Compare Isles and Inlets of Argyll by St Hilda Sea Adventures vs Highlights of Scotland by G Adventures

Day 1:

Holy Loch to Loch Riddon. After boarding at 3pm and a safety briefing we depart Holy Loch heading south west along the magnificent Firth of Clyde. Toward Point often has minke whale and basking shark reports and there are frequent pods of dolphins and harbour porpoises. We pass through the tranquil coastal waters of the Kyles of Bute with natural harbours, sheltered beaches and tidal narrows, providing stunning scenery. At around 8pm we arrive at secluded Loch Riddon, a sea loch opening from the Kyles of Bute and surrounded by mountains, and anchor off a beautiful country house with its own wharf and "Admiral steps" and enjoy dinner in perfect peace and tranquillity. Seals are a familiar sight including the more rare and misnamed "common" seal. At night phosphorescence can often be seen because of the high density of plankton. Under the water there are langoustine, crabs (swimmer, shore, hermit and large crabs that are good to eat) lobsters and scallops that are regularly caught by the local fishermen as well as fish to be caught. This area is on the edge of the line of total darkness and is one of the most southern places in Europe to experience the stars as you never have before, with no light pollution at our anchorages at night.

Day 2:

Loch Riddon. Wake up at anchor to the sound of water lapping on the hull. After a leisurely breakfast, watching the seals swim around the boat, we can fish for bait for the lobster pot and for mackerel for dinner. We can also learn how to tie knots or just sit back (and photograph) and enjoy the wildlife - often as much as 24 bird species each day that are seen throughout the season. After lunch we can up anchor and head for the Burnt Islands and the island of Eilean Dubh that help create the picturesque narrows of the Kyles of Bute. From this lovely anchorage we can use the dinghy to pass the remains of an Iron Age fort and, in the breeding season, we can get close to the bird sanctuary to see Greater and Lesser Black Backed Gulls nesting with Oystercatchers, Herring Gulls, Cormorants, Eider Ducks and many other species. We also have a chance to dinghy close to the rare, Common Seal colony on the Islands. We can also launch a lobster pot.

Day 3:

Depending on the weather (and availability) guests can choose an alternative itinerary on Days 3 and 4, exploring Loch Fyne and visiting Inveraray. The cruise will then take in Loch Goil.

Arran and Burnt Islands. We are up early and after picking up the lobster pot we head down the beautiful West Kyle and out over the Sound of Bute to Arran. Sail training can be included if wished. We lunch on the way and once out in the open sea we hoist the sails. We sail over towards Arran for an invigorating and often lively sail as we meet the full force of the ocean swell and winds around the steep sides of the remote east coast of Arran. Stay alert for leaping dolphins and cruising basking sharks. Gannets plunge into the sea from a great height and, if conditions are right, we quietly sail so close to Manx Shearwaters, Guillemots and Razorbills and three metres long "Lion" Jellyfish that we could almost touch them! We return to a secluded and beautiful anchorage off the Burnt Islands at the head of the Kyles of Bute to enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:

Loch Fyne. If the weather suits on day three we can head off to Loch Fyne to explore the longest sea loch in Scotland. This area is a hotspot for marine life and although it can never be guaranteed we are often fortunate enough to spot dolphins and porpoises and even the very occasional whale and basking shark as we travel up the loch. From May to July there are often rafts of puffins on the surface of the loch and many other bird species. We have lunch on the way and passing through the narrows head for our next anchorage off Loch Fyne's west shore at Minard.

Day 4

Burnt Islands/Loch Striven. After breakfast we can take the tender close to the shores of the Isle of Bute and if we are lucky watch the wild goats in close proximity. We can also climb from the dinghy to see the mysterious "Maids of Bute" painted stones with a poignant history and also visit an outdoor "sculpture park". We have the option to go ashore to go rock pooling or for a walk along the East Kyle to see a charming early 19th century community church and try real ale at the Colintraive Arms, a traditional hostelry.

We can leave the Burnt Islands after lunch and head for the very remotest of Scottish sea lochs, Loch Striven which is a total escape.  On the way we can collect a plankton sample to examine later at anchor in the quiet waters of the loch. We anchor at the head of the loch to watch for wildlife and soak in the silence.

Alternative itinerary on six night cruise:

Inveraray. We travel further up Loch Fyne to the small town of Inveraray where we anchor off for the day and visit magnificent Inveraray Castle, a shrine to the Campbell clan and home to the 8th Duke of Argyll. We can also take in the castle gardens and walk through the grounds for a fantastic view of Loch Fyne. We return to Minard to our night time anchorage and dinner.

Day 5

Loch Striven. After breakfast we can go ashore by tender to climb the trail on the loch side, which takes us high enough for magnificent views of the loch and sea. The coastline is also a very pretty walk with lots of shells on the shoreline and perfect for rock pooling at low tide. If the tide is right we can collect plump mussels for dinner that night. After lunch we up anchor and head for the marina for a late arrival.

Day 6

Holy Loch and Disembarking. We have a final breakfast and disembark.

Optional six night tour:

Loch Striven/Loch Goil. We have a lovely long cruise from Loch Striven, enjoying lunch en route, passing Holy Loch and on up Loch Long to Loch Goil. On reaching Loch Goil we pass ancient Carrick Castle, once a Viking fort and a resting place for Mary Queen of Scots. Our anchorage is off a delightful stream in a pretty bay; another excellent spot for swimming from the boat. Loch Goil is a popular place for seals, dolphins and porpoises and we should be lucky enough to spot some from the deck. There is the option for an evening stroll along the shore walk in an area where red squirrels are regularly seen.

Day 1 Edinburgh

Arrive at any time.

We recommend arriving a few days early to explore Scotland's compact, hilly capital.

Day 2 Edinburgh/Inverness

This morning enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh before departing the city for the Highlands. Visit Cairgorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest. Later, spot some reindeer in the local paddocks.

Day 3 Inverness

In the morning, visit Culloden Moor and the Culloden Moor visitor center, famous for the Jacobite rising of 1745. After lunch, board a cruise towards Loch Ness. Experience the infamous "loch" by boat and learn about the history (and legend) surrounding its mysterious lake creature. Explore Urquhart Castle before returning to Inverness.

Day 4 Inverness/Fort William

Discover the beautiful Isle of Skye. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the iconic Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. Once on the Isle, visit Sligachan, where you can spot the Black Cullin mountains in the background. Watch for the old man's face on the Old Man of Storr hike and in the evening, take a Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig.

Day 5 Fort William

Visit the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Settle back at the viewpoint in time to see the Jacobite Steam train cross over the viaduct. Afterwards, stretch your legs with a forest walk in Ben Nevis followed by a distillery tour and whisky tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery.

Day 6 Fort William/Glasgow City

Head south towards Glasgow. Enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's largest city. Take time to explore this port city by visiting its museums, joining a brewery tour or jumping on a bike tour of the city.

Day 7 Glasgow City

Depart at any time.