Sessions and Sail Solstice A 2025, Oban - Mallaig

June 15th - June 21st

Price: £1,595 per person, including all food, accommodation, sessions and workshops.

Join us aboard the Lady of Avenel for this solstice trip sailing a coastal route on the West of Scotland on the longest day of the year.

This two-masted, Brigantine-rigged tall ship will be your home for seven days as we step aboard in Oban. Ahead of us is the  stunning South coast of Mull, with its towering ridges, eagles, moody clouds and mysterious bays. If conditions are fit, we will sail West - to Iona, seat of Saint Columba (Colmcille). 

The island of Staffa - hosting Fingal's Cave, a place of inspiration for Mendelssohn as he wrote his Hebrides Overture; and the Treshnish Isles - puffin colonies and friendly seals - open up before us. Head ashore to see these special places - and back aboard the 'Lady' for tuition or sessions in the bright saloon.

After rounding the North of Mull, we have a feast of islands to choose from, each with their own musical tradition. Coll, the Small isles of Canna, Eigg, Rum and Muck, the South coast of Skye with the spectacular Cuillin Ridge. This is an area where we regularly sight dolphins; and minke whales and basking sharks are regular visitors.

Watch the sun set in the north west, only to rise again four hours later with nothing darker than twilight in between. Enjoy tunes and sessions in bays, bars and village halls at this very atmospheric time of year!

The ship will be your base for a voyage of exploration and music with sessions, workshops, sailing and more; throughout the trip we will enjoy locally sourced food, beautifully prepared by our on-board chef.

In addition to the crew, we will carry two sail-with tutors, dedicated musicians who will be able to run workshops, help keep the sessions going, and give dedicated assistance with any new techniques, tunes, songs or more that you might like to learn.

Some of our likely destinations are outlined below.

We look forward to having you join us on this voyage!

 

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Oban

Start your voyage in Oban, gateway to the Hebrides! Known for its beautiful bay, regular CalMac ferries, a lively music scene, and the colloseum-esque MacCaig's Tower on the hillside, Oban is the ideal place to set out from.

Iona

Iona, dominated by Iona Abbey, also features turquoise waters and a music-loving community.

We have been joined by musicians such as Pepita Emmerichs, Roddy Woomble, Theo Barnard and several others here.

Staffa

Photo: Staffa columns (Peter Hitchmough)

Fingal's Cave in Staffa rings on a B flat, we've found...! 

This cave, with its famous basalt columns - an extension of the geological strand that also created the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, is a great stop and if swell conditions allow, we can take a dinghy into the cave or possibly land you ashore for a walk around the cave area.

Treshnish Isles

Photo: Puffin on Lunga, Treshnish Isles (Rob Schulze)

The uninhabited Trechnish Isles are a lovely fair-weather stop off, lying off the West coast of Mull.

The Small Isles - Eigg, Rum, Canna, Muck

This is a truly special part of Scotland - Mull to the South; Ardnamurchan Point to the East; the Cuillin Ridge on Skye to the North, and on a clear day the Outer Hebrides may be seen on the western horizon.

Seas filled with life and islands that are each unique in their own right.

Mallaig

Our trip ends in Mallaig - a fishing port that is a gateway to some of Scotland's more distinct and spectacular parts. 

Travel onwards by ferry, road or even steam train!

Who is this trip aimed at?

If you are a keen musician playing at any level - whether beginner, intermediate or expert - with an interest in the traditional and folk music of Scotland, this trip is for you.  No sailing experience is necessary, but those keen to participate will be encouraged to join in the sailing of the ship should they wish to, whether steering, helping set and trim the sails, or even climbing the mast for the finest view of all.

Accommodation on board

You will be allocated a berth in one of our six double cabins. For solo travellers, cabins will be allocated on a same-sex basis; if two people travelling together wish to share a cabin, we recommend booking early to ensure availability.

There are two showers and three toilets in the accommodation; these are shared.

Meals are prepared in the modern upper deck galley; these are of a high standard and prepared by our own chef. Meals, tea and coffee are included in the price of the trip.

The upper deck saloon provides an ideal place to socialise and, with the tables cleared away, will be the perfect session space for the evenings we spend aboard. Should the weather be fair enough, we may be able to play sessions on deck.