Inverness – Oban

The specified program is a guide. Changes due to the effects of weather, current and wind are possible. Flexibility is required for this trip.

Day 1: Inverness

On this beautiful Inverness – Oban trip, we like to welcome you in Inverness. Inverness is a beautiful town with it’s famous castle and St. Andrews cathedral. You can have a walk along the river or discover the town centre and visit an authentic pub with traditional Scottish music. Once you’ve embarked, you can meet the other participants and the crew. Around 19.00 there is a welcome dinner and we raise a glass of whisky on a nice trip.

Day 2: Loch Ness

After a nice breakfast we start our Inverness – Oban trip. First, the Flying Dutchman has to go threw the 5 locks of Inverness. When we are all aboard again, we follow the Canal and reach Loch Ness. Loch Ness is the second largest loch (lake) in Scotland with depths reaching over 750 feet. The loch contains more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. It is 23 miles long and about a mile wide for most of its length. Loch Ness is part of the 60 mile Caledonian Canal, which connects Inverness to Fort William. The canal was constructed in the early 19th century and has 29 locks along its length.

Loch Ness is famous for its monster, known as Nessie, which has supposedly been sighted since the 6th century. In 1933, a man claimed the monster crossed the road in front of him – a sighting which led to increased interest. We moor at the famous 13th century Urquhart Castle, once one of the largest in Scotland. We anchor here on Loch Ness and spend the night.

Day 3: Fort Augusta

We continue our trip to Fort Augustus, a small cozy village on the south bank of the great Loch Ness. The 5 locks form the heart of the village. You can go to the Visitor Center where you can get souvenirs, books, guides and information, and the Clansman Center, a shop for Celtic jewelry and objects. This is also the location of a small museum about the life of a Highlander. Due to the location of the village in the Highlands of Scotland, you can of course enjoy nature here. We go up through the 5 locks and continue to Fort William. Beautiful lochs alternate with the narrow tree-lined canal. At the end of the day we reach the Neptune’s Staircase or the Stairs of Neptunes.

Day 4: Fort William

The next morning we pass with great interest the locks of Neptune’s Staircase, a system of eight locks designed by Thomas Telford. The artwork allows the boats to rise 19.5 meters over a length of 457 meters. Originally the locks were manpowered but now operate hydraulically. It is the largest of its kind in the UK and very special to see. From the lock complex you have a beautiful view of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. The Ben Nevis distillery is nearby and of course a visit can be made. Fort William has a population of just under 10,000, making it the second largest city in the Highlands after Inverness. The city was named Fort William in reference to William of Orange, who was King of Scotland in the seventeenth century through his marriage to Mary II of England.

Day 5: Loch Linnhe – Lismore

We are now on the west coast and are now sailing on Loch Linnhe, which gives beautiful views of the Highlands and shows us the beauty of unspoilt Scotland. We are on our way to Lismore. Lismore is an island of the Inner Hebrides, located in Loch Linnhe north-east of Mull. The island was a Celtic Christian center in the early Middle Ages thanks to an abbey founded by Saint Moluag. We sail along Mull and on the way we moor in the picturesque harbor town of Tobermory.

Day 6: Tobermory

Tobermory is one of Scotland’s most beautiful harbors, thanks to its colorful houses and a sheltered bay where legend has it that one of the Spanish Armada ships sank with gold in 1588. Built as a fishing port in 1788 to a design by Thomas Telford, the town curves around the harbor and rises into the hill behind it. Main Street is a mix of shops, eateries, hotels and guest houses and has an excellent selection of locally produced arts and crafts.

And there is the famous Tobermory Distillery where you can book a wonderful tour and taste delicious whiskeys.

Day 7: Oban

We now sail on the beautiful west coast and close to the beautiful Duart Castle, which is a beautiful and impressive sight from the water. After a beautiful day with lots of photo moments, we moor in Oban, a beautiful harbor town with its famous distillery.

Day 8: Farewell

It was a wonderful journey! Straight through the Highlands and across Loch Ness Lake to the West coast of Scotland. We have seen the enchanting and unspoilt Scotland in a unique way. After an extensive breakfast it is time to say goodbye.