Nine nights at the turn of the season: big hill days, wild anchorages and one crew of fit, adventurous women sailing Selkie together.

Women’s Equinox Sail & Walk

Nine nights aboard Selkie at the turn of the season, sailing between the islands of the Hebrides and heading for the hills. This voyage is for women who want big days out – fit, keen walkers happy to spend 7 hours or more on rough, pathless ground, up and down Scottish hills.

One Crew
On this voyage there are no passengers. Everyone walks, everyone sails, and everyone looks after Selkie. We take turns at the helm, on watch, in the galley and with the cleaning, and we head up the hills together. You’ll learn to sail Selkie, eat well, and leave knowing you helped make the voyage happen. Sharing the work is also how we keep the price down.

The Walking
March in the Highlands can bring anything from spring sunshine to snow on the tops. Celia is a qualified (summer) Mountain Leader, so we choose our walks to suit the conditions on the day: a summit when the hills are clear of snow and ice and the route isn’t technical, or long through-routes, coastal walks and island circuits when they’re not. Expect at least a few long, full days out – this isn’t a gentle stroll.

Saturday 20th March – Arrive on Eigg
Arrive on the CalMac ferry from Mallaig and we’ll meet you at Eigg pier. (Please book your ferry once your place on Selkie is confirmed.) We’ll get your kit stowed aboard, then head straight up An Sgùrr for sunset from the summit. We walk down by headtorch – with luck under a rising moon – perhaps stopping for some local music if there’s something on, before heading out by tender to Selkie on her mooring for the first night aboard.

Sunday 21st – Sunday 28th March – Wherever the wind takes us
We leave Eigg on the morning high water. From there, the weather and the wind decide where we go. We’ll hunt out sheltered anchorages and big walks around the Small Isles and the Inner Hebrides – and if the weather plays ball, perhaps out to the Outer Hebrides too. Some days will be long hill days, some big sailing days, and some both. Our last night is spent at anchor somewhere wild.

Monday 29th March – Mallaig
We sail into Mallaig in the morning, in time for the train or bus to Fort William and onward connections.

Is this trip for you?

• You’re comfortable walking 7+ hours over rough, boggy, steep ground
• You’re happy to share cooking, cleaning and sailing
• No sailing experience needed – just a willingness to get stuck in

What’s included

• Nine nights aboard Selkie
• All food on board, and some wine and drinks at the skipper’s discretion
• Lifejackets and safety equipment
• Bedding

Not included: travel to and from Mallaig, the CalMac ferry to Eigg, and your personal kit (see below).

What to bring
For the hills: well worn-in walking boots; waterproof jacket and trousers (walking ones are fine); warm layers – base layers, fleece and a warm insulated jacket; warm hat and gloves (plus a spare pair); walking poles; a 25–35 litre day pack; headtorch and spare batteries; water bottle and flask; sunglasses and sun cream.
For the boat: a soft bag or rucksack, not a hard suitcase; soft-soled shoes for on board, and wellies or sea boots if you have them; warm clothes for evenings and night watches; towel and wash kit; any personal medication.

Your Crew
Skippered by Celia Bull, a qualified Mountain Leader sailing these waters from her home on the Isle of Eigg, with experienced female crew.

Women’s Equinox Sail & Walk 2027

Seven places: three single berths and two double berths. Sharing a double is ideal for friends booking together; doubles are released once all single berths are booked. Sole use of a double berth is £1,700. Final balance due 20th January 2027. This voyage runs with a minimum of 4 guests and will be confirmed by that date.

Travel

Guests join on Eigg from the CalMac ferry from Mallaig – please book once your place is confirmed. The voyage ends in Mallaig in the morning, in time for the train or bus to Fort William and beyond. Please allow generous time for onward travel – Selkie’s timings follow the weather and the rhythm of the sea.

Bookings & Enquiries

Ready to book your place? Please go to our How to book page. For any questions, email Celia at info@selkie-explorers.co.uk or get in touch using the methods on our Contact page.