Day 1
1500hrs board Splendour at the North Pier pontoons in Oban bay for a warm welcome and skipper’s briefing before setting sail for loch Spleve on Mull with its lost village, sea eagles, red deer and otters. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful night aboard Splendour in this wonderfully sheltered anchorage.
Day 2
After breakfast, we cruise south to the Garvellachs also known as the ‘isles of the sea’ and go ashore to visit the monk’s beehive cells and Saint Columba’s mother’s resting place on Eilach An Naomh. South to loch Tarbert after lunch with its wonderful raised beaches for a stroll ashore.
Day 3
Down the sound of Islay for a visit and tasting at the Jura distillery at Craighouse and onto the beautiful island of Gigha with a visit to Achamore gardens a must!
Day 4
We catch the morning tide round the mull of Kintyre for a fabulous cruise to Lamlash on the Island of Arran. A stroll before dinner through the village and a night at anchor in the very spot that sheltered a young Mary Queen of Scots on her way to France and King Haakon’s war fleet, before the battle of Largs.
Day 5
Round Claughlands point for a visit to Brodick. On offer is Brodick castle and grounds, a beautiful sweep of sandy beach and the nostalgic Arran heritage museum, not forgetting the chocolate shop for a hand made treat on the way. North after lunch to Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae for a cycle round the island or a visit to the Cathedral of the Isles (Europe’s smallest) and Italian ice-cream at the café, or why not all three!
Day 6
The Royal Borough of Rothesay on the Island of Bute is our first port of call today with a choice of visits to, fabulous Mount Stuart House erstwhile home of The Marquess of Bute, or the well preserved Norman castle in Rothesay itself. Lunch onboard then north up the broad expanse of the Firth of Clyde to our final overnight stop in Loch Goil under the castle walls at Carrick.
Day 7
Enjoy breakfast then cruise down loch long looking out for groups of porpoise and into the Holy Loch for fond farewells and haste ye backs at 1100hrs. What a trip!!
Such a privilege to be here and have this wonderful experience. Everything one could wish for and such great company, food and care! God bless this boat and all who sail in her.
Cathy
So good to be back in Scotland. Loved the boat – scenery – great food – great memories
Jane
This was a superb experience. Our appreciation of the beauty of the Hebrides was enhanced unmeasurably by the skill, knowledge and wonderful company of Iain and chef. Thank you so much.
Don & Janet | Hebrides and St Kilda | June 2018
Our first trip but definitely not our last – what an adventure! Untouchable scenery & food & very well looked after. So many fantastic memories. Thank you so much.
Penny & David | Inlets and Islands of Wild Argyll | May 2018
I think I’ve said it all… Words are inadequate. Splendid Splendour and crew!
Margaret