• Date: 15th to 21st August 2015
• Price: £840 (per person)

Skye & Small Isles Sailing Week

Lying to the south of Skye, the Small Isles are part of the Inner Hebrides and offer a fascinating contrast of island characters in a compact sea area, perfect for cruising. The wonderful variety of scenery and wildlife in this compact area sets it apart from more strung out parts of the Hebridean islands, the islands on the edge.

The four islands are situated just off the west coast at the junction of the Sound of Arisaig and the Sound of Sleat. Rum, by far the largest island, possesses a cluster of formidable volcanic peaks, the remarkable Kinloch Castle, and some wonderful wildlife. Scottish Natural Heritage runs the island as a National Nature Reserve. Eigg, which measures just 5 by 3 miles, is by far the most vibrant, populous and welcoming of the Small Isles, with a strong sense of community.

There are wonderful views of Muck and Rhum from An Sgurr (1292 ft.). Smallest and most southerly of the Small Isles, Muck is low-lying, mostly treeless and extremely fertile, and as such shares more characteristics with the likes of Coll and Tiree than its nearest neighbours.

There are sandy beaches, rocky shores and the 452 ft. Beinn Airein with its panoramic view of the surrounding islands. Canna, in many ways the prettiest of the isles with its high basalt cliffs, has been in the hands of the National Trust for Scotland since 1981. Measuring just 5 by 1 miles, there is little to do but walk, watch birds and take in the scenery, surely enough for anyone.

In a Small Isles cruise we would expect to visit 3 out of the 4 islands in a typical week, as well as other ports of call and anchorages on the outward and return legs.

The exact itinerary is subject to prevailing weather and options will be explored fully with the guests.