10 Small islands trips

Travel from: Oban via CalMac ferries to Tiree and Coll. There is also a ferry which connects Arinagour on Coll to Scarinish on Tiree.

The isles of Tiree and Coll are magical spots on the map just off the west coast of Scotland. While Tiree is known for its surfing haven, flat landscapes and white sand beaches, Coll is known for its wide-open spaces, untouched nature and as a ‘dark-sky community’.

Across Tiree you can explore historic landmarks and attractions, try your hand at a range of watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, standup paddleboarding and kayaking, or stay on dry land and head on the hunt to spot some wildlife, including basking sharks, grey seals, and a variety of birdlife.

Coll is the perfect location for relaxing and getting away from it all. This serene island is peppered with pristine beaches that are ideal for an afternoon of reading your favourite book surrounded by immense scenery and views. At night, watch the skies come to life as the island boasts the perfect conditions for stargazing and even catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis.

Travel from: Mallaig by CalMac ferries, or from Arisaig in the summer months. Time on the islands can be limited so planning is essential.

Also known as the Small Isles and located just south of Skye, they offer a range of distinct characteristics, from the mountains of Rum and the nature on Muck, to wildlife on Eigg and the Neolithic and Viking links on Canna.

On Eigg, take on the challenge of the Sgùrr of Eigg for dramatic views over to Skye and Ardnamurchan. The route is relatively straightforward but there are rocky scrambles, so the correct footwear and equipment is needed. Rum features one of the finest nature reserves in Scotland and is home to a range of birdlife and mammals. Across the island you’ll come across many Norse names too, which date back to the Viking era.

Canna is the most westerly and is a fantastic location for delving into the rich Gaelic heritage of the islands, as well as wildlife and historic sites to see. Muck is the smallest, with a population of just 35, and it is home to a range of sea and land birds. Enjoy a climb up Beinn Airein for panoramic views out to the islands.

Travel from: Sconser on Skye

The Isle of Raasay lies between the famed Isle of Skye and the mainland. Did you know, Raasay is one of the most accessible islands in Scotland? With a regular ferry service that runs throughout the year, 7 days a week, it’s a great choice for a last-minute day trip idea. Raasay boasts magical scenery and landscapes to enjoy, with natural beauty, the hilltop summit of Dun Caan, a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, with plenty of nature and wildlife to uncover.

Dive into a day of outdoor fun at Raasay House Hotel with a range of activities on offer, from boat trips, kayaking and archery, to wildlife spotting rib trips, bike hire and more.

Head to the Isle of Raasay Distillery and embark on a guided tour, with drams of whisky or samples of gin to try along the way. The distillery is also part of the Hebridean Whisky Trail, connecting distilleries across the islands – where else will you venture next?

Travel from: Oban via daily CalMac ferries (March – October). You can also take ferries from Kennacraig on the mainland and Port Askaig on Islay. Please note, that the only days you can visit Colonsay for 6 hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays. You would need to stay overnight for all other days of the week.

This small, yet friendly and inviting island, sits west of Jura and offers up something for the whole family to enjoy. A peaceful spot on the map, immerse yourself in a day away from it all where you can relax on sandy shores with a good book or take a wander around the island’s trails and routes. The terrain is flat and with rocky coastline to admire, so you’ll be surrounded by stunning views and scenery the whole way. Head along to The Island Shop for delicious fresh fruit and veg, local meats, eggs and even artisan pies. Stop off at the Wild Island Distillery, which is home to award-winning gin and a range of wild botanical and seasonal specials too. Sports enthusiasts can explore the island on two-wheels or try your hand at paddleboarding with Colonsay Bike and Board Hire.

Travel from: Oban via CalMac car ferry to Achnacroish, or Port Appin to Point via passenger ferry.

This long, narrow island sits in Loch Linnhe between Fort William and Oban. Lismore, or ‘Lios Mòr’, meaning the ‘Great Garden’ in Gaelic, and with an abundance of places to walk, cycle, kayak, and mountain tops to explore, it’s easy to see why. Get your boots on and wander the island on two feet with plenty of trails to choose from. Ranging from easy to difficult, explore St Moluag’s Trail, The Lighthouse, Achanduin Castle and The Bàrr Mòr, to name a few.

If you want to discover more about the island and its history, visit Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre to learn all about the stories of the people who have lived on the island for thousands of years and delve into true island life.

Travel from: Oban to Lochboisdale on South Uist by ferry, or from Uig on Skye to Lochmaddy on North Uist by ferry.

The isles of North and South Uist are gems in the Outer Hebrides that are surrounded by sandy shores and glistening waters – perfect for wildlife watching and delving into a watersport or two.

North Uist is a popular spot for walkers, bird watchers and cyclists alike, with miles of flat scenic landscapes to explore. Stay in a traditional Hebridean croft and transport yourself back in time to get a taste of what real island life was like, tuck into fresh local food, wander along untouched beaches, or enjoy a day out at RSPB Balranald Nature Reserve.

On South Uist, follow along the Uist Sculpture Trail which encompasses a series of seven artworks that can be found at locations across the islands. Visit the archaeological site of Cladh Hallan Roundhouses, learn more about Jacobite history at Flora MacDonald’s Monument, or enjoy the circular Cladh Hallan Roundhouses loop, taking in these Bronze Age sites and stunning beach views.

Travel from: South Uist via the Eriskay Causeway, or by ferry from Ardmhor on Barra.

This small yet unique island sits between South Uist and Barra and is most well-known for its wild Eriskay ponies that roam freely. These hardy ponies are the last surviving native Hebridean breed and with dense, waterproof coats, they are well equipped to withstand the sometimes harsh weather conditions on the island.

Get your walking boots on and explore Eriskay on foot. Wander the islands footpaths on a moderate 5-mile walk, starting and finishing at the Community Centre in the north of the island. Explore the islands’ beaches, learn about the story of Whisky Galore dating back to the 1940s, and stop by Am Politician for some delicious locally sourced food, a refreshing drink and even live music at the weekends.

Travel from: Eriskay to Ardmhor via ferry, or Tiree and Oban to Castlebay via ferry. You can also fly from the mainland to Barra Airport.

Most famed for its unusual airport runway on the beach, Barra is a beautiful island in the Outer Hebrides which boasts magical beaches, hills, and moorland, and plenty of opportunities to get out and experience it all for yourself.

Admire Kisimul Castle from Castlebay, head to Seal Bay on the west coast and keep your eyes peeled for seals that often appear here, stop by Cleat in the north to test your surfing skills, delve into the history, heritage, and culture of the island at Barra Heritage Centre in Castlebay, climb Heaval, Barra’s highest summit, for breathtaking views out to the surrounding islands, or venture north to the white sands of Eoligarry Beach.

Travel from: Tayvallich, Argyll & Bute via the Jura Passenger Ferry, or via the small car ferry from Islay.

Did you know people are outnumbered by more than 5,000 deer on the island? Just over 200 people call this wilderness home; an island featuring historic sites, standing stones, towering Paps of Jura and much more.

In Craighouse, you’ll find the island’s only distillery, the Isle of Jura Distillery, where you can embark on a guided tour to sample some of their finest malts whilst learning all about the intricate whisky-making process. Explore the island on a guided tour with an experienced local who can take you to all the secret nooks and crannies that you may not be able to find on your own. Or if you want to explore your adventurous side, the west coast of the island is wild and offers up incredible views and the chance to see wildlife up close. Continuing the adventure, head out on a boat trip around the neighbouring islands and even journey through the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the third largest in the world!

If you’re looking for an extra addition to your trip, hop over and visit the Isle of Islay.

Travel from: Kennacraig, Argyll & Bute via CalMac car ferry to Port Ellen or Port Askaig.

Well-known for its abundance of distilleries, the Isle of Islay boasts nine working whisky distilleries, all encompassed by unmatched coastal scenery that influences the notes and aromas of the whiskies produced here. Get out on the water on a boat trip to see the islands from a new perspective, all whilst keeping an eye out for local animals and birdlife that make their home here. Journey up the Mull of Oa to witness the dramatic and rugged side of Islay’s coastline or put your trust in an experienced skipper as you experience the currents and waves of the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.

Islay also hosts a range of eclectic events and festivals throughout the year too, from Islay Jazz Festival and Islay Book Festival, to Fèis Ìle and Walk Islay, to name a few.