Lord of the Highlands, Rambling in Caledonia ex Inverness to Oban

6 Night Cruise sailing from Inverness to Oban aboard Lord of the Highlands.

Walking Cruise.

Starting in Inverness the Great Glen Way offers low-level walks along the towpath of the Caledonian Canal as Lord of the Highlands sails serenely by. As we leave the canal at Loch Linnhe, contrast the diverse landscapes of Mull and Iona before arriving in Oban, the Gateway to the Isles.

Our strollers head for the powerfully moving battlefield at Culloden and the 4,000 year old Clava Cairns, whilst the walkers stride out along the towpath of the canal to Dochgarroch where all guests re-join the ship. A relaxing afternoon sail of Loch Ness precedes our arrival in Fort Augustus where we berth overnight.
The walkers have the opportunity to disembark the ship at Gairlochy and set off along the Caledonian Canal to Neptune’s Staircase where they re-join Lord of the Highlands at Banavie in the shadow of Ben Nevis. After descending the series of eight locks, discover the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the moving tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause at the Glenfinnan Monument.
At Tobermory, the strollers discover the traditional methods still used at the Isle of Mull Cheese farm, the island’s only dairy farm where the local cheeses are still made by hand, whilst the walkers amble through the woodlands and waterfalls of Aros Park. The sacred Isle of Iona offers a visit to the tranquil Benedictine Abbey or a refreshing walk to the north end of the island.
After exploring the Maclean stronghold of Duart Castle or enjoying panoramic views returning to Craignure on foot, our final port of call is Oban where our strollers discover Dunstaffnage Castle and the walkers savour views of the Firth of Lorn and Ganavan sands on a picturesque coastal walk.

The challenge as with her sister vessel ‘Lord of the Glens’ was to craft a vessel that could both transit the intricate waters of the Caledonian Canal as well as navigate the sheltered waters around Scotland’s hauntingly beautiful fretted west coast, the result being the splendid ‘Lord of the Highlands’. Its elegance calls to mind that of a luxury yacht.

There are 19 outward facing state cabins spread over two decks each named with references to John Buchan’s “THIRTY-NINE STEPS”. Each cabin is finished in hardwood finishes, plush carpeting, dressing table, stool, wardrobe, satellite tv, and en suite facilities with shower, wc and washbasin. All state cabins are air conditioned and heated with an internal telephone and picture windows.

All sailings are made during daylight hours and overnight moorings are alongside with no tendering required. At each port of call there is time to independently explore as well as a programme of included shore visits. Dependent on the itinerary these include Culloden & Clava Cairns, West Highline Line to Glenfinnan, Isle of Iona, Clan Donald Centre on Skye and Eilean Donan Castle.

The cuisine is excellent, freshly prepared onboard by a loyal and long serving brigade of chefs, drawing on the rich bounty of locally sourced produce. What could be more delightful than to awake to the prospect of a full scottish breakfast and for early risers to take advantage of the complimentary hot beverages that await in the lounge and for that matter for the rest of the day as well?

Lord of the Highlands was constructed by Spanish craftsmen in Vigo for completion in July 2019 but will only enter passenger service in May 2020.

Hebridean Island Cruises has been setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. Featuring some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours, our small, five star luxury cruise ship – Hebridean Princess – affords our guests the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era.

Each all-inclusive cruise is carefully planned by our own highly experienced researchers, whose brief is to capture the cultural essence and historical significance of each port of call.

Hebridean Princess, the small cruise ship which re-introduced the ‘Golden Age of Cruising’ nineteen years ago, will show you the dramatic coast of Scotland and the Western Isles and Norway from the best possible vantage point.

Outstanding service, fine cuisine, unusually spacious cabins and some of the most elegant public rooms afloat, the Hebridean Experience offers you the most relaxing luxury holiday you could wish for. An all-inclusive tariff, the very best in personal service, and some of the finest Privately Escorted Tours all tailored to be as individual as you are.