The best walks and hikes around Small Isles
4.7
(32)
307
hikers
19
hikes
Hiking around Small Isles Scotland offers diverse and rugged landscapes across its four main islands: Rum, Eigg, Muck, and Canna. Rum is characterized by the mountainous Rum Cuillin, providing challenging ascents. Eigg features the dramatic Sgùrr ridge and coastal areas, while Muck offers sandy beaches and gentler terrain. Canna presents a greener landscape with columnar basalt cliffs and is known for its bird sanctuary.
Best hiking trails around Small Isles
- The most popular hiking route is The full Rùm Cuillin loop including Barkeval — Isle of Rùm, a 16.3 miles (26.2 km) trail that takes about 11 hours 35 minutes to complete. This difficult route involves challenging ascents and scrambling opportunities within the towering peaks of the Rum Cuillin.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is The Rùm Cuillin & Dibidil Bothy loop from the Ferry — Rùm, a difficult 14.4 miles (23.2 km) path. This trail navigates the rugged, wild landscape of Rum, offering extensive views of the island's interior.
- Local hikers also love the Massacre Cave and Cathedral Cave from Galmisdale — Isle of Eigg, a 1.8 miles (3.0 km) trail leading through coastal paths and historical sites, often completed in about 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Small Isles is defined by mountainous terrain, dramatic ridges, and coastal paths, with opportunities for wildlife spotting. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to strenuous hill days.
- The routes in Small Isles are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from around 20 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Small Isles's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 3, 2026
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
26.2km
11:36
1,560m
1,560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
23.2km
10:29
1,390m
1,390m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Sign up for free
5.0
(3)
39
hikers
20.1km
05:26
260m
260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
18
hikers
14.7km
05:31
780m
780m
The Hallival and Barkeval Trail on the Isle of Rum is a difficult 9.1-mile hike offering dramatic terrain, challenging scrambles, and panora
5.0
(6)
19
hikers
5.94km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Small Isles
Tips from the Community
Hallival at 722m is one of the most northerly of the Rum Cuillin. It's steep and rocky but still more accessible than the full Cuillin round. It makes a great walk combined with Barkeval. Amazing views from the summit.
0
0
The Rum shop and post office is a small but well stocked shop. Like most of the island shops it's a centre for the community here providing all the daily needs for visitors and locals. Check the notice board for events and interesting island news.
0
0
Kinloch Castle is an Edwardian mansion which was completed in 1900. The castle and island are now owned by Scottish Natural Heritage. You can visit the castle at times that coincide with ferry landings.
0
0
Built between 1897 and 1900, Kinloch Castle was the country residence of the Bulloughs who had bought the island of Rum as a shooting estate. It was used as a hostel until 2015 but now requiring significant investment for repairs, it is sadly currently closed.
0
0
A brilliantly placed and very remote bothy on the coast and below the Rum Cuillin. If you intend to stay here as with other bothies you need to bring your own food, sleeping bag and mat and a stove to cook on. Dibidil Bothy recently had a new roof installed which took about 220person days of volunteer labour. If you plan to stay here or use the shelter, please consider joining the Mountain Bothies Association to help fund the upkeep of these brilliant buildings. mountainbothies.org.uk
0
0
At 812m this is the highest point on Rum and therefor the highest peak in the Rum Cuillin. It's a brilliant, scramble pyramidal peak standing at the head of the Cuillin ridge and offering awesome views across the island and across to Eigg. It's a tough expedition of a run but very satisfying especially if you camp or stay at the bothy and make it a two day adventure.
0
0
The CalMac ferry to Rum from Mallaig takes about 80mins and runs fairly regularly all year. It is dependent on the weather and can get fully booked so it's worth calling ahead and booking if possible. calmac.co.uk/article/2125/Rum
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in the Small Isles?
The Small Isles offer a diverse range of hiking experiences with over 15 trails recorded on komoot. These routes cater to various difficulty levels, from easy coastal strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
What makes hiking on each of the Small Isles unique?
Each island in the Small Isles archipelago presents a distinct hiking experience:
- Rum is the most mountainous, featuring the challenging Rum Cuillin peaks like Askival, ideal for strenuous ascents and scrambling.
- Eigg is known for its dramatic pitchstone ridge, An Sgùrr, offering magnificent 360-degree views, alongside stunning beaches and historical sites.
- Muck, the smallest, offers gentler walks along its coastal path and white sandy beaches.
- Canna provides a greener, more verdant landscape with columnar basalt cliffs and is recognized as a bird sanctuary.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners in the Small Isles?
Yes, the Small Isles offer several easy trails perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed walk. An example is the Massacre Cave and Cathedral Cave from Galmisdale — Isle of Eigg, a 1.8-mile (3.0 km) route that takes about 50 minutes to complete, leading through coastal paths and historical sites.
What are some notable longer hikes on the Isle of Eigg?
While the guide highlights shorter routes on Eigg, the island is renowned for the ascent of An Sgùrr. This dramatic pitchstone ridge offers a challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views across the Small Isles and beyond. While not specifically listed as a long day hike in the provided data, the climb itself is a significant undertaking.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in the Small Isles?
The Small Isles are a haven for wildlife. Hikers often spot seabirds like puffins and Manx shearwaters, golden and white-tailed sea eagles, deer, otters, and seals. The surrounding waters also offer opportunities to see whales and dolphins. Canna, in particular, is recognized as a bird sanctuary.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Small Isles?
Yes, there are circular routes available, particularly on Rum. A challenging option is The full Rùm Cuillin loop including Barkeval — Isle of Rùm, a difficult 16.3-mile (26.2 km) trail that involves significant ascents and scrambling. Another demanding circular route is The Rùm Cuillin & Dibidil Bothy loop from the Ferry — Rùm, which is 14.4 miles (23.2 km) long.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the hiking trails?
The Small Isles are rich in natural and historical landmarks. On Rum, you can explore the towering Askival Peak and the historic Kinloch Castle. On Eigg, visit the dramatic An Sgùrr Summit and the intriguing Massacre Cave. Canna features the unique Compass Hill, known for its magnetic properties.
What is the best season for hiking in the Small Isles?
The Small Isles offer hiking opportunities throughout the year, but the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) generally provide the most favorable weather conditions for exploring. During this period, you'll experience longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, though the weather can be unpredictable at any time of year.
Are there any dog-friendly trails in the Small Isles?
While specific trails aren't explicitly marked as 'dog-friendly' in the data, dogs are generally welcome on the islands' paths and trails. However, due to the presence of abundant wildlife, livestock, and ground-nesting birds, it is crucial to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, especially in nature reserves and during lambing season.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in the Small Isles?
The Small Isles are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from around 20 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse and rugged landscapes, the opportunities for wildlife spotting, and the authentic 'off-the-beaten-track' experience that many sections of the islands provide.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the Small Isles?
Yes, while some routes are challenging, there are gentler options suitable for families. The coastal paths on Muck offer easy walking, and the shorter routes on Eigg, such as the path to Massacre Cave, can be enjoyable for families looking for less strenuous exploration.
What are the typical hiking conditions like in the Small Isles?
Hiking in the Small Isles is characterized by mountainous terrain, dramatic ridges, and coastal paths. Conditions can vary significantly; some trails are well-defined, while many sections offer an authentic 'off-the-beaten-track' experience with less waymarked routes. Be prepared for rugged, wild landscapes, especially on Rum, and potentially boggy or rocky underfoot conditions.
Most popular routes around Small Isles
Most popular attractions around Small Isles
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
