For the Vikings, the Hebrides were the islands at the edge of the sea. Changing weather and tidal ranges and associated currents make navigation here challenging, but experienced crews are rewarded with beautiful nature and mystical landscapes. Explorations in the lochs and sounds lead to weather-beaten castles with exciting clan stories and unique rock formations and cliffs. The Hebrides are also a natural paradise, home to puffins, otters, seals, dolphins, whales and a wide variety of seabird species.
Climate: temperateä&aerospace;igt with temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees
Winds:Northwest, strong winds
Sailing season: May to September
Yacht charter Armadale (Isle of Skye)
The small town of Armadale is located in the south of the Isle of Skye. It is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and is close to the mainland. For a one-week trip it is suitable to sail around the island, depending on the weather conditions. The nearby islands of Raasay and Rùm can also be included. Those with more time and experience can also, again depending on the weather, sail to the Outer Hebrides with Harris and North Uist.
The nearest airport is in Inverness, about 2.5 hours away by car. Or you can land in Glasgow, to Armadale it is then about 4 hours. Sailing depends on the weather on the west coast of Scotland and between the islands on the tidal range. The weather is varied, since the Isle of Skye is mountainous, it rains here more often. Due to the Gulf Stream, however, the climate is comparatively mild. If the weather does not permit sailing around the island, it is also worthwhile to sail in the Inner Sound and the various lochs that lead from here into the country.
The village of Armadale is rather small. The castle is the main attraction here. It is no longer inhabited, but can be visited from the outside. However, the large garden around it, where you can take a walk, is well maintained. Here you will also find the Clan Donald Centre, named after the family that once lived in the castle, and the Museum of the Isles, where you can get right into the history and culture of the islands at the start of your cruise.
A week around the Isle of Skye with a yacht charter Armadale
From Armadale we sail northeast through the narrows of Kye Rhea. At the village of the same name Kylerhea the island and the mainland are closest to each other. The place is surrounded by beautiful nature. Here you can see the island's popular otters not only in sculpture but in the wild, as well as various species of seabirds and seals. You have to go through Kyle Rhea with the tidal current, otherwise you won't get away from the spot. Behind it, towards the east, Loch Duich winds its way into the island. At the turnoff Loch Long you should definitely stop for the Eilean Loch Donnan Castle. The visitor center provides information about clan history, which, as is usual here, goes back a long way and tells of numerous feuds. The 13th century castle has been restored and guided tours are available.
In the Sound of Raasay in a sheltered bay lies the charming harbor town of Portree. The former fishing village is now the main town and the only town on Skye. Here you will find all kinds of supply facilities. The museum The Aros Experience explains the island's history and central characters. Annually in August the Skye Highland Games take place here and in the summer season it is the tourist center of the island where it can get crowded. Heading north from Portree is the island's most famous hiking trail, The Old Man of Storr, which leads to a popular stone formation called The Old Man.
Further north, there are more panoramas on the cliffs, such as at Kilt Rock. Here a waterfall cascades over solidified lava into the sea. Seeing it from the water is clearly an advantage.
In Loch Dunvegan, idyllic in the green, lies Dunvegan Castle with its gardens. In the castle there are guided tours to the different rooms and to the history and change of the castle.
Neist Point marks the westernmost point of the island and it's worth taking a hike to the lighthouse for the great view from here. Depending on the weather, the view reaches as far as the Outer Hebrides. On the northwest coast near Hunglader, the Museum of Island Life shows typical houses and furnishings as well as everyday culture in the 19th century. Nearby is also the grave of Flora MacDonald, who played an important role not only in the history of the Hebrides.
Not only for those who miss the sandy beach, Talisker Bay in the west of the island is worth visiting. The bay is surrounded by green cliffs. Here you can take a walk to the nearby waterfall. North of the bay in Loch Harport is the famous Talisker Distillery, which offers tours and tastings.
To the southwest in Loch na Cuilce bay, the Scavaig River leads to the freshwater loch of Loch Coruisk, which was formed during the Ice Age. Here you will be anchored between the heights Black Cuillins, which depending on the light and weather of the landscape reproduce different moods. Therefore, in the past, the lake was also a destination and inspiration for artists, such as Walter Scott and William Turner. You can only get to the lake by hiking or sailing.
As another starting port in the north of Great Britain we offer Inverness at the north coast. From here you can start trips to the Orkney and Shetland Islands. If you prefer to explore the south of England, you can sail from Southampton in the English Channel. The sailing center of England, the Isle of Wight, is just off the bay.
