Autumn Explorer Cruise Log

Tuesday 1st to Tuesday 8th October

Autumn is undoubtedly the best season to see the north west of Scotland decked out in all her finery as leaves turn to copper, bronze and ruby before they fall. Sailing through awe-inspiring scenery into secluded lochs of sapphire and turquoise, indulge to the full in its immeasurable richness – refreshing walks, abundant wildlife, centuries of history and the refreshing comfort of Hebridean Princess.

Tuesday 1st October

Guests embarked in Oban this afternoon and were piped on board. When the mandatory safety drills had taken place, the ship set sail for our overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay.

Wednesday 2nd October

Our first port of call was the Small Isle of Eigg for morning walks ashore. A wildlife haven, the community owned island of Eigg is home to a huge diversity of fauna and flora.

During lunch we sailed to neighbouring Canna where guests had the opportunity to explore on foot. Dubbed the ‘garden of the Hebrides’ Canna is a green and fertile island which is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.

We anchored in Loch na Dal overnight and the Welcome Reception was held at sunset out on the Skye Deck.

Thursday 3rd October

This morning was spent on the Isle of Raasay, a rocky walkers paradise. After enjoying walks and strolls, the Raasay Distillery was open for those guests wanting to go on a tour and Raasay House was open for refreshments.

Following lunch on board, the colourful capital of Isle of Skye, Portree, played host to our afternoon visit.

We anchored off Plockton overnight.

Friday 4th October

Guests were tendered ashore at the pretty conservation village of Plockton this morning. This ‘jewel of the Highlands’ is wrapped idyllically around a sheltered bay with magnificent views of Loch Carron.

During the traditional Hebridean fish and chip Friday lunch, the ship sailed to Kyle of Lochalsh and berthed alongside four our afternoon visit to Eilean Donan, Scotland’s iconic and most photographed castle.

We remained alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh overnight.

Saturday 5th October

Guests spent the morning relaxing on board as we cruised Loch Hourn and Loch Nevis. In the afternoon, we went ashore at Inverie for walks ashore. Britain’s remotest pub, The Old Forge, was open for refreshments and live music.

We anchored off Inverie overnight.

Sunday 6th October

As guests enjoyed breakfast in the Columba restaurant, we sailed over the Sound of Sleat to Armadale, Isle of Skye where a minibus was available to conduct a shuttle service to take guests to visit Armadale Castle and the Museum of the Isles which charts the epic history of the Clan Donald.

Our afternoon port of call was Salen in Loch Sunart on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, for walks through the Ancient Oak Woodlands.

We anchored overnight in Ardtornish Bay.

Monday 7th October

Sailing into Loch a’ Choire, the tranquility of the 14,000 acre Kingairloch Estate awaits. This romantic wilderness is home to a wide variety of wildlife with regular sightings of deer, pine martens, eagles and otters.