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Sailing and walking in Scotland

Saturday 26 August 2023 16: 00 t / m Saturday 02 September 2023 10: 00

Sailing and walking in Scotland with Gerard Spanjer

The Scottish islands are ideal for walks. Hikers are surrounded by an inviting landscape and the sea is never far away. Our guests can choose whether to use the guidance of the hiking guide or to hike one of the offered routes independently. Guests receive good directions and coordinates for all walks in GPX format or for Google Maps. The guide and whiskey connoisseur on board is Gerard Spanjer (64). He has been active for decades organizing whiskey tastings and dinners. To support this knowledge, he has followed various courses and knows how to convey his enthusiasm like no other. Whiskey is of course a world drink and is therefore made all over the world. But Scotch whiskey has a special place in the heart of Gerard and with it the Scottish landscape, nature and culture.

Travel schedule

On Saturday everyone will embark at 16:00 in the port of Oban (Celtic for Little Bay). During the day you can visit the distillery of Oban Whiskey on your own. This small, intimate distillery is located in the middle of the quaint harbor town.

Sunday - Tobermory
On Sunday the ship sails from Oban to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. There is an opportunity to visit the distillery of Tobermory whiskey. The heavily peated Ledaig whiskey is made in the same distillery.
In addition, there is the opportunity to take one of two local walks: the Lighthouse Circuit route of 5,5 km and the Aros Park and Tobermory Circuit route, also of 5,5 km. The Isle of Mull is very flat by Scottish standards and is therefore ideal for an initial exploration of what awaits you this week. Both routes are fairly easy and lead along the beautiful nature of this Scottish island. The first route offers beautiful views from the coast, route Aros park passes a waterfall and a small nature reserve.

Monday - Isle of Tiree
Today a long sailing trip to the island of Tiree awaits. On the island you can walk to the Ringing Stone & Dun Mòr broch and Tràigh Mhòr (10 km). This walk is also fairly flat, but leads over rough terrain, sometimes without paths and over grassy plains. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
The walk leads in a large circle to the north coast of the small island and back to the harbor via a different route.
After the walk, the Thalassa remains in the port of Tiree.

Tuesday - Colonsay
From Tiree you sail to Colonsay on Tuesday. If time permits, you can make a short visit to the island of Iona. There is the possibility to visit the monastery, or to hike to the top of Dùn Ì (101 m). From there you have a nice view over this island.
Depending on the arrival time at Colonsay there is an opportunity for a walk of 8 km. The route departs from Scalasaig harbor and leads over more hilly terrain past the Lord Colonsay monument, viewpoints and the abandoned fishing village of Riasg Buidh.

Wednesday & Thursday - Islay
After a short sail, the ship will arrive in the bay at Bunnahabhain Distillery on Wednesday. There the distillery can be visited or there is the opportunity for a long coastal walk of over 13 km.
If desired, you can walk to Port Askaig. There is the modern, large, distillery of Caol Ila. The Thalassa picks up its guests on site after this walk and any visit. An alternative is a walk to the menhirs, 5 km on flat terrain. After this, the Thalassa will sail on to Port Ellen, where it will spend the night in port.
There is enough time to visit several distilleries. From Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg can be reached on foot. Owners of a Laphroaig estate can plant their flag there and collect the rent of the past period in the form of a dram of whisky. In the afternoon you sail on to Campbeltown

Friday - Campbeltown and Troon
In Cambeltown there is an opportunity for a nice walk. The real whiskey enthusiasts have the opportunity to visit the Springbank distillery. This is an absolute must for this target group. Longrow (peat) and Hazelburn (Lowland style) are also made at this distillery. Handicraft and craftsmanship is the motto in this distillery. You will also find the Kilkerran and Glen Scotia distilleries in Campbeltown. Glen Scotia is an example of the quality of this, at the time very extensive, whiskey region.

The 6,5 mile walk leads through woodland to Beinn Ghuilean where there are great views over Cambeltown and the bay. In the afternoon the Thalassa sails to Troon. In the evening, guests can share this week's experiences on board or in the local pub.
Saturday morning you leave the ship again and everyone goes their own way.

Please note: in this travel description a global layout of the trip is given in which routes and daily schedules may differ, everything on board is done depending on the wind and weather. Wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear is recommended during this trip.

Pricing

  • Based on 2 persons in a 2-person cabin € 1275 pp
  • Surcharge for private cabin use

Additional information

  • Comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear is recommended
  • Transfers to the embarkation and disembarkation ports are not included

Price includes

  • Accommodation in a double cabin with private shower
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Coffee, tea, milk and water

Price excludes

  • Other non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks
  • Transfers to the departure and arrival port
  • Insurance

Food allergies and dietary requirements
If you have dietary requirements or allergies, it is best to discuss this before booking. Often it is not a problem, but sometimes some cooperation is expected from the guests if special products have to be purchased, which will then have to be taken by the guests themselves, for example.

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