Itinerary: Cruise from Glasgow (Fairlie) – Arran, Islay, Gigha, Tobermory, Outer Hebrides (Expedition Day), Stornoway, Shiant Isles (Scenic Cruising), Isle of Skye, Isle of Eigg, Iona, Staffa (Weather Permitting), Colonsay – Return to Glasgow (Fairlie).
About this expedition
This is HX Expeditions’ planned itinerary through the Scottish Hebrides. Unlike a conventional cruise, individual landing locations, small-boat excursions and activities may change according to weather, sea conditions and decisions made by the Captain and Expedition Team. In particular, the Outer Hebrides landing site will be selected during the voyage, and a visit to Staffa is dependent on suitable conditions.
Ports of Call
Cruise from Glasgow (Fairlie)
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Arran: The Isle of Arran combines rugged northern mountains with gentler southern landscapes. The planned visit includes opportunities to explore Brodick Castle and its gardens, while the surrounding countryside offers views towards Goat Fell and the island’s coastline.
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Islay: Islay is well known for its whisky distilleries, but also has sandy beaches, coastal wildlife and a long history. HX’s planned activities include exploring the island’s heritage, with a guided walk around the Port Ellen area. Whisky tasting may be available as an additional excursion.
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Gigha: The small, community-owned Isle of Gigha lies off Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula. Its sheltered bays, beaches and Achamore Gardens make it an appealing place to explore on foot, with opportunities to learn about island life and local conservation.
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Tobermory: Tobermory is the principal town on the Isle of Mull, recognised for its brightly coloured buildings beside the harbour. Visitors can explore the waterfront, local museum and surrounding walking routes, with opportunities to discover the island’s history and coastal wildlife.
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Outer Hebrides (Expedition Day): The expedition plans to explore one of the smaller islands of the Outer Hebrides. The precise landing location is deliberately left open, allowing the Captain and Expedition Team to select a suitable site. Depending on conditions, activities may include a beach landing, a walk ashore or a small-boat excursion to observe the coastline and wildlife.
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Stornoway: Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Lews Castle and its grounds offer an introduction to the island’s heritage, while excursions may explore the Callanish Standing Stones and the traditions of Harris Tweed production.
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Shiant Isles (Scenic Cruising): The Shiant Isles are a small group of islands in the Minch, notable for their dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies. The planned scenic passage offers opportunities to observe the coastline and potentially spot seabirds from the ship.
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Isle of Skye: The expedition plans to visit Loch Scavaig beneath the Cuillin mountains, with the possibility of exploring the surrounding landscape towards Loch Coruisk. This remote setting is known for its steep mountains, rocky shores and dramatic scenery. Any landing or guided walk depends on local conditions.
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Isle of Eigg: The planned visit to Eigg offers an opportunity to discover one of Scotland’s community-owned Small Isles. The island has distinctive coastal landscapes, including Laig Bay and its ‘singing sands’, where dry quartz sand can produce a squeaking sound underfoot. Wildlife and nature walks are part of the expedition’s focus.
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Iona: Iona is a small island with an important place in Scottish religious history. Its restored abbey is associated with St Columba and the spread of early Christianity. Visitors may also explore the island’s beaches, coastal paths and quiet village surroundings.
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Staffa (Weather Permitting): If sea conditions allow, the expedition hopes to approach Staffa, an uninhabited island renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave. A closer look from a small expedition boat may be possible, but this is not a guaranteed landing or visit.
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Colonsay: The Isle of Colonsay offers beaches, coastal walking and a varied natural landscape. The planned visit includes opportunities to explore Colonsay House Gardens and discover the island’s birdlife, while Kiloran Bay is another notable feature of its coastline.
Return to Glasgow (Fairlie)