Mallaig to Oban
Join us onboard Eda Frandsen with Hannah Close, on a journey from Mallaig to Oban, to explore the cultural significance of the many archipelagos extending from mainland Scotland's shores.
ISLANDNESS - A voyage with Hannah Close
6 nights for £1550 per person
The voyage will begin in Mallaig on Monday the 7th of September 2026 at 1500 hrs
The voyage will end in Oban on Sunday the 13th of September 2026 at 0900 hrs
Hannah Close is a writer, photographer-filmmaker and cultural curator. She is currently making Islandness, a documentary exploring the deep connections between people and place, and co-convening creative residencies under sail and on the shore. Her island monograph, A Stone Made of Circle, is forthcoming with Humans and Nature Press in autumn 2026. She grew up in the West Country and now lives in the Hebrides with her dog, Rune, following many roving years along the west coast of the Atlantic archipelago.
A timely story exploring the essence of humanity amid the shifting tides of our times.
– George Monbiot, Environmentalist and Author
Islandness reveals what islands can teach us about togetherness and our connection to the natural world and explores identity, community, spirituality, and practical aspects of island life. Hannah’s writing and studies explore not only island culture, but how the metaphor of an island can be used to mirror the way that all beings exist in tension between individuality and interdependence. This 6-night voyage is suitable for all abilities, we do not require any specific areas of specialism, just the desire to learn about and discuss both the history and modern-day culture of island communities.
An inside portrait of Hebridean island life, Islandness explores the deep connections between people and place in an uncertain world. What is this elusive spirit of islandness? And why are we so drawn to islands – what lies at the root of their compelling, dream-like attraction?
We provide a fully inclusive experience where all meals onboard are included in the price of your voyage, our experienced and adaptable chef is happy to cater to the needs of you and your party, whilst you learn the ropes or sit back and relax with a book and take in some of the most beautiful and remote locations in the UK.
All of our food is included, freshly prepared onboard, expect delicious local meat and seafood, a fantastic selection of fruit and vegetables, fresh bread from the Mallaig Bakehouse and a selection of cakes, cheeses and desserts. Relax into the rhythm of life on board and leave everyday worries behind. Ride our dinghy ashore to a peaceful beach, walk to discover a hidden cave, or hike to the summit of an island for a panoramic view of an unspoilt wilderness. Travelling by boat enables you to reach places no others can go.
You can read more about Hannah’s work here https://hannahlclose.com/ and have a watch of the trailer for the film Islandness below.
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Where to find us…
To join Eda Frandsen in Mallaig, please assemble at the entrance to the Mallaig Marina at 15.00hrs, where you will be met by the crew. Mallaig is gorgeously small; when you pass through the village you’ll see the sea on your left, and will easily spot our wooden mast in the harbour. The Marina is a short walk from the train stations and car parking and if you arrive early, do feel free to leave your bag with us, as we will be finishing off the last bits of preparation for the trip. If you have any questions please give us a call on +4407584351932
Travelling to Mallaig
There are a variety of ways to travel to the bustling highland village of Mallaig, the journey by car, bus, plane or train is relatively simple with good transport connections and parking.
By Train,
The journey along the West Highland Line between Glasgow and Mallaig is completely and utterly beautiful. So much so in fact, that it frequently turns up on ‘most beautiful train journeys in the world’ lists in newspapers and travel sites. A winding route through soaring hills, past waterfalls, with a glimpse of Ben Nevis’s snowy peak at Fort William, before sweeping over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. We think it’s the loveliest way to start the holiday. There are regular services to Glasgow from all over the country. The Caledonian Sleeper is a great option, as is the spectacular ride on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig or there are regular standard train services to and from Fort William and Mallaig. Following your voyage, there is another delightful journey from Oban back to Glasgow.
By Road,
Mallaig is 135 miles by road from Glasgow, via Loch Lomond and Crianlarich, following the A82 to Fort William. Alternatively, head for Stirling on the M9 and turn off at Junction 10 to Crianlarich and Fort William. At Fort William, join the A830, which is quite romantically known as the 'Road to the Isles, which takes you through the spectacular scenery of Glenfinnan and Arisaig before arriving in Mallaig. Allow 4 hours for the drive from Glasgow or longer if you plan to enjoy the area en route. There is a long stay car park on the left (seaward side) of the road on entering Mallaig, which offers safe parking. Alternatively, you can often park for free on the road overlooking the harbour, drive through Mallaig towards Mallaigvaig, past the entrance to the Marina to where you will see many cars parked on the left-hand side of the road. If you did want to drive, it is perfectly possible to take a bus from Oban to Fort William and a train from Fort William back to Mallaig.
By Plane
Flying into Edinburgh airport, catch a shuttle bus to Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station then take a taxi or walk down to Glasgow Queen Street Train Station. Flying into Glasgow, take a shuttle bus or taxi to Glasgow Queen Street train station. From Glasgow Queen Street Train Station, take the train to Fort William where you can join the train to Mallaig. This is a 5-hour journey but see the above section ‘By Train’ for why this won’t be such a drag.
By Bus
There are regular buses from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness to Mallaig. Bus tickets can be booked through Citylink and Shiel Buses operate a local service between Fort William and Mallaig.
You can also join us from Skye or the Outer Isles via the Calmac Ferry.
Places to Stay/Eat
If you happened to be stopping in Mallaig for more than your voyage onboard Eda Frandsen, there are a number of places we can recommend:
The West Highland Hotel, Mallaig
With stunning views of the Small Isles and the stretch of water we refer to as ‘Eda’s Playground’. The West Highland Hotel is a taste of Highland Luxury that ticks all the boxes, with the fresh local Seafood the region is famed for and an impressive array of Whiskies to boot. The fact that it is a 5-minute downhill walk to the marina is really just a bonus.
We’ll let you into a little secret. This is where we like to head when we need a break from boats and Mallaig. The Crofters Bar is a great spot to pick up a bite to eat and you might just stumble upon some of the best musicians you have ever heard. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates and events.
The Mallaig Bakehouse and Pizza Oven
The best Almond Croissants you have ever tasted, and we used to live in France. A Mallaig landmark located right next to the marina entrance, offering Pizza on Thursday nights and delicious breakfast and lunchtime snacks on Friday mornings. Early booking for Pizza, bread and pastries is available and advisable through their website.
Travelling from Oban
By Train
The station in Oban is just a 10 minute walk from where we will be berthed at North Pier marina. With good connections to the national mainland rail network. The Train journey to Oban takes you along the world-famous West Highland Line. ScotRail runs trains six times a day from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Oban (two on Sunday). For times and prices visit the Scotrail site. You can also phone National Rail enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit their website, and they have a good app for smart phones. During the main season the Caledonian Sleeper service offers a FREE coach connection between Crianlarich and Oban station so you can leave Euston, London at 9.15pm and be in Oban before 9am the next day! The sleeper service from Crianlarich also connects with the Oban/Glasgow Scotrail service at times when the Oban coach connection is not on offer.
By Road Oban is easily reached from Central Scotland by taking the A82 which skirts the west side of Loch Lomond. Then either via Tyndrum or follow the A83 over the 'Rest and be Thankful' through Inveraray. Both journeys take between 2 and 3 hours, although you may be tempted to stop several times to admire the scenery.
By Plane Glasgow is the nearest large airport to Oban and is approximately 90 miles away. There are good links from the airport to the train and bus terminals in the city.Flying to either Glasgow or Edinburgh is easy. Both airports are served by all the major, and many of the minor, UK airlines. This provides plenty of flights to choose from with bargain rates. In addition to being busy domestic airports both Glasgow and Edinburgh receive daily scheduled flights from Europe. Glasgow also boasts direct flights to and from the United States and from Dubai.You can also fly to Oban directly by private charter flight to Oban Airport at North Connel.
By Bus There are regular buses from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Fort William to Oban. Bus tickets can be booked through Citylink or West Coast Motors.
By Sea Oban is a busy ferry port with regular ferries to and from the islands of Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Lismore, Barra and South Uist. Many of these ferries also link up with other islands. For more information about the ferries you can visit the Calmac website.
If you have any trouble finding us, or just need some advice, our phone numbers are:
Stella: +44 (0) 7584351932
Mungo: +44 (0) 7470930658
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Things that we provide that you don’t need to bring with you
Wellington boots. Please let us know if you are smaller than a size UK4 or larger than a UK12
Towels- we now provide towels onboard, but you may want to bring a beach towel for trips ashore.
Guy Cotton heavy-duty waterproofs
Lifejackets, harnesses, and all other safety equipment
First aid equipment
Bedding, bed linen and blankets
Hot water bottles
Sunscreen & Insect repellent
Ginger tea, ginger biscuits and Quell’s tablets for unsettled stomachs
Earplugs (just in case!)
Torches
OS maps
Essentials
4 T-shirts
3 pairs of jeans or trousers
A set of thermals
Two good warm layers, such as fleeces, softshell jackets or thick woollen jumpers.
Woolly hat and a pair of gloves
A Scarf or neck warmer
Warm Socks
One set of pyjamas
Toiletries bag
Suncream
Sunglasses
Camera
Walking Boots/sturdy trainers for walks ashore
A good book
A water bottle to refill and use throughout the trip
Lightweight walking waterproofs if you want them for time ashore.
A phone charger
Optional Extras
Swim shorts/ bathing costume - there is a swimming ladder for morning dips
A sunhat and shorts (keep an eye on the weather and make your call just beforehand)
Sailing gloves for rope handling.
Seasickness tablets
Sailing logbook
Sailing waterproofs if you’d like- we do provide these however you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Something to drink: we have a bar with wine, beer, gin and whisky on board, but do feel free to bring your own.