Private charter with eagles galore and a fossilised tree!

Our private charter enjoyed a wonderful September week of excellent weather with no wind or rain.  Departing Oban, our destination for our first anchorage was Loch a Choire in Ardnamurchan. Our journey took us up Loch Linnhe, past the Isle of Lismore to this lovely sheltered sea loch.  On the way we spotted two separate flocks of red-breasted mergansers on the water.

Loch a Choire is a very dramatic anchorage with the surrounding high mountains providing the perfect backdrop to our first dinner on board.
Cruising over to Mull on the Sunday, our first stopover was a visit to Duart Castle, then on to Tobermory for walks in Aros Park and an exploration of the town.  We crossed the Sound of Mull to the massive sea loch, Loch Sunart and the village of Strontian for our anchorage for the night.

Skipper’s Log – Glen Tarsan, 7th September

Departing Oban on Saturday afternoon, we sailed for Loch Spelve on Mull to anchor for the night and enjoy the first dinner onboard from Chef Stephen who was to outdo himself with delicious dining over the next week. In the morning after breakfast, guests spied two Golden Eagles circling the loch before we set off along the coast of Mull to Iona.

After a stroll ashore to take in the ancient Abbey, the sun appeared for our sail to Loch Scridain and Kilfinichen Bay where we set anchor for the night, well placed for our trip to Staffa the next morning.

Around Mull Wildlife Cruise September 2013

Guest Blog from Margaret Matthew

The Majestic Line invited Matt Oliver, an ecologist and friend of the Majestic Line owners, on board as an extra pair of eyes to help spot the wildlife on this Around Mull cruise as part of VisitScotlands "Year of Natural Scotland". As Matt’s mum I took advantage of the spare bed in the twin cabin and offered to do a write-up of the cruise and wildlife seen.  The Skipper of the Glen Massan, Martin, has an excellent eye for identifying wildlife and the Engineer Alistair is an environmental biologist so has in-depth knowledge; however as they are often busy with their crewing duties, this was an opportunity for some additional dedicated spotting.  

A Serene and Scenic Sail in the Southern Hebrides

Heritage and Wildlife of the Southern Hebrides 6-night cruise

Skipper’s Log, Glen Massan 24^th August

Departing from Oban, we enjoyed a scenic sail south through the Sound of Kerrera, cruising through a fascinating landscape of numerous small islands, both inhabited and non-inhabited, known as the Slate Isles.  With mirror-flat waters and the sun still shining we anchored for the night and our first meal on board in Loch Melfort. 

Basking Sharks make this Skye Cruise extra special

Skye and the Inner Hebrides 6-night cruise 17^th August 2013

Skipper’s Log, The Glen Tarsan

 

Departing from Oban, the first overnight anchorage for the cruise was sheltered Loch Spelve on Mull where red deer were spied on the surrounding hills. The following morning we set off to nearby Duart Bay for a visit to Duart Castle, the seat of Clan Maclean.  The visit was made complete by the presence of a White Tailed Eagle circling overhead and a fun loving Otter swimming near the tender boat on the approach to the castle, disembarking on the beach under the dramatic silhouette of the castle.