Cruising with the wind on our historic wooden sail ship ‘Provident‘ this sailing and walking adventure for women is an intimate and hands-on adventure for those who enjoy an active holiday in a small group. Anchoring in remote locations we access beautiful and secret places on the Small Isles and the Isle of Skye to explore on foot. Discover sea lochs and islands, beaches, cliffs and waterfalls. Enjoy excellent wildlife spotting opportunities in one of Europe’s best sea-cruising locations.
*Crew is made up of both men and women
both under sail and on foot, this superb outdoor adventure is a real journey of discovery! We will be island hopping, visiting remote communities, sailing along scenic coast line and anchoring in beautiful locations. Sailing takes us to places otherwise unreachable and thus offers fantastic walking in diverse and wild landscapes along with excellent opportunities for spotting a wide variety of wildlife: from seabirds such as gannets and guillemots to otters, dolphins, whales and seals.
is your home for your sailing and walking holiday. She is a strong and sturdy 100 year old wooden yacht which has been lovingly restored.
Below deck there is comfortbale accommodation for 8 guests in 4 twin berth cabins. Each bunk has its own locker, reading light and shelf. There are 2 modern toilets and 1 shower. Provident has a lovely deck house where you can experience the adventure on deck but stay warm and dry. Her spacious and cosy saloon is perfect to enjoy a quiet hour, social evenings and delicious dinners.
You’ll be looked after by a welcoming crew of experienced sailors, our on board cook and an experienced Walk Wild guide.
as you like, help hoisting the sails, find yourself at the helm, tidy the ropes or simply sit and listen to the wind in the sails.
Your journey begins in the pretty fishing village Mallaig. Provident’s crew and your Walk Wild guide will be welcoming you with a first cup of tea and introductions before we set sail to head to our first destination, the Isle of Rum and our anchorage for our first night.
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The Isle of Rum is stunningly beautiful, lush, with high mountains, a rich history and diverse wildlife. You can choose between ambles along the shore watching sea birds, enjoying a coffee in the community cafe, exploring Rum’s exotic castle or exploring the steeper hillside of Hallival looking out for manx sheerwater.
In the afternoon we may sail to the beautiful Kilmory Bay in the north of the island (or you may like to hike?) or the wind may take us to the Isle of Canna instead.
(B/L/D)
Walking 6km, 3 hours
There is much to see on this tiniest of the Small Isles – which tends to hide from mainland views behind the big mountains of Rum. Between green pastures, pockets of woodland and dramatic coastal cliffs we find two chruches, an early Christian cross, prehistoric souterrains and a clifftop castle. There are beautiful views to be enjoyed over to the Isle of Skye and beyond.
This evening we may sail across to Loch Scavaig to anchor for the night.
(B/L/D)
Walking 4km, 2 hours
Loch Scavaig is surrounded by the giants of Skye’s Black Cuillin mountains and within lies a mountain lake of utmost beauty – Loch Coruisk. After breakfast, we venture ashore for a hike around its shores. A short sail in the afternoon takes us to our anchorage for the night beside the tiny Isle of Soay. Perhapse we may be able to go ashore to take a evening walk on this nearly uninhabited island.
(B/L/D)
Walking 7km, 4 hours
After breakfast we set sail heading west to the Isle of Eigg whose vertical chockstone we will have seen in the distance throughout our journey. Eigg is the Small Isles most populated island and is witness to a turbulent history – from medieval massacres to problematic landowners to the island becoming community governed in 1997. There are wonderful cliff walks for those wanting to stay low but the rocky Sgorr may be calling others.
(B/L/D)
Walking 6km, 3 – 4 hours
A relaxing day’s sailing to absorb the views, get involved with the ropes or at the helm or maybe read a book, the choice is yours, just enjoy.
We’ll anchor in Loch Nevis on the shores of mainland peninsula Knoydart where roads have run out into true wilderness but a vibrant community nonetheless exists in the small village of Inverie. Ashore we enjoy a little wander and sample a pint in Scotland’s most remote mainland pub, the famous Old Forge. A fitting end to the journey.
(B/L/D)
Walk 3km, 1 hour
Following breakfast we enjoy the short sail to Mallaig and bid our farewells to crew, newly found friends and of course – our wonderful ship!
Travel on from Mallaig by train to Glasgow or Edinburgh.
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Your home during your sailing and walking holiday is the historic Brixham Trawler Gaff ‘Provident’ which offers accommodation for 8 guests in twin berth cabins and a comfortable saloon for relaxing and enjoying delicious dinners in the evening. Provident also has a lovely deck house where you can experience the adventure above but stay warm and dry
You’ll be looked after by a welcoming crew of experienced sailors, our on board cook and your knowledgeable walking guide.
Your group on this trip is of a personable size of no more than 8 and is accompanied throughout by an experienced and knowledgeable guide who will do her/ his best to make your time with us in Scotland interesting, enjoyable and comfortable.
The walking on this trip is of an easier nature and designed for people with a good general level of fitness and mobility. We hike on some good trails but also on some rough, rocky and uneven paths. Therefore, you should be sure footed, have good balance and be used to regularly walking on unpaved tracks. You may like to consider bringing some walking poles. Please read our itinerary which lists distances and walking times for each day. If you are unsure, please contact us and we are happy to discuss any issues.
Once we receive your booking we will send you further details regarding the trip as well as our recommended and comprehensive list of useful items to pack.
Mallaig/ Isle of Rum/ Isle of Canna/ Isle of Skye/ Isle of Eigg/ Knoydart Peninsula
From Edinburgh or Glasgow by coach or train. For further travel information please visit Traveline Scotland or get in touch with us.