12 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: Gallanach via CalMac ferry, just south of Oban to Balliemore on Kerrera. 

This car-free island offers a wonderful sense of peace and tranquility. The Kerrera circular walk is a great way to get your bearings around the island. Along the way, you’ll encounter dramatic sea cliffs and historic sites including Gylen Castle, a 16th century ruin overlooking the Firth of Lorn. To help refuel your energy levels, stop off for a spot of tea and cake at Kerrera Tea Garden with lots of colourful teapots lining the path to help guide you there. If you’re not too strapped for time, explore the northern part of the island through Hutcheson’s Monument circuit. This walking trail is dedicated after David Hutcheson, a pioneer in Scottish steamboat services with Hutcheson’s Monument offering fantastic 360-degree of the island’s natural beauty.

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. Looking to gain more insider knowledge from the island’s wonderful attractions? Explore with a local on a guided tour to help you delve into true island life.

Travel from: Oban and Mallaig 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: Anstruther with Anstruther Pleasure Cruises from April to October or North Berwick with the Scottish Seabird Centre on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). 

For keen wildlife enthusiasts, be sure to add the Isle of May to your bucket list. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a warm welcome from the rangers who live on the island; they’ll be happy to help with all your questions and will give a full debrief on what wildlife you can expect to see. The National Nature Reserve is famous for its large puffin colony where they nest on the island between April to July. It’s not just puffins though, expect to see guillemots, razorbills, shags, gannets and grey seals. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot dolphins, porpoises or even a whale. With its rugged landscape and scenic cliff-top paths for walking, it’s an impressive place to while away the hours and take in the impressive sea views.

If you're travelling by car to Anstruther, there will be temporary changes on car parking due to construction work. During this time, there will be clear signage in place and stewards present during busy periods.

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: 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: Toft on Shetland mainland by ferry to Ulsta (Yell) and from Gutcher (Yell) to Bellmont in Unst. Make sure to allow 30 minutes to drive between Ulsta and Gutcher.

Steeped in Viking heritage, Unst is Britain's most northerly inhabited island and was once the home of Norse travellers while trading between Scandinavia, Greenland and Newfoundland thanks to it’s northerly location. Today, the island still takes great pride in its Norse and Viking connections with over 60 longhouse remains said to be found here. During your visit, make sure to check out The Skidbladner. This full size replica of a Gokstad ship was said to have been built during the reign of Harald Fairhar who landed in Unst. Discover a fascinating insight into island life at Unst Heritage Centre, home to a fine lace knitwear collection. For keen wildlife enthusiasts head to Hermaness National Nature Reserve or book a gin tasting at Shetland Reel where you’ll get behind-the-scenes access into the distilling process. At night, take in the starry skies and head out on a night-time exploration along Unst-sky trail. 

Travel from: Kirkwall to Westray with Orkney Ferries.

When you visit the Northern Isle of Westray, expect an exciting few days of outdoor adventure. Embrace the fresh air and enjoy a wander along Noup Head Circular route. This 7.4 km walk takes around 2.5 hours to complete and offers everything from dramatic coastline scenery to spectacular sightings of seabirds. If you’re a keen cyclist, explore on two wheels along the Westray Explorer route. Beginning at the island’s ferry terminal you’ll come across wonderful places to visit en route including Castle of Burrian, Noltland Castle and Grobust beach to name just a few. Meet the island’s most notorious resident at The Westray Heritage Trust – the Westray Wife, also known as the ‘Orkney Venus’. At just 4cm tall, it was the first Neolithic carving of a human form to be found in Scotland. The island is also known for its creative flair. Stop by Hume Sweet Hume where you’ll be spoilt for choice by their range of handmade homeware, clothing and accessories made from fibres of silk, Geelong Lambswool and Angorra, all inspired by Orkney's spectacular landscape.