Small Isles Expedition

Join us on a Small Isles six-day expedition where we explore the islands’ dramatic, remote and inaccessible coastline and wild camp as we journey. Located in the North-West of Scotland, the Small Isles are a small archipelago of four islands and are part of the Inner Hebrides. The islands of Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna are situated to the west of Arisaig and just south of the Isle of Skye. We can paddle there if conditions are suitable, and if they’re not, they are accessible by Calmac ferry from Mallaig on the mainland. Each of these remote islands has its own special character, but all share outstanding natural beauty and spectacular scenery.

Rum
Rum, by far the largest of the Small Isles, dominates with mountainous volcanic peaks. It’s home to the architecturally remarkable Kinloch Castle, and some wonderful wildlife, notably red deer and eagles. Scottish Natural Heritage runs the island as a National Nature Reserve.

Eigg
Eigg is the most populous in the archipelago and is owned by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust who manage the island on behalf of its vibrant community. It’s also home to eagles that soar over stunning white beaches.

Muck
Muck is the smallest and most southerly of the islands. It’s fringed by secluded bays and white sandy beaches and is known for its seal population and for the porpoises in the surrounding water.

Canna
Canna is the most westerly of the Small Isles and was donated to the National Trust for Scotland by Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw. The couple amassed a huge collection of Gaelic song and poetry. Canna’s coastline supports over 20,000 breeding seabirds and is a great place to spot puffins and eagles. It’s also a favoured spot for marine life, including whales and basking shark.

Accommodation is wild camping and self-catering. The legendary Sea Kayak Plockton flapjack will be provided for elevenses.

Our expedition is led by Ali Rose or Alison French.

Total cost is £960. £320 deposit is required to secure your place with the balance payable 10 weeks before the trip.