What better way of getting to know the wild places and history of the Hebrides than sailing a beautifully restored 75ft traditional boat? Crew for a week, helping harness the wind and coil the ropes, exploring little known islands such as the Shiant Isles, home to a quarter of a million puffins, and sample the delights of remote Hebridean pubs. This is the new ‘voyaging holiday’ being offered by CHE graduate Sam Harrison. Director of Open Ground, a business focused on introducing people to the power of wild places, Sam will be your guide, introducing and explaining some of the rich cultural and ecological heritage seen on the voyage.

“Moving through the islands by boat makes sense of the places we see, we trace the traditional paths both on sea and land, arriving at places that no road has ever reached.” The week includes full board on the Eda Frandsen, lovingly restored by the Robinson family from Knoydart, “the story of the restoration is amazing,” relates Sam, “having brought Eda on her last legs over from Denmark, the Robinsons set about restoring her to her traditional glory, but the shed she was in caught fire, and most of their work was lost as over half of Eda burned down. Not deterred they started again, and their beautiful craftsmanship bears testament to their determination.”

The cooking is one of the highlights of the trip, as much as possible locally sourced, “we sail past Inverguseran farm on Knoydart and the cook inevitably reminds us that that is where the roast lamb we had for supper came from.” On this trip the guests are be taken under the wing of the experienced crew and find their place in the team, hoisting sails, helming or coiling ropes. “With plenty of time to relax, traditional sailing provides the best way to experience and understand the West coast of Scotland, there’s nothing better than turning off the engine and listening to the quiet swish of the sails as they pull you along,” reminisces Sam.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s trip, as it is largely in the hands of the wind and weather as to where we go,” says Sam, “there’s a real thrill of the unknown!” Among the possible destinations are the Small Isles, Rhum, Canna, Eigg and Muck, the stunning Isle of Skye, or further afield to the Western Isles with hidden gems in the sound of Harris such as Ensay, or the impressive cliffs of Pabbay and Mingulay at the end of the island chain. With the possibility of seeing sea-eagles or minke whales, strolls on sandy beaches or over mountain passes, this could be a very memorable experience. For more information see www.openground.eu.