Highland Fling

Embark in Oban. This pretty seaside town is the gateway to the Hebridean Islands and in summer, is a throng with fishing boats, ferries, and hungry seagulls. Take a stroll along the waterfront with an ice cream cone, or visit the Oban Distillery. Love seafood? The stalls near the ferry terminal offer today’s catch. Your chef can serve it on board as you depart through the southern Kerrera channel.

Double take. You could be in the Caribbean, such is the dazzling white of Iona’s stretches of sand. Known worldwide as the “cradle of Christianity,” Iona was where Columba and his followers arrived in AD 563 to spread the gospel in Scotland and the north of England. You can head ashore to visit the island’s spectacular restored medieval abbey, reputed to be the birthplace of 48 kings of Scotland, including Macbeth. But it’s the wildlife and natural beauty that makes Iona truly legendary. Ask any of the 130 inhabitants and they’d agree.

Today we set sail for the Treshnish Isles, 8 emerald gems which dazzle with their stunning scenery, varied marine life and majestic inhabitants, including rare puffins and seals. We’ll anchor off Staffa and tender to Fingal’s Cave, a magnificent natural cathedral formed entirely of hexagonally jointed basalt. Admire the remarkable colours, symmetry and acoustics long before the arrival of the tourist boats. We’ll anchor overnight in Kentra Bay, a remote tidal embayment which was so named for the sonorous nature of its sand, a property afforded by its shape, size and silica content. A sundowner on the beach will let you admire the full beauty of the bay, which at this time of year is awash with the pink hues of flowering thrift.

In the morning take a short trip back in time with a visit to Armadale, Skye’s back door. Discover the epic story of Scotland’s largest and most powerful clan with a trip to the Castle and Gardens of Clan Macdonald. Centuries ago the island was best known for the energetic pursuits it offered, including wild boar hunting. Now it’s better-known for its on-the-water-pursuits, which take place around its half-kilometre stretch of golden sand. Take the toys out before heading back across the Sound of Sleat towards a protected anchorage in Inverie. As you watch the sun set behind Ladhar Bheinn, drink in hand, you’ll enjoy the feeling of remoteness that this rugged landscape affords.

Hold your breath. Today we take in some of the finest and most dramatic anchorages in Scotland. The first is Loch Scavaig, almost entirely enclosed by nail-bitingly steep vistas. The second is Loch Harport, that offers dramatic views over the mottled granite peaks of the Cuillins - and a very special whiskey distillery. Take a tour of the Talisker distillery, the oldest on the isle of Skye and one of the most renowned in Scotland. We’ll take the short trip to Stein, on the north coast of Skye, in the late afternoon. It’s the perfect scenic anchorage for a quiet dinner on deck.

Reach for your camera. Eilean Donan is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles and it’s easy to see why. Dangling from the mainland by a single stone bridge, this crenellated fortress with its scenic backdrop has appeared on the big screen for more than half a century. The list of films it features in includes Errol Flynn’s historical The Master of Ballantrae (1953) and Pierce Brosnan’s turn as James Bond in The World Is Not Enough (1999). Discover it for yourself before the tourist buses arrive, then head back on board for your own royal banquet.

Transit to the Kylerhea for the journey south. It’s one of the best places in Britain to spot otters, but you’ll already know that if you’ve read naturalist Gavin Maxwell’s Ring of Bright Water, which documented his life with his beloved otter pets, Chahala, Mijbil, Mossy, Monday, Tibby, Edal and Teko. Head to the location of the memoir, the isle of Eigg, and take a tender ride around the shore to spot their wild descendents. Then head to Loch Drumbuie, one of the best yachting anchorages in Scotland. This is the ideal place to explore by kayak, before settling in with a sundowner on deck.

Cast a line over the side. Loch Aline, today’s first stop, is renowned for its well-stocked waters. Blue Skate and Thonback Ray are popular species to fish here, while the river boasts opportunity to catch Salmon and Sea Trout. Back aboard, your chef can prepare your catch for lunch as you head to the Island of Kerrera. Head to the island’s southern shores to take in the view of Gylen Castle, a little clifftop stronghold that wouldn’t look out of place in Game of Thrones. Your final night will be spent at anchor here, before crossing back to Oban in the morning.