Skye to Heaven and Back Cruise

September 26th to September 28th 2021

This short 2-night scenic cruise from Mallaig to Skye and the western highlands of Scotland is the perfect introduction to small boat cruising, with plenty of chances of spotting iconic wildlife too.

We will anchor amidst dramatic scenery with the famous Black Cuillins of Skye offering fantastic photo opportunities as your backdrop. From there we will then sail across to Loch Nevis on the west coast of the highlands, a stunningly beautiful area below the remote Knoydart peninsula which is also home to the UK's most remote pub - The Old Forge at Inverie. We will head ashore to investigate! After a second night afloat spent in Loch Nevis, we will cruise back down the dramatic coastline watching the mountain peaks and quiet bays roll by on our way home to Mallaig, all the time watching out for a last sighting of an eagle perhaps or maybe a porpoise or a dolphin.

**Please note that whilst we try to make these trips accessible to everyone, the boat is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues due to the compact spaces and steep stairs descending to the cabins.

• Walk below Skye’s spectacular Cuillin peaks.
• High chance of seeing otters, eagles and seals.
• Visit the UK's most remote pub.
• Anchor amidst dramatic scenery.

• 2 nights' B&B accommodation on board the MV Monadhliath.
• 2 evening meals.
• Packed lunches.
• The services of an experienced guide for the duration of the trip.

• Visits to cafes or visitor attractions.
• Travel to and from Mallaig at the start / end of the trip.
• Travel insurance

Note: the following is our intended itinerary for the week. HOWEVER...this trip is very weather dependent and our exact route will depend on the weather conditions, wind and sea state each day. Every evening we will look at the forecast for the following day and, if necessary, amend the programme so that we have the most enjoyable trip possible. If there are strong winds this may mean that we visit sheltered parts of the mainland coast around Knoydart and Skye (these, of course, are spectacular areas in their own right!).

DAY 1 

A welcome aboard MV Monadhliath in Mallaig harbour and settle in before departing for our first night in the spectacularly scenic Loch Scavaig, anchoring below the imposing Black Cuillins. We will possibly stop off at the little island of Soay, once owned by Ring of Bright Water author Gavin Maxwell, and we will certainly visit the beautiful bay on the south side of the island giving unparalleled views of the 'Small Isles' of Rum, Eigg and Canna. 

DAY 2 

A chance this morning to go ashore to visit Loch Coruisk, nestled below the rocky crests of the mountains above. There is a feeling of isolation and plenty of space to get away from the paths and just sit and watch the natural world go by. Lunch will be back on the boat before we head off.

This afternoon we will arrive in Loch Nevis, translated as 'Loch of Heaven', at the south of a remote area of wilderness called Knoydart. There will be plenty of time to head ashore for a walk on what is a remote and difficult community to reach, with no road connecting it to the rest of the mainland. This is also home to the UK's most remote pub, The Old Forge at Inverie, which we will visit on our journey. 

DAY 3 

Another chance to soak in the views the loch of heaven gives before we head out into the Sound of Sleat for views of the mainland mountains. We will make a detour and sail past Isleornsay, a very picturesque little village on the south coast of the Isle of Skye with white-washed houses and a variety of colourful boats anchored in the bay. We then arrive back in Mallaig and say our farewells to this short but exhilarating cruise.