#44 | Sailing Adventure in North-West Scotland: Lobsters, Highland Games And Mount Suliven

We sail for a thrilling adventure from Kinlochbervie to Lochinver, and we unveil the results of our lobster pot catch against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Northwest.

Join us as we harness the power of a fresh NW breeze, navigating through the pristine waters from Kinlochbervie to the commercial fishing harbour of Lochinver with its quaint marina.

Lochinver hosts the annual Highland Games, a celebration of Scottish culture and athleticism. In this video, we bring you right into the heart of the action, witnessing local and international competitors engage in a series of traditional heavy weight disciplines. Marvel at the sheer strength and skill displayed in the hammer throw, shot put, caber tossing, and weight over bar competitions. Don’t miss the bagpiping and the grace of highland dance competitions, adding a touch of tradition to the festivities.

Kathrin embarks on a challenging 30km hike from Lochinver to the summit of Mount Suliven, the crown jewel of the Assynt region. On the hottest day of summer, Kathrin’s physical and mental endurance is put to the test. Experience the breathtaking views, feel the burn, and share in the triumph as she conquers the highest peak in the area. After over 7 hours of exertion, Kathrin returns to Polaris, our floating home, exhausted but with a heart full of joy.

Whether you’re a sailing enthusiast, a nature lover, or a fan of cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone in this adventure-packed episode. Join us as we uncover the wonders of the Scottish Northwest, witness the thrill of the Highland Games, and conquer the heights of Mount Suliven!

#43 | Sailing Scotland: Rounding Cape Wrath

In this episode, we set sail from the picturesque Stromness on the Orkney Islands, navigating the rugged north coast of Scotland.

Our destination? The small fishing harbour of Kinlochbervie. Join us as we share the highs and challenges of our journey, including rounding the notorious Cape Wrath.

The weather is on our side, treating us to bright sunshine and a challenging swell from behind as we sail towards our anchorage in Loch Eriboll. The exhilarating sailing conditions create the perfect backdrop for our adventure.

We spend a peaceful night at anchor in Loch Eriboll, preparing for the next leg of our adventure: rounding the notorious Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of mainland Great Britain.

Our original plan is to take the safer offshore route around Cape Wrath, but with the unexpectedly calm weather, we decide to spice things up. Spontaneously, we opt for the more thrilling inshore route between Duslic Rock and the rugged cliffs of Cape Wrath.

The gamble pays off, and we are rewarded with breathtaking close in views of this famous landmark in the calm waters. The journey continues as we make our way to Kinlochbervie, a fishing harbour known for its excellent shelter in any conditions. The coastal scenery is awe-inspiring, and we capture the beauty of the rugged Scottish landscape.

Waiting for the delivery of a new camera body, we decide to venture to a secluded and beautiful anchorage off the beaten track. Here, we drop our lobster pot in clear and pristine waters. Did we catch anything?

To wrap up our day, we indulge in an early dinner at The Shorehouse seafood restaurant, a local gem conveniently located around the corner from our anchorage. The meal features freshly caught delights, courtesy of the skilled local fishermen.

Join us on this unforgettable journey as we navigate challenging waters, capture stunning landscapes, and immerse ourselves in the unique experiences that only a sailing adventure along the Scottish coast can offer.

IFair winds and following seas!

#42 | Sailing from Fair Isle to the Orkney Islands: Exploring the Islands & Neolithic Wonders

In this episode, we set sail from Fair Isle and head towards the magnificent Orkney Islands.

Our first stop is the captivating Island of Stronsay, known for its natural beauty and thriving agriculture. Get ready for an eco-friendly adventure as we explore the island with electric bikes, taking in the lush landscapes and the rock arch called the Vat of Kirbister. Did you know that these arches were formed by the collapse of an ancient sea cave?

As we continue our voyage, we enjoy a beautiful day sailing through the islands, passing through the challenging and narrow Vasa Sound finally reaching our next destination, Kirkwall.

Our journey doesn’t end here; we set sail once more, this time through the notorious Eynhallow Sound with its challenging race with standing waves. We are blessed to do this on a calm day. Along the way, we’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the stunning cliffs on the west side of mainland Orkney, a sight to behold. While a bus ride from Kirkwall to Stromness may take about 20 minutes, our boat journey around the mainland is an 8 ½ hour odyssey, and the experiences along the way are simply priceless.

In Stromness, our adventures continue as we embark on another thrilling excursion, again on rented bikes. Our first stop are the awe-inspiring Vesnaby Cliffs, and the sea stack of Vesnaby Castle, offering panoramic views that will leave you speechless. But that’s not all. The Orkney Islands are also home to a collection of neolithic sites, UNESCO World Heritage sites, each with its own unique tale to tell. Join us as we explore the ancient mysteries of Skara Brae, the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar, the archaeological treasure of Ness of Brodgar, and the mystical Stones of Stennes. These sites are a testament to the incredible history and culture of the Orkneys, and we can’t wait to share their stories with you.

So, whether you’re a sailor, a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone seeking adventure, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we uncover the hidden gems of the Orkney Islands.