Private Charter with Onboard Art Tutor, Tori Ratcliffe

This is a magical time of year on the west coast: red deer will be rutting, eagles will be teaching their youngsters to hunt, and the first geese of the season will begin to appear along with the spreading colours of Autumn in woodlands and hillsides.  Cruise schedule will allow us a half day transiting to a destination and a half a day ashore to paint, walk and relax.  At the Small Isles we may get a full day ashore allowing more time to truly explore one or more of these islands.

Tori’s artwork is frequently inspired by the colours experienced in nature as she explores the Scottish countryside with her dogs, Spud and Ollie who she assures us are head of her PR and social media.  We feel that Tori’s distinctive style is a perfect match for a Hebridean Adventures cruise and we are delighted to have her aboard to share her enthusiasm and experience.

Wildlife will be plentiful, with opportunities to see whales and dolphins, eagles and other birds of prey, as well as geese and a variety of waders. Seals are commonly spotted, and otters are regularly seen too, and as it is the beginning of the red deer rut, we can often watch and listen even from the boat, the stags “roaring” as they compete and gather their harems.

We will take our time exploring the Small Isles, the southern end of the Isle of Skye, and several of the mainland’s sea lochs before concluding our trip in the fishing town of Mallaig. With plenty of opportunities to go ashore, you can choose to spend your time painting, walking, or simply enjoying the scenery. Alongside Tori, our dedicated wildlife guide will also be on hand to accompany you on walks and help you make the most of your surroundings.

As part of the cruise we will provide complimentary transfer in our own minibus back to the start point at Oban.  Departing Hjalmar at Mallaig around 1030, we will be back in Oban for about 1300.

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 which may be Tobermory.

Day 2-5:  Head for Small Isles. passing the fantastic Ardnamurchan lighthouse standing out at the head of the peninsula, the furthest westerly point of the UK mainland.  The skipper will use tide and weather to decide which routes to take and the most sheltered anchorage, but it is hoped all 4 of the Small Isles will be visited and the southern end of Skye.  Distances are short and this will give plenty of time to properly explore these magical group of islands and opportunities to encounter varied wildlife.  Our final night will likely be up Loch Nevis, a sea loch and entrance to the Knoydart peninsula.

Day 7: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, and landing at our departure point of Mallaig pontoons for 10:30.  Our private transport will take us back to Oban for around 1300.