Rugged Wilderness in Scotland

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Scotland may be small in size, but it is incredibly rich in beauty and experiences. While many visitors explore its mountains and coastlines every year, few do so by yacht. Working with local captains who know these waters better than anyone else, Pelorus is able to design experiences that delve deep into Britain’s last frontier of true wilderness.

When to go

April - October

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The Hebrides

Begin your Scottish yacht expedition in The Hebrides where there is a wide variety of experiences to be unearthed. Head off in your yacht’s tender to discover incredible hidden beaches where the water has a Caribbean tinge or explore some of the oldest castles in the world with your personal Pelorus historian. Later, your yacht will moor in a sheltered sea loch where you will be dropped ashore to climb rugged mountains, keeping an eye out for deer and eagles along the way. For the keen fishermen among you, head out fly fishing for wild Atlantic salmon in the many remote rivers that weave through the desolate moorland to the sea.

The Isle of Mull

Wake up in the Isle of Mull to stunning scenery with views over the iconic picture-postcard town of Tobermory. Head out in sea kayaks to a hidden cove to enjoy a luxurious lunch in total seclusion before hiking into the hills. Here, you will also visit the Isle of Staffa to explore Fingals Cave with your guide, where you can observe hexagonal rock columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions.

The Isle of Skye

Arguably the most spectacular and dramatic of all the Scottish Islands, the Isle of Skye offers a wide array of experiences. You can head out fishing with local guides and even try your hand at lobster potting. Enjoy a private visit to the Talisker distillery to sample the country’s most famous produce. Forage with wildlife specialists for mushrooms, wild garlic and sorrel in the forest, and along the shoreline delicious seaweeds, mussels and samphire. You will cook and eat what you find on an open fire alongside your yacht’s chef.

Hike and explore WWII mica mines before enjoying lunch at a private bothy. Climb a Munro (a mountain over 3000ft) with guides where you can explore by mountain bike or hop into the tender to cruise the abundance of remote islands and covers on Skye. Spot wildlife such as eagles, otters, red deer, and seals. In the evening, back on board your yacht, Pelorus will arrange for a master whisky distiller to talk you through the country’s most famous export at a specially designed tasting featuring rare and exquisite drams. You will also be joined on board by a local Scottish band and dance instructor so you can experience a traditional Scottish reel alongside whisky cocktails designed especially for you.

Outer Hebrides, St Kilda

Cruise to St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides, the most important sea bird breeding station in Northwest Europe, keeping an eye out for minke whales and dolphins as you travel. Here you will have unique access to the island by way of helicopter as Pelorus has negotiated special permissions to make this happen. Touch down and explore with a naturalist who specializes in its unique biosphere. This World Heritage Site has the largest colony of guillemots in the world, the oldest and largest colony of fulmars, the biggest colony of puffins in Britain and over one million birds in total. Once populated by the unique and hardy Kildians, there is an abandoned village on the island that you can visit where the houses are still relatively intact, and the stories and folklore are preserved for retelling.

Harris

Join experienced and knowledgeable guides in Harris who will introduce you to coasteering. Swim, jump and climb over some of the most rugged sea cliffs, caves, and hidden passages on the island of Harris, pausing to snorkel in bays where the water is at its clearest. You can expect to see cold-water corals, crustaceans, an array of fish and, hopefully, marine mammals such as seals and dolphins.

Conservation

During your Scottish yacht expedition, you will have multiple opportunities to partake in local conservation and research projects. Help set camera traps in osprey nesting areas; a valuable contribution to the ongoing research of these birds of prey. Carry out productivity and population count for fulmar, kittiwake, guillemot, and razorbills. Assist in efforts to save Scotland’s declining red squirrel population, providing vaccines and habitats. Help to reinforce Scotland’s wild beaver population, relocating them to suitable habitats. Carry out research into the benefits of letting decommissioned oil rigs remain as they currently stand, providing refuge and habitats for marine life. Spot killer whales along the shore as they hunt for seals and identify known individuals as well as new members of the resident pod.