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Island-hop across Scotland’s remote Small Isles on this 9-day hiking expedition, taking in Eigg, Rum, Canna and Sanday. With wild camping, boat transfers and off-track routes, this trip is perfect for anyone looking to experience dramatic island landscapes and lesser-trodden paths.
Day 1 – Arrival and ferry to Eigg
Meet your guide and group in either Inverness (8am) or Fort William (10am) for a scenic transfer to the ferry port at Mallaig. After boarding the ferry to Eigg, you’ll cross the water with views of Skye and the mainland peaks. On arrival, the adventure begins with a gentle off-track hike across the island’s interior, taking in open moorland, low hills and views out to sea. Camp will be set up on a remote beach, with time to relax, explore rock pools or enjoy your first group meal under the stars.
Day 2 – Summit of An Sgurr and wild cliffs (15km)
You’ll continue your journey around the island, skirting the coast and moving through mixed woodland and moor. The highlight is a hike up An Sgurr, the dramatic pitchstone ridge that towers over the island. The route is steep in places but manageable at a steady pace. The summit offers wide views of the other Small Isles and back to the mainland. After a break at the top, you'll descend to the sea cliffs for your next camp — set up on grassy ground above the surf, a peaceful and wild spot.
Day 3 – Cathedral Caves and crossing to Rum (15km)
Your morning starts with a relaxed walk along the south coast, exploring the Cathedral Cave with its high arched roof, and the darker Massacre Cave with its grim history. The track becomes easier as you return to the port. After a lunch break, you’ll catch the ferry to Rum, where the group will shoulder full packs for a hike into Glen Dibidil, one of the wildest parts of the island. Expect rough ground, river crossings, and a valley hemmed in by peaks. Camp tonight is in a sheltered glen at the base of the Rum Cuillin.
Day 4 – Ridge day and Askival summit (20km)
Leaving most of your gear in camp, you'll carry lighter packs for a full ridge day. The route includes rocky scrambles and grassy slopes as you move along the ridge, topping out on Askival – Rum’s highest summit. The circuit may include other peaks depending on weather and group energy. Expect dramatic scenery, exposed ridgelines, and sightings of red deer or golden eagles. After a long day, you'll return to the same base camp to rest and refuel.
Day 5 – Glen walk, mausoleum and western beaches (10km)
The day starts with a steady climb up through open glen terrain, over a mountain pass into the island’s quieter northern reaches. From the top, you’ll descend into Harris Bay, home to Kinloch Castle’s old family mausoleum and a huge, sweeping beach. The walk is less technical than the ridge day, but offers equally impressive views. Camp will be near the shore, with the chance for a short evening wander along the sand.
Day 6 – Hike to the northern cliffs of Rum (12km)
Following a faint trail and sections of boardwalk, you'll work your way north through a mix of forest, bog and open hillside. The route leads to the island's far north point where dramatic cliffs rise directly from the sea. The camp is perched above these cliffs, offering a wild and beautiful spot to watch the sunset. If weather allows, there's a chance for an optional evening loop to a nearby viewpoint.
Day 7 – Cross back to port, ferry to Canna and evening hike (10km + 5km)
Break camp early and follow a good track back to Kinloch port. After a short rest and possibly a café stop, catch the ferry to Canna. Once ashore, take a short but steep hike to the island’s highest point for sweeping views over the Hebrides. Return to a grassy campsite near the port and finish the day with a well-earned meal and a pint at the island’s cosy pub.
Day 8 – Contingency day
This day is reserved to allow flexibility for poor weather, ferry delays or high winds. If not needed, your guide will use the day to revisit a favourite trail, add a summit or give the group more time to explore a chosen island. The plan is adjusted according to group interest and conditions.
Day 9 – Sanday hike and return to mainland
A short morning hike takes you over the causeway to Sanday, where you’ll visit the raised beaches, hut circles, and dramatic cliffs that define this quiet island. After exploring the coastline, return to Canna port and board the ferry back to Mallaig. From there, you’ll be transferred back to Fort William, arriving at approximately 3pm for onward travel.
This expedition explores four of the Small Isles off Scotland’s west coast: Eigg, Rum, Canna and Sanday. These islands lie within the Inner Hebrides and are known for their dramatic coastlines, untouched beaches, steep cliffs and unique geological features. They’re reachable by ferry from Mallaig and provide a remote, peaceful setting that feels worlds away from city life.
Terrain varies from open moorland and mountain ridges to forest tracks and coastal paths. Some sections involve no visible trail, making navigation experience essential – though your guide is highly familiar with the area. Wildlife sightings are likely, with possible glimpses of eagles, deer and seals as you move between campsites and islands.
This is a mixed-accommodation trip, using both wild camps and local hostels or B&Bs. Most nights are spent under canvas in remote areas selected for their views and quiet, off-grid setting. Tents are provided and carried by the group as needed.
The remaining nights include stays in small hostels or guesthouses when possible, especially during transitions between islands. A night at the pub in Canna offers a welcome contrast after days in the wild. Accommodation is kept simple, clean and practical – chosen for location and character rather than luxury.
Participants should be comfortable with consecutive days of hiking on uneven, and often unmarked, terrain. While daily distances are moderate, you’ll need to carry a rucksack including camping gear and personal kit. Prior experience of wild camping or multi-day walking trips will be useful, but not essential. A good level of fitness is required, and participants must be prepared for varied weather and some long days on foot.
While the trip is designed to be accessible to those looking for relaxed hiking, some days involve more strenuous routes or ridge walking. You’ll be supported throughout by an experienced mountain leader, with plenty of guidance on how to manage your gear, pacing and navigation along the way.
This adventure company believe you don’t need to leave the UK for a meaningful mountain adventure. They specialise in small group trips that get people into remote landscapes without the usual hassle – arranging all travel, accommodation, and logistics so you can simply turn up and enjoy the experience.
Born from a love of the British hills and islands, they make it possible to explore places like Rum, Eigg and Canna over a week without needing time off work or expensive kit. Their approach is relaxed but professional, focusing on making the outdoors more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone.
The walking is moderate to challenging, depending on the day. Some routes are over rough terrain with no clear path, while others follow faint trails or open grassy ground. You can expect uneven ground, some steep ascents, and carrying a pack for several hours each day. The longest day involves a ridge traverse with some light scrambling but is done with lighter packs.
That said, it’s not a race, and the pace is steady with plenty of stops. The trip is suitable for people with a good level of fitness who enjoy full days outdoors. Prior hillwalking experience will help but isn't mandatory as long as you're prepared to be active all day. Your guide will support you throughout with route advice and pacing tips.
Weather on the Small Isles is highly changeable, with sun, rain, mist and wind all possible in a single day. Summer months generally bring milder temperatures, but exposed ridgelines and coastal winds can still make things feel chilly, especially during the evenings at camp.
You’ll need to bring full waterproofs and clothing layers to adapt to varying conditions. While bad weather might alter the route slightly, the trip is designed with flexibility in mind and includes a contingency day in case conditions delay a crossing or hike.
Most days involve carrying your own pack with personal gear, camping kit, and food for the day. For wild camping sections, tents are provided and shared between participants to distribute weight evenly. Your guide will advise how best to pack and balance your load.
On the day you summit Askival, you’ll leave the bulk of your gear at basecamp and walk with a lighter pack. This helps conserve energy for the longer ridgeline walk and makes the terrain more manageable.
Accommodation is a mix of wild camping, hostels and B&Bs. Most nights will be spent in tents, often on remote beaches, hillsides or glens. These are chosen for their shelter, scenic setting and water access. Camping is fully wild and without facilities, but your guide will help with setup and group cooking.
On certain nights (particularly on Canna or near ferry ports), you’ll stay in basic but comfortable hostels or small guesthouses. These offer a chance to dry off, recharge devices, and sleep in a bed before heading back into the wild.
Tents are provided and carried as a group. You’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag, sleeping mat and personal camping items (such as headtorch, bowl/cutlery, etc.). A full kit list is sent out in advance to make sure you’re prepared.
Your guide will go over how to pack efficiently and may help redistribute gear depending on group size and strength. Everything you need for wild camping should fit in a single rucksack. You won’t be expected to carry communal food or stoves unless you choose to.
These islands are remote with minimal infrastructure, particularly Rum and Sanday. Some areas have no phone signal or internet access, especially during hiking and camping days. There are no shops once you leave the main villages, and services are limited even there.
It’s a chance to properly switch off from screens and daily life. Your guide carries a first aid kit and emergency communication device in case of any urgent situation, and there is always a plan in place should weather or delays affect the schedule.
Food during hiking days is included and prepared as a group, using lightweight ingredients that are easy to transport and cook. Expect porridge and coffee in the morning, trail snacks and lunches during the day, and hearty one-pot meals in the evenings.
All dietary needs can be catered for if mentioned in advance. When you're staying near a village or pub, the guide may suggest eating out (meals in cafés or pubs are at your own cost). You’ll be well-fed and encouraged to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
All ferry bookings are arranged in advance and included in the trip. These transfers are subject to weather, so the itinerary may shift slightly if conditions require it. Your guide stays in contact with ferry operators and adapts the plan as needed.
Travelling between islands by boat is part of what makes this trip unique. You’ll often hike to or from a ferry point, then enjoy a relaxed sail through scenic coastal waters before setting off on foot again. Delays are rare but accounted for with the contingency day.
Absolutely – many people who join trips like this are solo travellers. It’s a great way to meet others with similar interests in nature, hiking and wild places. The small group size encourages a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
You won’t need to worry about navigating, logistics or booking accommodation – everything is taken care of so you can focus on the experience. Your guide fosters a relaxed, team-minded approach that makes solo travellers feel immediately welcome.
Uitgevoerd door City Mountaineering, een partner van adventuro.
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