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The Small IslesWalks on Eigg, Muck and Rum, three little gems of the Inner Hebrides
IntroductionThe Small Isles are four little islands south of the Isle of Skye. Each one is distinct and differs in geography, local economy, population and ownership. From Muck in the South, Eigg with its tooth-like Sgurr, and Rum, mountainous and mysterious in the clouds, to Canna in the North, the Islands offer a wonderful variety of scenery, wildlife and lifestyle. Together they have a population of around 130 people, with most of them living on Eigg. This walking tour takes you for hikes on three of the Small Isles: Eigg, Muck and Rum. Rum is the largest and most mountainous island; its jagged outline is one of the most famous in Scotland and it was once the core of a giant volcano. The whole Isle of Rum has been a National Nature Reserve since 1957 and it is one of Britain's last wildernesses.
Muck is the smallest and most fertile island and it plays host to a huge range of land and sea-birds including sea eagles, puffins, manx shearwaters, kittiwakes and fulmars. We will stay on Eigg for three nights, with a day visit to Muck and three nights on Rum.
The programme day by dayA typical week, subject to variables like weather, abilities of the group and any changes to take account of lambing, deer stalking, etc., could be as follows:
Saturday: Glasgow - Eigg
Sunday: An Sgurr Monday: Caves on Eigg and the Isle of Muck
Tuesday: Bay of Laig, Eigg and Port na Caraneon, Rum
We will hike to the Bay of Laig with its amazing sandstone erosion, before taking the boat to Rum where we will stay for the rest of the week. The afternoon is spent on a tour of Kinloch Castle and a walk to Port na Caraneon. Up to 10 miles (16 km).
Wednesday: Bealach Bairc-Mheall and Loch Coire nan Grunnd Thursday: Guirdil Bay Friday: Kilmory and journey back to Glasgow We will take the late afternoon ferry back to Mallaig and from there we will travel back to Glasgow by minibus, arriving in Glasgow in the late evening.
Am I fit enough?If you regularly walk or hike all day, especially if you walk in the country on rough paths, the answer is probably, "yes". Age itself is no problem. Very fit men and women in their seventies can cope with this and other similar programmes. No days walking is more than 13 miles. On none of the days do we intend hurrying. Having said all this, it will often be off-track and tough-going on ground that is sometimes steep, wet or broken because the West Highlands and Islands are like that and their greatest rewards often go to those who are prepared to step away from the beaten tracks. If you're still not sure whether or not you could cope after you've read this and the details of the week's programme, please get in touch to discuss further. AccommodationOn Eigg we will stay at Glebe Barn. This barn is converted to comfortable accommodation and the food is excellent.On Rum we will stay at Kinloch Castle Hostel. The rooms are in the old servants' quarters, accommodating 2 or 3 people per room. In both places, bathrooms are shared. We will have our meals at the accommodation. Clothing and equipmentYou will need to bring boots with a good tread that provide adequate ankle support, warm clothing, waterproofs (top and over-trousers) and a rucksack big enough for your spare clothes, a packed lunch and whatever else you normally like to have with you (binoculars, a camera, etc.). Boots are especially important. They don't have to be particularly heavy, but wearing ultra lightweight ones may mean your feet get wet. Trainers definitely aren't adequate and may even be unsafe where the terrain is rough and steep.
The price includes:
and most especially:
For full details on booking and insurance, please click here.
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Letters Lodge South, Strathlachlan, Argyll PA27 8BZ, Scotland (UK)
Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1369 860272 • Email:
