RegionUsable guide

Small Isles

Island group off the west coast of Scotland

Photo: nschouterden, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Small Isles lie 15-20 miles (25-40 km) off the west coast of Scotland and are part of the Inner Hebrides. Four are inhabited and have a ferry service: Rùm, Eigg, Muck and Canna. There are also numerous uninhabited islets and skerries.

Getting there and around

Getting there

First you need to reach Mallaig, the mainland ferry port.

Read in the guide

Getting around

The ferry connects islands before returning to the mainland, see above for routes.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Tiree Airport

Balemartine, Argyll and Bute · Regional · TRE

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Read before you go to Small Isles

Articles and travel topics about Small Isles and United Kingdom.

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

Get inFirst you need to reach Mallaig, the mainland ferry port.

Get aroundThe ferry connects islands before returning to the mainland, see above for routes.

SeeThe Small Isles are not places for rushing round ticking off "sights". The main attractions are simply the scenery, environment and wild-life. All of them have excellent bird-watching.

DoWalking is the main pleasure activity, mode of transport, and source of grief when the weather turns sour. On Rùm, the Cuillin counts as a Corbett, at 812 m. On Eigg, An Sgurr is a pleasant climb.

Eat & drinkGot a few million pounds or dollars spare to buy a Victorian castle?

SleepThere's accommodation on all four islands of hostel/bunkhouse standard, plus self-catering cottages. Canna has B&Bs, as does Muck plus the only hotel.

BuyFor self-catering, stock up in Mallaig before you sail, at Spar (+44 1687 460257) or the Co-op (+44 1687 462240).

Stay safeThe hazards here are natural: cold and wet, rough sea crossings, boggy or slippy ground, and midges.

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Small Isles" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Small Isles", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: nschouterden, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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