Walking Weekends

 



Scotland hosts some of the most amazing, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding environments. Whether ashore or afloat, visitors are attracted from all around the world to enjoy wildlife, scenery, open spaces and incredible hospitality. Join us onboard our Ocean Racing Yacht (well, without the racing!) as we explore some amazing locations and enjoy some incredible views with our walking weekends that run all year round.

Our walking weekends operate a number of different routes throughout the year. Operating over two or three days our walking weekends explore various routes.

Route One: Holy Loch to Loch Goil. Steeped in history, the areas of Holy Loch, Loch Long and Loch Goil host an intriguing mixture of forest tracks, wild paths and coastal views. Starting from and returning to Kip Marina, Scotland’s Premier Marina, you are invited to join the yacht on Friday evening. Once the safety briefing is over, and your bunk allocated, it will be time to get to know your fellow adventurers as we make the short passage to Holy Loch. On Saturday morning after breakfast, the final weather checks will be completed as you disembark the yacht for your day walking. With multiple start points available depending on your preferred duration of walk you will soon be on your way. With the yacht cruising through Loch Long to Loch Goil where you will be reunited with your bunk for an evening meal and overnight at anchor. Cruising back on Sunday will see you pass through some amazing scenery, not to mention the secret submarine base, shhhh.

Route Two: Goat Fell, Arran. Known as “Scotland in miniature” the Isle of Arran and its highest mountain, Goat Fell, is well known. This trip offers you the chance to either climb to this magnificent summit (or the shoulder route if weather gets in the way), or if you prefer, a stunning non-ascending coastal walk. Starting from and returning to Kip Marina, Scotland’s Premier Marina, you are invited to join the yacht on either Thursday or Friday evening (check the dates). Events that start on the Thursday evening include a day of sailing on the Friday. Events that start on a Friday are a straight transfer to LochRanza with no sailing expected. Once the safety briefing is over, and your bunk allocated, it will be time to get to know your fellow adventurers as we depart for Lochranza on the Isle of Arran. Once arrived, we will spend the night here at anchor. In the morning after a hearty breakfast enjoying some fine Scottish traditions it will be time to go ashore for your choice of ascending Goat Fell or taking a more leisurely coastal route. Both routes plan to finish at Lamlash (or Brodick if conditions allow) where the yacht will be anchored awaiting your return. Dinner will be served onboard as we spend a second night at anchor in one of Arran’s scenic anchorages. Once we have enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on Sunday we will head back to Inverkip. You can expect a mix of motoring and sailing whilst onboard, and feel free to be as involved as you wish with the sailing.

With an ascending and coastal route option normally available and different start and end points common our walking weekends have got flexibility built-in. Ascending routes will normally be accompanied by a guide to ensure you get the most out of your trip.

To join us for a mountainous ascent, you should be experienced and have your own walking equipment, as well as being fit enough to complete an ascent, or trail walk of between 6 and 8 hours duration. For a gentler option with less requirements for fitness and equipment you can choose to complete a coastal route. Note the coastal routes are not guided.

We will provide all the safety gear you will need onboard the yacht and you will be joined onboard by four excellent crew members to look after you during your time onboard. For information on what you need please click here.

Cost:

From £187.50 per person inclusive of all onboard costs.

Dates:

Dates will run throughout the year. For availability and booking, please follow the link at the top of this page.

NOTE:

  • The cost of this event includes all food, fuel and berthing charges whilst onboard and a packed lunch when ashore.

  • Sailing activity is weather dependent. If conditions are too severe the route may be altered, postponed, cancelled or the passage plan adjusted.

  • Guests need to arrange their own travel to/from the embarkation and disembarkation point. Car Parking is available for no charge at Kip Marina.