Walking on Rum and the Small Isles. Peter Edwards

🔖 The Small Isles are often called the hidden gems of the Western Isles, providing a walking paradise for those seeking wilderness and solitude, alongside the better-known Rum. Highlights include, on Rum, the towering volcanic peaks of the Rum Cuillin, Kinloch Castle, Kilmory bay; An Sgurr and Cleadale on Eigg; Canna's towering cliffs and rock stacks; the verdant landscape and sparkling shores of Muck; and the white sand bays and flower-carpeted machair of Coll and Tiree. Each island is different and has its own introduction here, with detailed information on geology, history and wildlife, as well as local amenities. The Small Isles have few roads and visitors may bring vehicles only by special arrangement, and, although amenities are excellent, they are far from extensive. This rare isolation makes the islands a haven for walkers wanting to immerse themselves in the peace and freedom of wild landscapes unaffected by large-scale tourism. The routes range from a long round of the Rum Cuillin and a pathless backpack around the coast of Rum to easy day walks. But conditions can be wet, rough and changeable, so this guide has advice on what to take, as well as detailed route descriptions and OS maps.