Four small Hebridean islands off Mallaig, from Rum’s rocky peaks to Eigg’s great pitchstone ridge, with ferry timetables to plan around
Four islands make up this group off the west coast — Rum, Eigg, Canna and Muck — each with its own character, and all reached by ferry from Mallaig. The National Scenic Area covers 472 square kilometres of sea and island, so a visit means planning around sailings and staying a while rather than dashing across.
Rum is the biggest and wildest, a national nature reserve with a jagged, rocky skyline. Askival is the high point of the Rum Cuillin, with Ainshval along the same craggy ridge, a serious scrambly round for experienced hillwalkers. Over on Eigg, An Sgurr is a standout landmark, a great blade of pitchstone with a walkers’ route to the top and a wide island-and-sea view.
Ferry space and island beds are limited, so book ahead and check the timetable both ways. Settled summer weather makes the crossings, and the hills, far kinder.
