Sailing from Scotland to Norway

Welcome to Scotland’s Wild Islands to Norway. This 12-day sailing itinerary takes you on a thrilling journey through the stunning landscapes and seascapes of Scotland, Orkney, Fair Isle, and Shetland, covernight offshore passage to Norway and some exploration of the world famous Norwegia archipelago. Please note this is genuine adventure sailing and the wind and the weather at the time will dictate where we can go and when. This itinerary is a sample to show some of the highlights that are possible.

Ullapool

The Wild Islands to Norway adventure begins in Ullapool, a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Broom. Known for its charming harbor, Ullapool is the perfect starting point for our journey, offering a blend of Scottish culture, seafood, and stunning scenery.

Handa Wildlife Reserve

Handa is home to one of the largest seabird breeding colonies in Europe. The island’s beautiful cliffs rise vertically out of the sea and are home to over 100,000 breeding seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills. You will also likely see marauding Skuas, Kittiwakes, Fulmars, and Puffins. From the cliffs, there are spectacular views north to Cape Wrath and south to the point of Stoer. The island has rich and varied plant life and is also an excellent location to spot cetaceans such as the common dolphin, Risso’s dolphin, minke whale, and basking sharks.

Passage to Orkney

It’s a wonderful 70-80 mile sail around the very top of Scotland to the Orkney islands. You’ll round Cape Wrath into the North Sea and sail east toward the Pentland Firth and Orkney. Depending on the weather, it is a long day of sailing, so expect a start at dawn as the Sun creeps over the horizon and a late afternoon finish in time for Fish and Chips in town!

Orkney

Orkney is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and breathtaking natural landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Europe’s most well-preserved Neolithic sites, including the mystical Ring of Brodgar and the ancient village of Skara Brae, giving a glimpse into life over 5,000 years ago. Orkney has an incredible history, from these enigmatic stone circles to the remnants of World War I and II, seen in the Churchill Barriers and the haunting Italian Chapel, a symbol of hope built by prisoners of war. The islands are rich in wildlife, with rugged coastlines and a real natural beauty, from dramatic cliffs to serene beaches.

Fair Isle

60 miles northeast of Orney is the remote island of Fair Isle. Sometimes, the weather will not allow us to stop here, but it is a beautiful goal to aim for. The island is a world-famous location for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, being a pivotal point for migratory birds. Fair Isle is also famed for its distinctive hand-knitted sweaters, a tradition that dates back centuries. Surrounded by spectacular cliffs and the open sea, Fair Isle’s isolation has preserved a way of life that offers a rare glimpse into a more spartan, connected existence.

Shetland

Another 40 miles northeast are the most rugged and wild Isands of all – the Shetland Islands, where we can spend a few days exploring. Just 150 miles southeast of the Faroe Islands, Shetland is a subarctic archipelago of Scotland and a land of stark, wild beauty with rich Norse heritage. Located at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the North Sea, it has a unique cultural tapestry woven from Scottish and Scandinavian influences. Shetland is renowned for its coastline, with over a hundred islands, each offering dramatic cliffs, remote beaches, and abundant wildlife. The islands are steeped in history, from ancient Pictish ruins to the Viking legacy, which is evident in the annual Up Helly Aa festival, which celebrates Shetland’s Viking past with fire and festivity.

Passage to Norway

Now we embark on the passage from the rugged shores of Shetland to the picturesque town of Florø, Norway. This is such an exhilarating sail. As we chart our course eastward, the sea transitions from the wild Atlantic to the more sheltered Norwegian coastline. The passage, approximately 200 nautical miles, is a full day and night at sea sail, so a chance to experience a genuine but brief offshore sail and hopefully witness a stunning sunset and sunrise.

The Norwegian coast has vast fjords, lush greenery, and the iconic rocky outcrops that make Norwegian coastal sailing so unique. It is a superb landfall after our passage from Scotland.

Exploring the Norwegian Coast to Alesund

We would hope to have a couple of final days to sail the 60 miles or so north from Floro to Alesund, giving you a chance to discover just how beautiful the Norwegian coast is.

• Scallops: You’ll find some of the best scallops in Scotland around the waters of Scalpay, a small island in the Outer Hebrides. These delicious shellfish are often served in local restaurants and are a must-try for seafood lovers.
• Whales and Dolphins: The waters around the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Isles, in particular, are home to various whale and dolphin species, including killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and Risso’s dolphins. Watch for these majestic creatures as you sail through the region.
• Seals: The coasts of Scotland are home to several species of seals, including grey and common seals. You can often see them basking on rocks or swimming in the water.
• Birds: The islands of Orkney and Fair Isle are important breeding grounds for many bird species, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and fulmars. You can also spot a variety of seabirds, such as gannets and kittiwakes, as you sail along the coast.
• Fish: The waters around Scotland are teeming with fish, including Atlantic salmon, cod, herring, and mackerel. You might also spot less common species, such as anglerfish or monkfish.