Mull & the Small Isles

Mull and the Small Isles bring together some of the most varied island walking in Scotland. Mull provides the scale, with long sea lochs, an intricate coastline and mountains rising directly from the Atlantic. Rum supplies the drama, while Eigg, Muck and Canna prove that a hill need not be particularly high to dominate an entire island.

Ben More is the region’s highest summit and the only island Munro outside Skye. The direct ascent begins near sea level beside Loch na Keal, while the harder approach over Beinn Fhada and A Chioch adds rocky ridges and exposed scrambling. Elsewhere on Mull, Dun da Ghaoithe overlooks the Sound of Mull and Beinn Talaidh rises as a striking cone above Glen Forsa.

Across the water, the Rum Cuillin form one of Scotland’s finest compact mountain ranges. Their complete traverse crosses Hallival, Askival, Trallval and Ainshval in a long succession of steep slopes, narrow ridges and rough volcanic rock.

Eigg is defined by the unmistakable pitchstone ridge of An Sgurr. Muck offers gentle coastal hills and wide views, while Canna combines grassy heights with basalt cliffs and sea stacks. These are landscapes shaped by volcanoes, glaciers and the Atlantic—and exploring them still depends heavily on ferries, weather and sensible planning.