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A six night, seven day cruise in a live-aboard sailing boat with Northern Light Cruises.

Our two past holidays with them were great and this latest one promises to show us some of the Inner Hebridean isles around Mull.

With our friend Hilton dog and cottage-sitting, we travel north and travel light up to Oban on the west coast.

Scotland this week voted to remain part of the United Kingdom so passports were not needed . . . (everyone we spoke to was very relieved)

The iconic Connell road bridge takes the road north from Oban towards Fort William but we have travelled far enough north.

Time for a light lunch courtesy of the Shellfish Hut on the pier at Oban . . . branding itself the Seafood Capital of Scotland.

On time and in the right place . . . and lunch is in the bag . . . smiles all round.

The North Pier at Oban where we dropped our bags. On the hill opposite is McCain's Tower (a Coliseum look alike)

and on an adjacent bench a gentleman in a classic Monty Python knotted handkerchief !

Ann stayed and enjoyed the sunshine as I headed off to park the car. On the way back I had chance to look around the harbour at all the boats. Oban is the gateway to the Hebrides and is the ferry terminal for the Western Isles, Mull and the inner and outer Hebrides. Here a classic wooden sailing boat loading passengers for a voyage under sail.

Oban is a tourist resort in its own right and visitors enjoy a "trip round the harbour" on a small day boat.

From the smallest to the largest . . . the Macbrayne's Ferry, the Clansman is docking after a trip back from Coll or Barra.

Like our Northern Lights Charter they also offer boat trips around the Hebridean islands.

What we took to be Hjalmar Bjorge (Halmer-George) but turns out to be Elizabeth G, her sister ship.

With bags loaded on board, old aquaintences renewed and new introductions made, it was time to be leaving.

but on this last sailing of the season we are a select company of four plus skipper and one crew.

Ann and Steve, our cook for the voyage, get to know each other as we motor out of the harbour.

Taking it easy as we head out on the voyage . . . remembering the skipper's advice:

"Keep one hand on the boat when sitting on the edge or moving around the deck . . . it is much better than falling overboard !"

Our first night's destination will be Lock Spelve on the south eastern corner of Mull.

Tim, our skipper, sets the auto pilot and relaxes now the boat is well under way.

Looking up the Forth of Lorne, the Lismore Island lighthouse and at the MacBraynes Ferry out on another journey, heading up the Sound of Mull.

Behind on the hill is the Glensands Super-Quarry mining 6ml tons of granite a year, all of which is exported by sea as there is no road access.

Criach Beinn, one of the hills of Mull ahead as we head into sheltered waters of Lock Spelve.

The boat and the nets are part of a large mussel farming operation here in the loch.

We head around the outside of the lines of nets towards the open area at the head of the loch.

We have an upper berth, a four foot double with panoramic windows giving fine sea views to the port (or left) side of the boat.

Clever use of mirrors makes the cabin seem bigger than it was. It also gave a clue as to the photographer.

Salt spray on the window after the crossing masks the lovely sunset as we get called to supper in the main cabin.

Our first night aboard allows us to get to know fellow guests and crew as we chat the evening away.

and we see the the two Majestic Line boats that joined us overnight in these sheltered waters.

Leaving quietly . . . so as not to spill the teacups on the adjacent boat's breakfast table.

Out beyond the confines of the inlet there is a slight sea breeze . . . but not yet sufficient to sail.

The breeze increases as we head towards the Garvellach Islands and Tim decides to hoist a few sails.

I get offered the helm and discuss the instruments with Tim . . . wind speed and direction, course and speed of the boat.

This is the first time that I've steered a boat using a ship's wheel instead of a stern tiller bar.

It operates like a car steering wheel (turn the direction you wish to go) which is opposite from small boat sailing controls.

Still with a steady course held someone else can relax and put her feet up on the sunny front deck.

The jetty seen through the wheelhouse door . . . time to drop the anchor and launch the dingy.

We chose a short walk for an hour or so and head off in the direction of the adjacent promontory.

A rather basic, modern harbour light made from (seemingly) galvanised lego blocks.

It serves its purpose but lacks the aesthetics of older, more classic lighthouses.

[ I'm sure that the slight tilt on the monument is a matter of camera perspective. It was in fact a fine vertical column of granite.]

Click here or on the photo above for a Loweswatercam 360 degree annotated panorama.

Zooming in on the detail . . . the Colonsay Hotel where we stayed for nearly a week in 2006.

The Church of Scotland, a nice building despite its simplicity.

The island climate has suited the wild roses this year and the hips (berries) were the largest we have seen.

Time for a cup of tea at the hotel (rather than wait for rose hip syrup).

Despite the offer of money we couldn't persuade the hotel to find any cakes or biscuits to go with it.

Surely it wouldn't be too difficult to keep a few scones (even tucked in the freezer) for days like today ?

The delightful side of island life is the ability for the children to roam and play safely.

Few cars and a quiet pace of life make for a different sort of childhood.

Back at the harbour, the tide has quietly risen but the reflections remain.

We have been joined by Hjalmar Bjorge, now at anchor in the bar beyond us.

Sea kayak enthusiasts round the point as we head back to our boat.

Today is "ferry day" and we've been asked to move our boat a little further from the jetty.

Eight in the evening, on cue, the MV Clansman arrives at Colonsay . . . the jetty lights guiding them in.

Time to settle down for a spot of supper, watch the last of the sunset and chat away the evening.