Packing for Autumn & Winter Adventures on the Small Isles

We'll let you in on a secret. Autumn and winter are our favourite seasons on the Small Isles. The days are shorter and the weather more unpredictable, but with the right preparation you’ll discover just how magical this season can be. Autumn and winter bring a raw beauty: shifting skies, moody seas, and landscapes that feel utterly your own.

Packing well makes all the difference. Start with layers: thermals, fleeces, and a waterproof shell that can handle Atlantic squalls. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is a must and perhaps a pair of welly boots for muddy lanes and shore walks. Gloves, hats and thick socks are small things that make long, wind-swept days infinitely more enjoyable.

Many visitors come for the walking, and with reason – the isles are made for exploring on foot. Hiking offers spectacular views at every turn. But remember that conditions can change quickly; paths become slippery, daylight fades fast and the weather is rarely forgiving. If you’re tempted by the rugged beauty of the Rum Cuillin, be sure you have the right mountaineering experience and equipment. This is not a place for beginners or casual walkers in winter.

For gentler days, there’s still plenty to enjoy. Wander along beaches where the tide delivers treasures from the sea, go beachcombing for shells and driftwood or simply sit with a hot flask and watch seabirds wheel against the waves. Photographers will find endless inspiration in the shifting light. From storm-lashed shores to sudden shafts of golden sun piercing through cloud. Wildlife doesn’t disappear in autumn and winter. In some cases it becomes more visible. Watch the deer roar and rut on Rum, observe eagles soar in the skies above and keep a lookout for otters gracing the shoreline.

When night draws in, the pace slows. Bring books, journals or games for evenings by the fire and lean into the quiet. It’s part of the gift of being here at this time of year. A head torch will be your friend in the long dark evenings and a drybag for your pack will save you from sodden gear if you get caught in a sudden, heavy shower.

Above all, pack a sense of patience. Ferries are often at the mercy of weather so flexibility is part of the journey. Travel insurance is well worth having for peace of mind when plans shift. But those unexpected pauses, an extra day on the island, a slower crossing, or simply waiting out the rain, often become the moments you’ll treasure most.

The Small Isles in autumn and winter aren’t about rushing or ticking off lists. They’re about embracing the rhythm of the weather, stepping carefully into the wild, and letting yourself be surprised by the beauty that comes when you’re prepared for anything.