Whether you are coming for a stay or just for the day the Small Isles have lots to offer. Here’s our suggestions for how to spend a day on each of the islands.
Getting here
The islands are only accessible by boat - the boat trip itself is part of the appeal with fantastic views over the Small Isles and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Check out our travel guide here.
Our islands are mostly car free (only islanders or contractors can take a car across unless exceptional circumstances). Both Canna and Muck are largely walkable and of course you are very welcome to bring your own bike (please pre book onto ferry). Bikes can be hired in Mallaig before your trip over and on Eigg they can be hired from Eigg Adventures.
Eigg
There are several ways to head over for a day visit. Throughout the year you can take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig (check timetable for days and times). In summer you can travel from Arisaig Marina on the mainland and on the Aqua Xplore from Elgol, Isle of Skye.
Head to Eigg Adventures to hire a bike and head over to Laig Bay and the Singing Sands to experience the fantastic views, landscape, geology and wildlife.
Interested in history? Visit the massacre caves where Eigg’s entire population perished in the 16th century. If time allows, continue onto the clearance village of Grulin.
Head to Galmisdale Bay Cafe and Bar for excellent home cooked food set against a stunning backdrop.
Hire a kayak from Eigg Adventures and explore the waters around Eigg.
Visit the craft shop at Galmisdale to pick up a memento from your trip.
Hike up An Sgurr for incredible views over the small Isles and beyond. The hike takes around 3-4 hrs so ensure you have enough time to get back for the return trip.
Muck
The best way to get here for a day trip is to head out from Arisaig on the MV Sheerwater. You can also join this trip from Eigg.
Head to the white sands of Gallanach bay (approx 40 min walk from the pier) for fantastic views to Eigg and Rum and wildlife viewing opportunities. You might spot otters, seals, seabirds and even eagles. It’s also a wonderful beach to have a paddle, swim or snorkel at.
Do a bit of seal spotting at Port Chreadhain (30 min walk from the pier) before returning to the tearoom near the pier for home bakes and fantastic fresh dishes.
Visit the Green Shed near the pier for local crafts and produce.
Take a walk to the old village (A’Chill) (10 mins from the pier). There is a leaflet detailing all island walks available at the tearoom.
Rum
There are several ways to head over for a day visit. Throughout the year you can take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig (check timetable for days and times). In summer you can travel from Arisaig Marina on the mainland and on the Aqua Xplore from Elgol, Isle of Skye.
97% of Rum is a nature reserve and there are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife starting on your boat trip over. Once you get off the boat, take the short walk from the pier, passed the old blackhouses and onto the enclosed Otter Hide on the south shore of Kinloch Bay. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird and sea life.
Take the Coire Dubh Trail which follows the water course, Allt Slugan a’ Choilich, up to a viewpoint with good views towards Skye, the Outer Hebrides and Knoydart on the mainland on a clear day.
Take the northside nature circular trail. Follow the signs beginning in the village up and along the northside of Kinloch Glen for this 1 hr walk which gives you a taste of the wildness of Rum.
Head to Rum Visitor Centre to learn more about the island - its history, wildlife, geology and archeology before making your way to Rum Crafts to pick up a souvenir or home made gift.
Follow the coastline past the castle and head to Rum General store to pick up picnic supplies or grab a hot soup, sausage rolls and fries with a freshly brewed Glen Lyon coffee.
Canna
Throughout the year you can take the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Mallaig (check timetable for days and times). In summer you can also travel over on the Aqua Xplore from Elgol, Isle of Skye.
Visit the old settlement of A’Chill. This was the main settlement on Canna until the clearances. Little is left however you will find the remains of an early Christian cross, dating from the 7th - 9th century'. Further up the field to the left, on a low mound, stands the 'Punishment Stone' where criminals are said to have been punished by having their thumb wedged into a hole.
Hike up Compass Hill, which due to its high iron content causes compasses to deviate off course. Close to it are the ruins of Coroghan Castle, a 17th century hilltop tower.
Visit the Rocket Church (near the pier) so named for its shape. It houses an exhibition about the island’s natural and archeological history.
Get a bite to eat at the award winning Cafe Canna. Booking is highly recommended for this popular eatery with dishes almost entirely sourced from the local area. From
Pick up some picnic items in the community shop and head out to explore the island. If you have enough time you can head to the puffin colonies on the Isle of Sanday. Follow the puffin trail signs from the village.
Each of the islands are unique and full of character - a day visit might just be the start of a lifelong love of the Small Isles.