Scottish Sailing Holidays

Trip Comments
The crew and the boat were fantastic. We managed to sail every day, even when the conditions were relatively calm. Absolutely beautiful corner of the world, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a few days exploring it!

Accommodation and Food
I knew that we'd be seeing some amazing parts of Scotland and I expected that I'd be on a beautiful boat crewed by a knowledgeable, fun cast of characters. I wasn't disappointed. But I had no idea I'd be eating as well as I did. Every single meal Chloe prepared was astoundingly good, and not just considering the tight quarters they were prepared in. This was upscale restaurant-quality food, every meal of every day.

Your Guide
Our fearless skipper, Gabe, and his capable first mate, James, were really fantastic teachers. They made sailing the Eda Frandsen totally approachable and let everyone participate according to their comfort levels. Not only that, they showed us some amazing little pockets of the inner Hebrides that I'll remember for a long time to come. Double-plus good!

The Bottom Line
I would recommend this trip to anyone.

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Pre-Trip Service
Very informative.
My only suggestions would be as follows.
I think the cramped sleeping conditions on the boat should be made clearer. I didnt mind but I think some customers would struggle.
The fact that couples may be expected to seperate to accommodate single people who are of different sexes and their sleeping arrangements needs to be made a lot clearer. I think that this would come as a surprise to some customers.

Trip Comments
Good communication
The sailing exerience just great
Hosts lovely, welcoming, supportive,
Billy the walking guide just wonderful. Very human, funny, knew his stuff, left the walks open as to what we did, interesting, and suportive without being pushy.
Food out of this world

Accommodation and Food
Already commented on accommodation. Expect to be cramped but think info should be clearer.
Food excellent all week and every meal a very pleasant experience.

Your Guide
Billy just the very best. Just fitted in. Knew his stuff. Walking knowledge of area very extensive. Funny, relaxed. Not pushy and just lovely to have around.

The Bottom Line
A different enjoyable experience

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Trip Comments
Chloe, Gabriel and James were a brilliant team. Chloe's cooking was out of this world, How does she do it? Gabriel was a great skipper and so knowledgeable about the sailing area and the wildlife, James was superb in managing us with the rigging as well as being good fun to be around. Thanks to the three of them for making the trip so enjoyable.

The weather was fantastic and allowed us to get to the Outer Hebrides - an unexpected and wonderful bonus, even though it meant motoring more than sailing. But lack of wind can't be helped, and it didn't seem to matter given the gorgeous scenery and anchorage locations we visited.

Also, a great mix of people on the trip - good company.

Overall, a trip of a lifetime. Hope to repeat the experience sometime.

Thank you

Your Guide
Comments made earlier - simply put - they were a brilliant team.

The Bottom Line
Difficult to think how the trip could have been bettered. A wonderful experience.

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Trip Comments
Amazing.... best trip. Fabulous crew, food out of this world. Very knowledgable crew and nothing too much trouble.

Accommodation and Food
Outstanding food

Your Guide
Very suppprtive and knowledgeable, great fun to be with.

The Bottom Line
Exceptional holiday, amazing experience.

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Pre-Trip Service
The initial 2 phone calls and the quick responses to my emails with my packing enquiries.

Trip Comments
The immediate friendly but organised atmosphere that was created. The walk guides enthusiasm and knowledge of Scottish nature, culture and environment. Her care and help on more tricky terrain. Chloe's cooking was awe inspiring..a recipe book of the week would have been good to buy. Waking up in remote bays and lochs felt like a real privilege. The balance of sailing and exploring the islands made the trip just perfect. The early morning teapot was really appreciated.

Accommodation and Food
Tricky question, It was totally excellent as we were on board a 70 year old plus converted fishing boat and as I expected but compared to a standard guest house...no comment!! The food though was the best food I have ever had on a holiday anywhere...even fresh home made bread--staggering. And James's freshly caught crabs must not be forgotten.

Your Guide
Already covered. Kirsty was perfect. I was thrilled to walk with a guide who shared my love of nature and could point out so much of interest.. natural and historical.

The Bottom Line
Thoroughly recommend this trip. I felt very happy at all times, frequently excited and always safe on board boat and when hiking. Probably my best holiday ever. The flexibility offered to fellow travellers was another example of the experience and confidence or our guides and leaders on board and on land. The skipper and first mate were superb at encouraging and teaching us to take part as much as we wanted with crewing Eda Framsden.

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Accommodation and Food
The Food was just great and accommodation what can be expected.

The Bottom Line
I'm sure I will return at some point.

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Trip Comments
Good group, good food, good scenery

Accommodation and Food
Food was good, boat has character and bunk was comfy but space is very tight and washroom facilities are tiny

The Bottom Line
Enjoyable despite the weather

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Pre-Trip Service
Appreciate local number in US

Trip Comments
This trip took us to truly remote and lovely parts of the planet. The boat crew, James and Chloe, were competent and efficient but also very relaxed which made getting hands-on with the sailing fun, regardless of prior experience. Accommodations have been described as "cosy" which is true but they are also comfortable in a way that allowed the group to coalesce quickly. The meals were simply stellar, Michelin would definitely give Chloe's galley five stars. Kirsty's quiet confidence as a hiking guide allowed everyone to reach every goal, even those past their comfort zone.

Accommodation and Food
It helps to understand the limitations of a working sail boat before hand. There are no private cabins and storage space is minuscule. Paradoxically, the limitations fostered a camaraderie that was unique and totally wonderful. The food, which just kept coming, was out of this world.

Your Guide
The sailing crew and walking guide were professional and personable.

The Bottom Line
This trip was unique in that we actually put the canvas up, hiked to remote and lovely vistas, laughed and ate like kings. The best part was traveling from hike to hike over the water instead of loading into a van each time. I am already planning my next trip with Wilderness Scotland.

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Accommodation and Food
Accommodations were excellent for what they were. I knew in advance how cramped the boat would be so I was not expecting anything lavish. The crew of the Eda Frandsen made a tiny bunk as comfortable as it could be. Food was fantastic!

Your Guide
Skipper Gabe and 1st mate James were extremely helpful through out the trip. James was hysterical and made us laugh the whole time.

The Bottom Line
This was my first trip outside of the US and I'm not sure how I could top it. I had a great time on the Eda Frandsen even though we could not make it out to the smaller Inner Hebrides islands due to weather. We saw some amazing scenery including Rasaay, Rona, Gairloch, Plockton, Portree, and Loch Nevis. We had plenty of sailing time and plenty of time on land to explore or to go get a pint or two. Everything was top notch, especially the food. I wouldn't expect luxury accommodations, but the crew makes it more than comfortable for you.

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Pre-Trip Service
Everything very smooth and professional; the only thing was that the list of equipment seemed to be for both the sailing and sailing/walking holidays and had items not really required for the sailing trip.

Trip Comments
Cannot praise too highly. The boat is superb, a real pleasure to be aboard. The crew were excellent, knowledgeable, efficient and patient with the added bonus of being great fun. The food was better than first class, I don't think any of us will forget eating homemade Cornish pasties on a white sand beach on the uninhabited island of Pabbay, just one of the many memories we bring away from the trip. Finally the weather was perfect which allowed us to visit places we would not otherwise have reached.

Accommodation and Food
Obviously space below is limited but the berths although tight are very comfortable. We had no problems with the 2 heads and 1 shower and there is masses of space on deck. We ate quite a few meals out on deck but also had some very convivial evenings around the saloon table.

Your Guide
The crew were outstanding. Gabe, the skipper kept us informed of the plans for the day and if correction was required to any jobs we were doing let us know tactfully and explained why. James, the mate was absolutely on top of the job, did what he needed to do but allowed us to get on with jobs he had assigned, only helping if we were doing something wrong; as a result I think we all learned a lot. Also he was great fun and so obviously enjoying his job. Finally Chloe, the magician in the galley who provided a nearly constant supply of home cooked food throughout the week. It is testimony to the quality of the food and the thought that has gone into menus that despite the amount of cake eaten I had still lost weight when I got home.

The Bottom Line
The trip was everything I had hoped it would be and much more. The weather certainly helped and enabled us to visit a large part of the outer Hebrides and also Rum, Canna and Skye, but the boat, the crew and the food as well as the others on board all made for a fantastic week, everybody including the crew so obviously enjoying it. Well done Wilderness Scotland and Eda Frandsen, the star of the show.

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Trip Comments
We heard a great trip- The professional crew were lovely and great teachers. The food was fantastic

Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is excellent for about of this type and The food was brilliant

Your Guide
Very knowledgeable.

The Bottom Line
I recommended it to somebody about 15 minutes ago!!!

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Pre-Trip Service
Jane Gilles was most helpful and patient with the emails I sent prior to the trip answering all my questions in a timely manner.

Trip Comments
just a beautiful area to be in, it was all a highlight

Accommodation and Food
Food outstanding, accommodations very tight..but then that was outlined and described in trip info..so no complaints

Your Guide
Billy was fantastic, I bruised or twisted my ankle the second day out so it became a bit sore...he frequently checked on me and made sure I still enjoyed the trip, which I did. In general I was also impressed with his guiding skills and general knowledge. He quickly assessed that the group hiked at different paces and instead of making us stay together allowed us freedom of movement while still keeping tabs on all. Enthusiastic, witty and very helpful.

James and Cloe were also excellent explaining how to sail, the workings of the boat and local information. Also enthusiastic, witty and very helpful

The Bottom Line
Boats can be rocky if the weather is poor and sleeping/hygiene arrangements are tight which may not suit all, but the sailing, hiking, people and food are amazing and I highly recommend the trip.

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Pre-Trip Service
The site was easy to navigate and gave a nice detailed summary of the available trips

Trip Comments
The sailing trip to the small isles and the Knoydart peninsula was awesome. Other that the sleeping accommodations on the boat being a bit cramped (we knew this going into the trip). Everything was as good as can be.

Accommodation and Food
The food was very good. Our host o the boat, Chloe, was very accommodating to our special dietary needs, and made some very delicious meals. The accommodations on the boat are small bunks. If you are taller than 6 feet you might have trouble fitting in them. However, other than the size they are comfortable, but if you are claustrophobic, you will have issues. The boat overall is a beautiful. James, the owner and captain can be proud of his work on restoring and maintaining the Eda Frandsen. James is a great host and captain. He is very knowledgeable about the area, and does a good job getting everyone to help sail the boat.

Your Guide
Billy was awesome. We loved talking to him and getting to know him. He taught us a lot about the areas we hiked in. The combination of Billy, and James and Chloe gave us a wealth of knowledge to draw on. During the hikes, Billy was great at pacing the hikes and also letting us explore on our own when it was okay to do so. I also felt that Billy did a great job of sizing up the group and determining the capabilities of each hiker and tayloring the hikes to our abilities. We throughly enjoyed hiking with Billy.

The Bottom Line
Loved the trip. The itinerary was perfect. Just know ahead of time that the sleeping accommodations are tight.

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Trip Comments
Wonderful experience with fantastic crew. Patient, supportive and fun. Our enjoyment seemed to be their main objective. Scenery and wildlife to remember. The rest of the party made it a week to remember.

Accommodation and Food
Accommodation on a boat, it is what it is. Chloe's food made it seem like a culinary trip as much as a sailing experience. We talked about the food often on the long trip back to Devon. No wonder James and Gabe appear so happy. Never the same breakfast twice during the week. Homemade bread and cakes. All in a galley smaller than a toilet cubicle. Smiling writing this and thinking about the falafel, fruit and lemon curd tarts........I could go on.

Your Guide
Wonderful, wonderful and wonderful. And Sam too, a great little bonus

The Bottom Line
Two great experiences this year and last. Thoughtfully constructed weeks delivered by truly lovely guides each time. Great fun. If anyone wants a recommendation....book!

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Pre-Trip Service
Made everything easy to find and plan for.

Trip Comments
The Chef aboard was amazing, First Mate was very patient as he taught us "the ropes", Captain was very skilled and made the trip so interesting with the variety of anchorages and hiking stops. Very memorable trip.

Accommodation and Food
Accommodations were very snug, but to be expected on a schooner of this size and age. Food coming out of the tiny galley was amazing, different country's cuisine at every meal and what an artist with spices!

Your Guide
As mentioned, they gave us a good variety of scenery and activities at our different anchorages and "lunch stops".

The Bottom Line
Schooner travel is not for everyone. If you want luxury cabins and musical stage shows, take a cruise. If you want an active vacation as well as a step back in time, you might be a potential schooner traveler. This is my 3rd schooner trip and I always seem to meet very interesting, international sort of folk who enjoy playing cards, board games and exchanging stories since you are often "out of range" electronically-- that makes it great for a multi-generational family vacation. Scotland's Inner Hebrides offer some stunning, dramatic scenery while you learn "the ropes".

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Pre-Trip Service
The communication before the trip was very good and information was sent out in plenty of time.

Trip Comments
The trip on board the Eda Frandson was outstanding in every single way and exceeded my expectations far beyond any level. Accommodation and bathroom facilities on board are cramped but who needs luxury marinas when you can go further and further into the wilderness and experience views, tranquillity and solitude that you only dream of. The crew sailed us to the most stunning little corners of the Hebrides where we seldom saw another boat or any people at all, with long white sand beaches, breath-taking views every second of the day, all polished off with the most amazing meals provided to us by Chloe. Other reviewers have raved about her food but she deserves the highest of accolades. The food on this trip was Michelin-starred, restaurant-worthy, gourmet, freshly prepared and imaginative. Fresh crabs straight from the sea and freshly baked mouth-watering cakes and bread. Stunning. Well done to James, Gabe and Chloe for being a great team and looking after us so well. It also helped that we were a fun bunch of people and gelled very well together and had great fun. I have raved about this trip to everyone I know.

Accommodation and Food
Sleeping arrangements are small and cramped - it's a boat! Spend as much of your time as possible above deck. Food as already stated - amazing!!!

Your Guide
The 3-person crew were exceptional - laid-back, friendly, kind, and always looking out for us.

The Bottom Line
Outstanding experience in every way.

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Pre-Trip Service
The crew so friendly, fun and superb. Can't praise the food enough, Chloe is a 5*÷÷ chef and always so cheerful. The group happy to help with sailing and the walking was better than I expected .Finally Kirsty our guide is so knowledgeable about all aspects of the area, plants, birds mountains and again so friendly a delight to spend a holiday with. Superb.

Trip Comments
Amazing

Accommodation and Food
This is a yacht so space is very limited, so can't be spacious

Your Guide
Kirsty has an all encompassing knowledge of terrain, flowers/birds loves to inform anyone who is interested and so very helpful and flexible if someone prefers to do something other than the planned activity. Result everyone has a wonderful holiday

The Bottom Line
An excellent company which meets expectations on all fronts

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Trip Comments
Fantastic historic sailing boat and the crew were very welcoming and experienced. The food quality was excellent.

Accommodation and Food
Fantastic historic sailing boat and the crew were very welcoming and experienced. The food quality was excellent.

Your Guide
Great introduction to sailing the boat. No compulsion so guests could be involved as little or as much as they liked. Crew were very knowledgeable about the locations and flora and fauna.

The Bottom Line
Trip of a lifetime if you enjoy sailing in the Hebrides!

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