| country: | Scotland |
| location: | Western Isles |
| departures: | 2009: 24 Oct |
| price: | From £240 (3 days) excluding flights. Price includes all meals. From £1250 for the whole boat for up to 6 guests |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This trip is a unique holiday experience on board a traditional wooden 54ft ketch with only 6 guests, but with your own onboard skipper and cook; perfect for families.
This weekend escape packs a lot into three days and two nights and is the perfect trip for a complete recharge of the batteries when time is limited. You will explore the Kyles of Bute, one of the most scenic areas in the West Coast of Scoltand and some of the stunningly beautiful sea lochs of the Cowal Peninsula. The sheltered waters are perfect for learning to sail and navigate against a spectacular backdrop of pristine coastline, hills and forests. For extra fun, bring your kayak and windsurfer, swim from the boat or go ashore on remote islands to explore.
This weekend escape packs a lot into three days and two nights and is the perfect trip for a complete recharge of the batteries when time is limited. You will explore the Kyles of Bute, one of the most scenic areas in the West Coast of Scoltand and some of the stunningly beautiful sea lochs of the Cowal Peninsula. The sheltered waters are perfect for learning to sail and navigate against a spectacular backdrop of pristine coastline, hills and forests. For extra fun, bring your kayak and windsurfer, swim from the boat or go ashore on remote islands to explore.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Departing Holy Loch at 3pm, set sail for the beautiful Kyles of Butes and enjoy dinner at anchor in one of the most spectacular locations on the West Coast of Scotland. After dinner lay lobster pots or try fishing from the boat to the backdrop of a stunning West Coast sunset. |
| Day 2: | After an idyllic breakfast at anchor, explore the remote sheltered sea lochs of Riddon and Striven. Sail and navigate the boat, watch for wildlife and perhaps go for a dip in the loch or ashore to explore. |
| Day 3: | Cruise the coast of the Cowal Peninsula to Holy Loch to disembark at 11am. |
this holiday is designed for families
The St Hilda is a traditional roomy 54 ft ketch with accommodation for six in comfortable single bunks. It is especially suited to families or groups of friends. Children from 5 years old to the most demanding teenager love the St Hilda experience. Included in the price are all meals and your onboard skipper and cook who will provide an unforgettable holiday for everyone on board. This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. If possible they will tailor-make your holiday to suit your requirements including length and start date of trip.This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. If possible they will tailor-make your holiday to suit your requirements including length and start date of trip.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Environment
Sailing can be a sustainable mode of travel and our holidays operate on a “leave only a wake” policy. You are free to bring on board cycles on this trip to help ensure no negative environmental impact as you explore onshore too. Our cruising area is among the most unique and unspoiled in Europe and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains so. We are committed to excellence in offering holidays to people who have an appreciation of the sea and its wildlife, both below and above the waves. We value the marine and shore-based environment in which we operate and leave everything as we find it, respecting the delicate eco-system balance of sky, sea and shore. Your fully qualified skipper, Michael Marshall is a scientist and experienced sailor with extensive knowledge of the marine environment and local ecology. He will happily educate on all aspects of sea and shore to be found on this trip. When operating the vessel, great care is taken to have negligible impact on the local wildlife including the breeding seal and bird colonies in this cruising area. Our hope is that people who experience the sheer beauty of the landscape and wildlife on our cruises will return home invigorated and with a greater understanding of the unique environment of the South West Coast of Scotland. All waste generated on board is brought ashore for recycling and we use locally produced ingredients for out meals wherever possible; including eating your own catch of crab, lobster or mackerel! Community We support the local economy by using the services of the local marina and guides and by buying all our provisions locally too. We encourage our guests to gain an insight into the local culture by going ashore to communities, heritage sites, botanical gardens, shops and restaurants as well as participating in cultural events. And simply having a beautiful traditional vessel anchored offshore enhances the pleasure of locals and the holiday experience of tourists to the area! |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |











