The Great Hebridean Adventure – St Kilda, Flannans and Shiants (2027)

For 2027, this cruise promises a truly special adventure, taking in three of Scotland’s most iconic and remote island groups: St Kilda, the Flannan Isles and the Shiant Isles.

But these headline destinations are only part of the story. En route, we explore a rich mix of abandoned and inhabited islands, including Vatersay, the Monach Isles, Scarp and Taransay, as well as the dramatic coastlines of Isle of Skye and the Small Isles of Canna, Eigg, Muck and Rum.

With so much to discover, the itinerary has been carefully designed to allow generous time ashore each day, giving you the opportunity to properly explore these remarkable islands rather than simply pass them by.

Availability

Cruise Dates

Nights

Spaces

Prices from p/p
16 Jun 2027 - 29 Jun 2027
13
8
£4680
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Summary

Lying around 45 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, St Kilda was once home to Britain’s most isolated community. In 1986 it became Scotland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2005 was awarded dual World Heritage status in recognition of both its cultural and natural significance. We have a very high success rate in reaching and landing guests on St Kilda. Its extraordinary remoteness, compelling history and abundant wildlife, including Puffins, Gannets and Fulmars, make it one of the most sought-after destinations for anyone with an interest in natural history. Please note, however, that St Kilda is never a guaranteed landing.

The Monach Isles — also known as Heisker — lie around five miles west of North Uist and comprise five small islands and a scattering of rocks. Designated a National Nature Reserve, they are notable for Fulmars nesting in sand dunes rather than on cliffs, alongside large numbers of Grey Seals and a remarkable diversity of flora, with over 200 species of flowering plants and grasses recorded.

The Flannan Isles, also known as the Seven Hunters, lie approximately 20 miles west of Lewis, off West Loch Roag. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the islands are uninhabited, with the last residents, the lighthouse keepers, leaving following automation in 1971. The Flannans are famously associated with the enduring mystery of December 1900, when all three lighthouse keepers vanished without trace. Today, the islands support an impressive Gannet colony, and we have encountered White-tailed Eagles on the island peaks.

The Shiant Isles, situated in the Minch off the east coast of Lewis, are designated a Special Protection Area for wild birds. Vast numbers of Puffins nest here, alongside thousands of Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Razorbills and Fulmars. When we are able to anchor, which we often do, the surrounding waters and cliffs are alive with constant seabird movement between nests and sea.

The Isle of Skye offers a series of inviting sea lochs, some of which we may explore during the voyage. Towering above Loch Scavaig are the Black Cuillin, dramatic Munros rising above near-vertical cliffs, with seals commonly seen at sea level. The small island of Soay lies at the mouth of the loch, while further along the coast we encounter Loch Bracadale, Moonen Bay near Neist Point and its lighthouse, Loch Dunvegan, and Loch Snizort in the north.

The islands of Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck — collectively known as the Small Isles — lie between Mull and Skye and are within easy reach of Oban, making them a near-guaranteed stopover. Canna in particular is a rewarding island on which to spend a full day and almost always offers sightings of White-tailed Eagles.

Itinerary

Please note on our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the programme 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, regarded as the seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Western Isles, will be our starting point. We will begin boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at approximately 14:30 at the pontoons near Oban’s North Pier. A short briefing will follow to acquaint our guests with life aboard the ship, its safety procedures, and get you settled into your accommodation. We aim to cast off at 15:30 and proceed to our first anchorage for the night at Loch Sunart or Tobermory.

Day 2: It’s off across the Sea of the Hebrides and head for Vatersay and Barra, anchoring here or the nearby islands of Pabbay or Sandray with time allowed to explore ashore.

Day 3: After a long passage yesterday it’s time to get to know this group of islands before a short passage to Castlebay on Barra.

Day 4: Head for the Monach islands, arriving mid afternoon and a chance to head ashore to visit this bird rich island. Stopping off here breaks up the passage time to St Kilda.

Day 5 & 6: We will be underway and heading to St Kilda, hopefully arriving early afternoon and if conditions allow, our first landing before our evening meal. We hope to have 2 nights and a full day at St Kilda.

Day 7: Time to depart passing the Stacs full of nesting Gannets. We will head for the west side of Harris, probably aiming for the island of Scarp, a good location for heading to the Flannans.

Day 8: Heading for our 2nd iconic island, the Flannans. We will not be landing here as the landing spots continue to deteriorate. We will then head for West of Lewis for the night probably at Great Bernera.

Day 9: A half day sailing will see us reach Taransay, once part of a TV programme in 2000.

Day 10: Today we will sail through the Sound of Harris and head north up the east side of Harris and arrive at the Shiants.

Day 11: Another chance to go ashore, then down to Skye anchoring in a sheltered loch on the west side of the island.

Day 12: A short crossing takes us to Canna, one of our favourite islands and great for walking. We will anchor on nearby Rum or Muck.

Day 13: On our final full day we will head for our regular anchorage at Loch Spelve. There will be time at the end of the sail to get ashore on this wildlife rich loch

Day 14: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30. We will keep an eye out for otters as we exit Loch Spelve channel, always a good place for a sighting.