today we will head for Iona and spend the day on this great little island.  Good walks on the west side of the island and of course the Abbey to visit. We will anchor in the vicinity of the Ross of Mull.  Keep an eye out for Otter.

Day 5.  Making our way east along the Ross of Mull keeping an eye out for various species of raptor and the three species of Diver Red, Black throated divers plus the wintering and often over summering, Great Northern Diver.  If weather permits we will drop guests off at Loch Buie and an optional walk for a few miles over to Loch Spelve where the boat will be waiting at our final anchorage for the night.  Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for the final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, an hours steam from Oban; very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels from the local Mussel farm.

Day 6: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30. ready for departure and a fond farewell