Outlook on St Kilda

Tuesday 9th to Tuesday 16th July 2024

Few island groups in the world exert the powerful fascination of the Hebrides, blessed with exquisite scenery, rich wildlife and an amazing history. This extraordinary voyage ventures out into the Atlantic to the most remote and spectacular of the Outer Isles, the rocky bird isle of St Kilda.

Tuesday 9th July

A damp arrival in Oban was offset with a warm welcome on board Hebridean Princess… champagne as guests boarded, piped aboard in traditional style. However, wet journeys were soon forgotten as we sailed into clearer skies after lifeboat drill, anchoring in a secluded spot off Lismore – views of a stunning sunset over Ardtornish Castle in one direction, and a rainbow spanning the Ship in the other! No filters or special effects: these really were the colours!!!

Wednesday 10th July

A relaxing morning at sea as we cruised towards our afternoon anchorage at Kyle of Lochalsh… sea eagles spotted nesting on the shores of Mull and dramatic skies as we sailed. A short coach trip took us to Eilean Donan Castle for a fascinating visit. Sadly no photography allowed inside, but majestic views of the exterior and surrounding landscape. Back to the Princess to sail onwards under the Skye Bridge to our overnight anchorage off Raasay, with another sunset to complete a wonderful day.

We anchored overnight off the Isle of Raasay.

Thursday 11th July

Tenders took guests ashore at Raasay, where some chose to wander along the coastline or up through the woods, while others enjoyed a guided visit to the Distillery followed by Raasay House for refreshments.

A magnificent salmon buffet lunch followed while we cruised to our afternoon berth alongside at Gairloch, where there was a choice of a coach to take guests to Inverewe Gardens, or the opportunity for strolls over the headland or up Flowerdale Glen to see the waterfalls.

Dolphins graced our evening sail to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, where we berthed overnight, welcoming a talented musical duo, ‘Patrona’ on board for evening music and dancing.

Friday 12th July

While some guests enjoyed time in Stornoway on Friday, coaches were on hand for morning and afternoon excursions on the Isle of Lewis. Those who chose to enjoyed a fascinating visit to St Moluag’s Church, followed by a chance to blow away the cobwebs with a stroll at the Butt of Lewis, the Isle’s most northern tip. The afternoon trip took guests to the atmospheric Callanish Stones, then onto Carloway Brock, with a final stop for refreshments, Hebridean style, on Dalmore beach before returning the the Princess. We sailed overnight en route to St Kilda.

Saturday 13th July

Captain Richard’s quiet confidence (and the skill & hard work of the whole Hebridean’s team) was rewarded …. We reached St Kilda at 2am and anchored – already the remoteness almost tangible. An early breakfast was followed by a talk from a local National Trust for Scotland volunteer warden onboard … and then we were off! Tenders took guest ashore to allow them wander at will amongst the houses and numerous cleits used for food & turf storage. The museum provided an extra perspective of the hard island life before the evacuation in 1930, many of the houses now only 4 broken walls with just a marker to show who had lived there. However, plenty of current inhabitants in the form of Soay Sheep and the St Kilda Wren. Champagne and strawberries brought over by the Ship’s team were the perfect celebration of our visit… such a special touch.

Sailing away was hard, but sadness soon replaced by wonder at the gannets soaring around St Kilda’s sea stacks, and wheeling around the ship. Much missed sunshine for our afternoon sail to our picturesque anchorage off Castlebay on Barra, views of Vatersay’s beaches in the distance. An amazing day!!

Sunday 14th July

Saturday’s landing on Hirta was a hard act to follow… but Sunday was every bit as magical – aided by some sunshine and a sprinkle of Hebridean Princess’s own magic. After a stunning sunrise, we berthed alongside in Castlebay on Barra in the morning, taking a coach trip around the island – slowed by the inevitable sheep on the roads! A delightful detour took us down to Vatersay’s silver beaches, where we enjoyed a short stroll before continuing the tour. Other highlights included a visit to the airport, with a second stop there later to watch a plane land. Back to the Princess for lunch, enjoying some unscheduled music from a very talented local lad on his accordion down by the pier.

We sailed to the Bishop’s Isles over lunch, landing on deserted Sandray in the afternoon via the beach landing craft. Guests walked, strolled, searched for shells, read quietly, paddled and even swam from the pristine sands … enjoying more Hebridean hamper hospitality before returning to the Ship. An option of an early dinner was offered for those wishing to watch England’s effort in the final match of the Euros as we sailed into another sunset for our overnight anchorage off the Isle of Canna.

Monday 15th July

Our morning was spent on Canna, where guests strolled at will, enjoyed the hospitality of the local coffee shop, or went with our Guide, Pat, on a gentle walk around some of the features of the island.

During another delicious buffet lunch we cruised to our final stop: the Isle of Eigg. Again guests strolled independently or went for a walk with our guide before returning to the Princess for Gala night cocktails on deck, accompanied by delicious mackerel caught earlier in the day by a fishing party of guests. As we enjoyed our final farewell gala evening, we sailed to our overnight anchorage off the Isle of Kerrera.