The best way to experience the amazing Hebridean world is both by sea and on foot!
Journey the Inner Hebrides on a historic sailboat in style and comfort, set foot on romantic islands, watch dolphins, gannets and eagles, take a swim in a beautiful bay, immerse yourself in pure nature.
Cruising with the wind on our historic wooden sail ship ‘Provident’ this is a special adventure for those who enjoy an active holiday in a small group.
Anchoring in remote locations we access beautiful and secret places in the Hebrides and the Isle of Skye to explore on foot. Discover sea lochs and islands, beaches, cliffs and waterfalls. You’ll enjoy excellent wildlife spotting opportunities in one of Europe’s best sea-cruising locations.
Interested in a Women-Only trip? Head over to our women’s sailing tour here
Guaranteed departure
Exploring the Inner Hebrides 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 coastline and anchoring in stuning bays and sea lochs. 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.
Provident is a hundred year old wooden Gaff Ketch Brixham Trawler turned yacht. She is home for your sailing and walking holiday. Provident is a strong and sturdy wooden yacht which has been lovingly restored.
Below deck there is comfortable accommodation for 8 guests in 4 twin bunk 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.
Feel invited to be as hands-on or off 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.
Interested in a Women-Only trip? Head over to our women’s sailing tour here
Your journey begins in the pretty fishing village of Mallaig. Provident’s crew and your Walk Wild guide will be welcoming you at 2pm in the afternoon 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 shearwater.
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 churches, 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. Perhaps 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 bunk 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 designed for people with a good general level of fitness and mobility. We hike on some good trails but also on some rough, rocky, wet and uneven paths. Therefore, you should be sure footed, have a robust balance and be used to regularly walking on unpaved and rough 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 and Glasgow by train. For travel information please visit Traveline Scotland or contact us.
