Sailing and hiking trips
Sailing and hiking in Scotland with Gerard Spaans
The Scottish islands are perfect for hiking. Hikers are surrounded by inviting scenery and the sea is never far away. Our guests may choose whether to take advantage of the walking guide's accompaniment or walk one of the offered routes by themselves. Guests receive detailed descriptions of all walks and coordinates in GPX format or for Google Maps. The guide and whisky connoisseur on board is Gerard Spaans (64). He has been organising whisky tastings and dinners for decades. To further support this knowledge, he has attended various training courses and knows how to transmit his enthusiasm like no other. Whisky is, of course, a global drink and is therefore made all over the world. But Scotch whisky has a special place in Gerard's heart and with it the Scottish landscape, nature and culture.
Embarkation: 26 August 2023 in Oban
Disembarkation: 2 September 2023 in Troon
Price per person: € 1275.00
Price is based on 2 people sharing a double cabin.
The fare includes...
- 7 nights' accommodation on board in a double cabin with private shower;
- all meals during the trip (breakfast, lunch and dinner);
- non-alcoholic drinks at meals (coffee, tea, milk and water);
Not included are...
- all other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (beer, wine and whisky);
The sailing trip starts and ends in Scotland. You must arrange your own travel to Scotland. This is NOT included in the price.
Itinerary
Sat 26/08
Embarkation at 16:00 in the port of Oban (Celtic for "Little Bay"). During the day you can visit the Oban Whisky Distillery by yourself. This small, intimate, distillery is located in the middle of the picturesque harbour town.
Sun 27/08 - to Tobermory
On Sunday we sail from Oban to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. There, there will be an opportunity to visit the distillery of Tobermory whisky. This distillery also makes the heavily-turfed Ledaig whisky.
There is an opportunity to choose between one of two local walks: (1) the Lighthouse Circuit of 5.5km and (2) the Aros Park and Tobermory Circuit route, also of 5.5km. The Isle of Mull is very flat by Scottish standards and therefore lends itself perfectly to an initial exploration of what lies ahead this week. Both routes are fairly straightforward and take in the beautiful scenery of this Scottish island. Route (1) offers nice views from the coast, while route (2) passes a waterfall and a small nature reserve.
Mon 28/8 to Isle of Tiree
This day a substantial sailing trip to the Isle of Tiree awaits. On the island, the walk to the Ringing Stone & Dun Mòr broch and Tràigh Mhòr can be made (10km). This walk is also fairly flat, but takes you over rugged terrain, sometimes without paths and across grassy plains. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
The walk leads in a wide circle to the north coast of the small island and back to the port via a different route.
After the walk, we will stay in Tiree harbour.
Di 29/08 - Colonsay
From Tiree, we sail to Colonsay. If time permits, we can make a short visit to the Isle of Iona. There we have the opportunity to visit the monastery, or walk to the top of Dùn Ì (101m). From there you have a nice view of this island.
Depending on the arrival time at Colonsay, there is an opportunity for an 8km walk. The route starts from Scalasaig harbour and leads over more hilly terrain past the Lord Colonsay monument, viewpoints and the abandoned fishing village of Riasg Buidh.
We spend the night in Scalasaig harbour.
Wed 30/08 - To Islay
After a short sail, we arrive in the bay at the Bunnahabhain distillery. There you can visit the distillery or have the opportunity for hefty coastal walk of over 13km.
If desired, you can also walk to Port Askaig. There you will find the modern, large, distillery of Caol Ila. The Thalassa picks up its guests locally after this walk and any visit.
An alternative is a walk to the menhirs, 5 km over flat terrain.
After this, we continue the tour to Port Ellen, where we spend the night in the harbour.
Do 31/08 - Islay
There is ample time to visit several distilleries. From Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg can be reached on foot. Owners of a Laphroaig estate can plant their flag there and collect last period's rent in the form of a dram of whisky.
In the afternoon we cruise to Campbeltown
Fri 01/09 - Campbeltown and Troon
In Cambeltown, there is an opportunity for a nice promenade. However, the real whisky lovers will have the opportunity to visit the Springbank distillery. This one is an absolute must for this target group. At this distillery, Longrow (peered) and Hazelburn (Lowland style) are also made. Handwork and craftsmanship is the motto here. Also found in Campbeltown are the distilleries Kilkerran and Glen Scotia. Glen Scotia exemplifies the quality of this at the time very extensive whisky region.
The 6.5km walk leads through woodland to Beinn Ghuilean where great views over Cambeltown and the bay can be admired.
In the afternoon, Thalassa sails to Troon. In the evening, guests can share the week's experiences on board or in the local pub.
Sa 02/09 - disembarkation
In the morning, guests leave the vessel and everyone goes their own way again.
Please note: this itinerary is a rough outline of the trip and itineraries and daily schedules may vary. Wearing comfortable clothing and firm footwear is recommended during this trip.
Contact
For more information and reservations please call us on +31 (0)682446488 or send an email to Brigitte@tallshipthalassa.nl
Please note: you will receive your booking confirmation via e-mail. There is always a chance that our e-mail ends up in your spam box. We advise you to add the address brigitte@tallshipthalassa.nl to your list of trusted e-mail addresses in your e-mail programme. If you have not received the e-mail with booking confirmation within a few hours, please contact us.
