Lizzie May - Arran, Mull of Kintyre, Islay, Jura on the way to Oban

Explore West Coast of Scotland under Sail

A five day short break as working guest crew aboard pilot cutter Lizzie May. If you are visiting Scotland from abroad, then this activity based holiday package gives you a wide range of experiences and scenery viewed from an interesting angle.Sailing an eye catching wooden pilot cutter will usually introduce you to some interesting characters in ports and anchorages. No sailing experience is necessary as you will be given full training so you can be an active part of the crew.

Starting in Bute your Scottish weekend adventure has already begun (unless of course, you are an islander). These are Lizzie Mays home sailing waters, so the skipper will know lots of secret bays and coves, with a visit perhaps to find some delicious Loch Fyne Oysters and kippers. You may well overnight in the beautiful East Loch Tarbet or anchor in Lamlash Cove under the moody mountain ridges of Arran.

This voyage aims to go the 'long way round' to Oban, visiting islands on the way and a possible stop in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The route will take you South of Arran, the Mull of Kintyre, Islay, Jura, and Colonssay before heading towards Oban.

Islay, Jura & Colonsay

Depending on the wind direction and strength your 4 day voyage might make the best of the sailing grounds around Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Islay and Jura, sailing through the Sound of Islay and down around the Mull of Kintyre Peninsula. This is the long way around. Back in home waters you could enjoy a last anchorage off Arran or perhaps Ailsa Craig before heading for Largs.

Alternatively you might seek a more sheltered route via Cuan Sound or Sound of Luing where there are a couple of narrow channels to negotiate, tides to get right, and the famous whirlpools of Corryvrecken to avoid, and then Lizzie May reaches The Sound of Jura. Well protected from the swell of the Atlantic Ocean by the large island of Jura this has been a major routeway to and from the Western Isles for Centuries.

The Crinan Canal – ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’

Whichever route your skipper decides to take, you will be astounded at the beauty of the natural surroundings, will enjoy observing wildlife and birdlife in their natural environment, and will almost certainly not want to say goodbye when you reach Oban.