Autumn Surprise Cruise Log

Tuesday 15th to Tuesday 22nd October 2024

Embark on a voyage into the unknown. Join us on our Autumn Surprise cruise where on the Captain knows our course. As autumn dawns, discover the hidden treasures, magic and mystery of Scotland’s West Coast and the remote and wildly beautiful Hebridean Islands. The Captain will take you to some of his favourite destinations, revealing the itinerary on a daily basis.

Our thanks to guest John Noorani for many of the images used in this weeks cruise log.

Tuesday 15th October

With a sense of anticipation for where the voyage would take them, guests embarked in Oban and we sailed to our overnight anchorage off Java Point in the Sound of Mull.

Wednesday 16th October

Our first mystery port of call was Salen on the shores of Loch Sunart where guests enjoyed walks to the ancient oak woodlands.

Whilst lunch was served in the Columba Restaurant, we cruised to Glenmore Bay for our afternoon visit to Ardnamurchan Distillery where our guided tour was accompanied by a tasting.

We anchored overnight off the Isle of Rum.

Thursday 17th October

Our first island port of call was the Isle of Rum where guests explored on foot.

Our afternoon was spent discovering the neighbouring Isle of Canna, seals and shags were spotted on a skerry off the island.

We anchored overnight in Loch na Dal off the Isle of Skye.

Friday 18th October

An early morning sail through Kyle Rhea and under the Skye Bridge at sunrise.

Steaming into Loch Carron, our foray ashore at Plockton enabled guests to wander at will around this pretty conservation village, lined with palm trees and affording wonderful vistas.

We arrived and berthed alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh in the evening where we remained overnight. Local entertainment was provided in the Tiree Lounge after dinner.

Saturday 19th October

From Kyle of Lochalsh, guests travelled to Eilean Donan Castle, the iconic MacRae stronghold situated on an island where three great sea lochs meet.

Sailing south over lunch, we spent the afternoon in Loch Nevis for walks ashore at Inverie and a visit to mainland Britain’s remotest pub, The Old Forge, for welcome refreshments.

We steamed south on passage to our overnight anchorage in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Sunday 20th October

We remain at anchor in Bloody Bay today to ride out Storm Ashley!

Bridge visit and Sunday worship passed the morning at anchor. A fun quiz and another Bridge visit passed the afternoon and a white tailed sea eagle was spotted flying right over the ship.

We remained at anchor overnight in Bloody Bay off the Isle of Mull.

Monday 21st October

Ashore at the island capital of Tobermory, guests spent morning exploring the town and its colourful shops or walked to the waterfalls.

Following lunch on board, our afternoon visit to the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm allowed guests to taste the artisan cheeses and spirits crafted using traditional methods.