Scotland's North West Passage

Departing from the picturesque harbour town of Oban, known as the "Gateway to the Isles," for good reason, your journey begins amidst the sheltered waters of Scotland’s west coast. 

Navigating North through the Sound of Mull then rounding the tip of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, the westernmost point of mainland Scotland, you’ll encounter more open waters as you enter and cross the Minch. Conditions here can vary and are a great practice for the sailing ahead.

Continuing north, we will stop in at anchorages like Lochmaddy and Stornoway to rest, explore and take in the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides. Keep an eye out on the water as the Hebrides are a highway for all sorts of marine life including dolphins, porpoises and whales.

Once past Cape Wrath, we will set a course for Shetland. With land slipping away behind you and the open sea stretching around you, you will get a real taste of ocean sailing.

With the low rolling silhouettes of the Shetland Islands rising on the horizon. Here is the best place to spot Scotland’s resident pod of Orca, a spectacle in itself. Weather permitting we may even pass round Muckle Flugga, home to Britain’s most northerly lighthouse. 

Finally berthing in Lerwick, you’ll enter a well-protected natural harbour that has welcomed mariners for centuries. The town offers a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities, the perfect reward for your crossing. 

If you wish to continue the excitement and challenges of sailing the Northern Isles then stay on for the next leg heading south to Inverness. Information can be found here.

Key Information

Travel:

Oban

Oban is easily accessible by both rail and road, but we highly recommend the train journey from Glasgow. It offers views of some of Scotland's most stunning scenery, winding through picturesque lochs and mountains. For those driving, parking is available at various locations in Oban, and you can conveniently book a space online in advance.

Lerwick

Lerwick, the vibrant capital of Shetland, is well-connected with frequent ferry services and regular flights from Sumburgh Airport, providing convenient links back to the Scottish mainland and offering access to national and international travel connections.

Event Information:

Check out the links below for helpful details on what to bring, our exciting provisional itinerary, and everything you need to know to join us on this adventure. We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

What to bring guidance is located here.

Our Provisional Itinerary will be published here in October 2025.

Joining Instructions will be published here in October 2025.

Cost: £1595 before early booking discount

Book with 35% off from £1036.75 until 30 September 2025 (£350 deposit due at time of booking) per person inclusive of all onboard costs. Discount reduces on the 1st of each month (October through to March) by 5% until 1 April 2026 when the full price will apply. Additional chargeable options are available for cabin types, selectable when booking.

Dates:

30th July - 9th August 2026

Sample Itinerary:

Day One: Arrive aboard the yacht in the late afternoon, where you'll be welcomed by our friendly crew with an evening meal and a chance to get familiar with your new floating home. Unpack, unwind and get ready for an unforgettable week.

Day Two: Start the adventure with a mandatory safety briefing, followed by a final familiarisation session as we set sail toward our first destination. We typically aim for Tobermory, the perfect position to start our adventurous passage North.

Day Three to Five: Ease those sea legs into action by crossing the Minch and following the Outer Hebridean Isles northwards, with possible stops at Lochmaddy in North Uist and Stornoway, the gorgeous capital of Lewis.

Day Six to nine: Round Cape Wrath and head into the North Sea for our offshore leg! Keep an eye out for marine life, seabirds and enjoy the breath-taking sights of some of Scotland’s most remote islands, hoping for a weather window to check out Muckle flugga.

Day Ten: Arrival to the Shetland capital, Lerwick, to celebrate the completion of a challenging passage and an adventure shared with new friends.

Day Eleven: Enjoy one last tasty breakfast, then disembark by noon, taking with you unforgettable memories of your North West Passage adventure.

NOTE:

• The cost of this event includes all onboard food, fuel, waterproof and lifejacket hire and berthing charges.

• We supply pillows and sleeping bags

• Sailing activity is weather dependent. If conditions are too severe activity may be postponed, cancelled or the passage plan adjusted.

• Guests will need to arrange their own travel to and from the embarkation and disembarkation points.

• Unlike many companies, we don’t use your payment before your trip. This means if unexpected disruptions occur that qualify for a refund, your money is safe with us and will be returned quickly and hassle-free. (We also don’t charge a cleaning fee, or make you do the cleaning.. Bonus :-))