Things to Do in The Small Isles
The Small Isles, a national scenic area in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, is an archipelago known for its diverse and dramatic landscapes. Comprising the islands of Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna, the area features a varied terrain of mountainous peaks, fertile lowlands, rugged coastlines, and unique volcanic geology. These natural features provide a compelling setting for several sports like hiking and jogging.
Things to Do in The Small Isles
The Small Isles offer a range of outdoor activities for those exploring…
25
Routes
4.7
(25)
Average rating
277
People visited
14
hikers
26.2km
11:36
1,560m
1,560m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
14
hikers
23.2km
10:29
1,390m
1,390m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
(3)
38
hikers
20.1km
05:26
260m
260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
20
hikers
12.5km
03:51
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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12
runners
23.2km
05:06
1,390m
1,390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
6.16km
00:49
290m
290m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
14.4km
01:34
210m
210m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
8.75km
01:13
350m
350m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Frequently asked questions
What are The Small Isles National Scenic Area?
The Small Isles National Scenic Area is an archipelago in Scotland's Inner Hebrides. It comprises four main islands: Rùm, Eigg, Muck, and Canna, each with distinct landscapes and natural features. The area is known for its diverse and dramatic scenery, from mountainous peaks to fertile lowlands.
What outdoor activities are available in The Small Isles?
The Small Isles offer a range of outdoor activities, primarily hiking and jogging. There are more than 20 routes available across the islands. Visitors have rated activities in The Small Isles an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars on komoot.
What are the best hiking trails in The Small Isles?
Rùm offers challenging routes like the Rùm Cuillin ridge traverse, including Askival, the highest peak at 2,664 feet (812 meters). On Eigg, the climb to An Sgùrr provides 360-degree views. For more options, see the Hiking in The Small Isles guide.
Are there challenging hikes in The Small Isles?
Yes, Rùm, the largest island, is ideal for serious hikers with its mountainous terrain. The Rùm Cuillin offers a challenging ridge traverse across its five main summits. Eigg's An Sgùrr also presents a rewarding climb with significant elevation.
Are there easy or family-friendly walks in The Small Isles?
Yes, Muck offers a relatively flat 9-mile (14-kilometer) circumference walk suitable for relaxed exploration. Rùm has gentler nature trails around Kinloch, and Canna provides pleasant coastal circuits. For more details, consult the Family-friendly hikes in The Small Isles and Easy hikes in The Small Isles guides.
Where can one go jogging in The Small Isles?
The island of Muck, being low-lying and fertile, is particularly suitable for jogging. Its relatively flat terrain allows for more relaxed running experiences. Explore specific routes in the Running Trails in The Small Isles guide.
What natural features are prominent in The Small Isles?
The islands feature striking volcanic geology, including the columnar jointing of Eigg's An Sgùrr and Rùm's jagged peaks. Rugged coastlines with cliffs, caves, and natural arches are common. The terrain varies from Rùm's mountainous moorland to Muck's fertile lowlands.
What wildlife can be seen in The Small Isles?
The Small Isles are a haven for wildlife. Visitors can spot golden eagles and white-tailed sea eagles, as well as seabirds like Manx shearwaters, puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Marine life includes seals, otters, porpoises, dolphins, Minke whales, and basking sharks.
How can visitors travel to The Small Isles?
Access to The Small Isles is primarily by ferry, with services provided by Caledonian MacBrayne. Visitors are generally not permitted to bring vehicles to the islands, contributing to their peaceful atmosphere. Contact Caledonian MacBrayne at 0800 066 5000 for ferry information.
What komoot guides are available for The Small Isles?
Komoot offers several guides for The Small Isles, including Hiking in The Small Isles, Family-friendly hikes in The Small Isles, Easy hikes in The Small Isles, and Running Trails in The Small Isles. These guides provide detailed information for planning outdoor adventures.
What is the official website for The Small Isles?
The official website for The Small Isles is Visit Small Isles. It provides comprehensive information for visitors planning a trip to the archipelago. The website address is https://www.visitingsmallisles.com.
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