Outer Hebrides

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Photos (C) R Woodall

Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles, lie well off the North West coast of mainland Scotland. To reach them invloves crossing the Minches - a notorious and glorious stretch of water. Notorious because it can be very rough in winter and the islands can be cut off from supply ships for weeks. Glorious because the Hebrides island chain creates a stunning silloutte against the setting sun as you sail towards them.  Oosterschelde is an ocean going sailing ship but no so big that she can't get into island anchorages.

Our 10 day sailing and wildlife voyages to the Outer Hebrides and St Kilda feature sparsely inhabited islands, tiny fishing villages, deep lochs and rugged cliffs that will be appealing to nature lovers looking for puffin, sea and white tailed eagles, whales and other cetaceans.

The hundreds of islands of the Hebrides have their own character, are very isolated and therefore entirely self-reliant. This area is rich in seabirds, which usually breed on the steep cliff faces. With the ‘Oosterschelde’, a relatively small ship, we will visit unique places that can only be reached by boat or ship.
The waters surrounding the Hebrides and St Kilda are rich in food. During the crossings between the different islands the chances are high that we will spot whales and seals.

Outer Hebrides
The Hebrides derive their name from the Norse (Viking) word Havbrodoy meaning on the edge of the sea, but they were inhabited long before the Norse Era. Pliny called them Hebudes, and Ptolemy in the 2nd century wrote of the Eboudai islands above Ivernia (Ireland).

Enjoy the novelty of a Dutch schooner with a multi national crew exploring distinctive celtic communities, who only have a handful of yachts visit them each year, and some uninhabited islands which are a haven for seabirds. Like the Great Barrier Reef, the chain of Outer Hebridean islands runs parallel to the Scottish mainland and protects it from ocean storms. The Atlantic facing coast is an almost continuous strand of sand dunes and machair (grass) whilst the east coast is deeply indented with a maze of islets and anchorages.

There are over 26 islands in the Outer Hebrides south of the Sound of Harris, and at least another 16 islands around Lewis to the North.So even without the prize of St Kilda, there will be plenty of new anchorages to try. Take a zodiac ride under the sculptural arches of Mingulay, see where the TV castaways stayed on Taransay

On the Outer Hebrides we will visit lesser known islands of Miughaiagh and Bearnaraigh, amongst others. The only human inhabitants here are the lighthouse keepers, but there are masses of Auks, Kittiwakes and Fulmars.

During the voyage we will sail as much as possible.

There will also be enough time to go on land to explore the coasts, culture and animal life. The walks we make are based on guests in average condition. When the walks are tougher, we will offer alternatives so that there is always something suitable for everyone.

More details on St Kilda