Small Isles Exploration

Voyage Summary

The Scottish Small Isles of Muck, Eigg, Canna and Rhum are stunning. Each slightly different in character and away from the busier points of the Inner Hebrides. Stunning scenery, peaceful surroundings and fabulous wildlife is guaranteed. The weather will guide our stops as they can get a little breezy. However, there’s always plenty of opportunity to find some sheltered sailing and explore these remote gems.

Sailing Highlights

This voyage starts with a 40 nautical mile passage from Oban.  This takes us on a dramatic path between the island of Mull and the mainland.  We’ll pass castle Duart on the approach to the Sound of Mull before working our way north east to Tobermory.  We’ll pass the most westerly point on the British mainland at Ardnamurchan (or ardnamurky if visibility is playing it’s normal trick!) before shaping our course for the Small Isles.

There are four main islands in the Small Isles.  These remote islands do not have sophisticated marinas so we’ll be spending most of our time on anchor overnight.  Each island has fabulous anchorages but we will need to choose the ones that give you the most comfortable night for the prevailing conditions!  Consequently, a firm plan is almost impossible to define.

The islands are small and distances between them short.  They are also gain some protection from the Outer Hebrides so tend to be a little more sheltered.  We’ll spend our time seeing as many of the islands as possible.  The sailing between them should be relaxing and of limited length.

This is not a voyage for people looking for ‘white knuckle’ sailing or building their sea miles.  It is firmly focused on relaxing voyages and exploring these fabulous places.

Itinerary Details

The itinerary is kept very loose on this voyage.  Our aim is to give you a relaxed and enjoyable voyage rather than push you out of your comfort zone!  If there’s something which particularly interests you, just talk to the skipper and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.

Unlike many groups of islands, each island in the Small Isles is distinct and different in geography, agronomy, population and ownership. From Muck in the south, through Eigg with its tooth-like Sgurr, and Rum, mountainous and mysterious in the clouds, to Canna in the north, the Small Isles offer a wonderful variety of scenery, wildlife and lifestyle.

Quiz enthusiasts might like to know that the islands of Rum, Eigg & Muck were called the ‘Cocktail Islands’ or ‘Cocktail Isles’ by a newspaper journalist in the 1970s but the name is not in general use and is not used locally.

Eigg

In 1997, the islanders set up the Eigg Heritage Trust with the assistance of various bodies to buy the island which had gone through a troubled time with previous owners. Now owned by the Trust, Eigg offers a variety of scenery, wildlife and a get-away-from-it-all feeling for the visitor.

The dramatic Sgurr in the south can be reached by a variety of routes and gives superb views. Near its base is the Massacre Cave – scene of an infamous slaughter by clansmen from neighbouring islands during the Clan Wars. In the north is Largs Bay with its famous singing sands. Golden Eagles live on the high basalt cliffs to the north-east and the waters round the island are home to seals, whales, dolphins and otters.

Canna

Canna is the most westerly of the four Small Isles and covers 3000 acres. It was given to the National Trust for Scotland in 1981. The island is farmed by the NTS and has several working crofts and a small population of less than 15. The island has been a bird sanctuary since 1938 and the 157 different species of birds have been monitored annually since 1969.

The little church and St Columba’s chapel are both open to visitors. Connected to Canna by a wooden bridge is the tidal island of Sanday where St. Edward’s Chapel has been converted into the Camus Arts Centre.

Muck

The smallest of the Small Isles group and the most fertile, Muck has a population of about 40, mainly living round the tiny harbour of Port Mor. It has been owned by the same family – the MacEwens – for over 100 years.  Muck may be a small island, but it has a lot to offer and is an easy island to explore on foot. Muck is a great place to get away and relax, having wonderful quiet beaches, stunning landscapes and wildlife.

Rum

The Community Trust Ranger Service offers guided walks and evening talks. Visitors are welcome to follow the nature trails laid out around the village of Kinloch. The newly-built otter hide is situated along a path which is easily reachable from the ferry terminal.  The Cuillins of Rum, with their Norse names – Askival, Hallival, Trollaval, Orval – lend an air of mystery to an island that was known as the Forbidden Island. These mountains are the remains of a huge, ancient volcano and attract geologists from all over the world. Rum was the site for the reintroduction of sea eagles in Scotland.