Mountain Walking Holiday on the Isle of Rum, Scotland
Join a guided walking holiday on the Isle of Rum, exploring mountains and coastal paths, enjoying wildlife sightings, and experiencing the island's natural beauty with all logistics handled.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 4 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 18
Meeting Location: Mallaig
Level: Active Plus
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Explore the wild and remote Isle of Rum, with astonishing landscapes, and stunning wildlife (fingers crossed for Red Deer, Otter and Seal sightings).
Embark on awesome mountain walks each day, led by an expert Large Outdoors guide.
Enjoy the company of a group of like-minded explorers, all keen on adventure, laughs, and camaraderie.
Relax as we organise the logistics, accommodation, meals and route planning.
Book your Isle of Rum Adventure
Guided Walking Holiday on the Isle of Rum: Great Walks, Wildlife, and New Friends
The Isle of Rum, part of Scotland's Small Isles, offers a unique walking experience. Known for its remote landscapes and diverse wildlife, Rum is a haven for nature enthusiasts. On this guided holiday, you'll walk through varied terrains, from mountain paths to coastal trails, with opportunities to see red deer, eagles and seals. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the island, relax in nature, and make new friends.
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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Meet your Large Outdoors guides and group at Mallaig ferry terminal at 8:45am. You’ll need to have a packed lunch (not included on this day) at the ready, as well as your walking kit easily accessible, as we’ll be heading out to explore once off the ferry.
Please note: we’ll be catching the ferry to Rum on foot - we have no vehicle for this trip (cars are not permitted on Rum for non-residents). So, it’s best to leave the ‘kitchen sink’ and any excess bags at home! Once on Rum, you will need to walk everywhere and this includes from the harbour to our accommodation, which is around 0.5 miles - approx. 10-15 minute walk. Please consider this when packing - a holdall or rucksack, rather than a wheeled suitcase (as the paths are uneven/unsurfaced) is best.
Once you’ve enjoyed the views from the ferry, it will dock in the hamlet of Kinloch, Rum’s one and only settlement and our base for the getaway. After we reach Rum Bunkhouse, we’ll drop our bags off and then head out on our first walk to explore the local area.
Back at the bunkhouse you can ‘check-in’ and settle in to your room with your fellow participants. The local community shop is small, but has a range of alcoholic options if you fancy an evening tipple, or feel free to make yourself a brew. We’ll enjoy dinner as a group tonight, into the evening as we discuss the plans for the next few days.
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After breakfast each morning we’ll head out for a full day of walking in the wilds of Rum. The landscapes are so big, pristine, and filled with interest we’re spoilt for choice for where to go each day. We’ll decide what we want to achieve each day as a group, and take the weather into account, and your Large Outdoors guides will make recommendations to help everyone get the most from each day.
Some of the available walk options include:
The Cuillin of Rum - Some call this the most exciting hillwalking day out in the Scottish Islands - and we can’t help but agree! Covering the five major summits of Rum and with a bit of simple, unexposed scrambling through jagged, imposing terrain, this ridge walk is one the island’s foremost hiking highlights. It’s a long, unforgettable day out in unbeatable scenery.
Kilmory Bay Coastal Walk - Kilmory Bay is an unspoilt stretch of white sand on the north of the island that’s home to some of the island’s handsome and charismatic red deer population. The deer population has been the subject of a long-running scientific study and has been featured on BBC’s Autumnwatch several times over the years, capturing the incredible deer rut. We’ll do our best to get good views of the deer, which will be helped by a newly constructed deer-watching hide!
Offering truly stunning views of the Skye Cuillin as you stroll around the bay, you’ll love the hidden coves and rocky cliffs of Kilmory.
Dibidil Coastal Walk - A remote amble around Rum’s southeastern-most coast along rocky terrain, over the river Dibidil near its outflow to the sea, and past Dibidil Bothy - a cosy shelter for hikers but just a remote, picturesque landmark for us! Dibidil is a long-abandoned settlement on this corner of Rum with evidence of ancient rig and furrow cultivation and enclosures. This walk offers superb views toward the Isles of Eigg and Muck.
Mullach Mor - A lower-level (304m) sandstone peak that offers a fascinating look at Rum’s geological diversity and brilliant views out to the Cuillin of Skye. The views over nearby lochs are seriously pretty.
Guirdil Bay - Guirdil is home to an eponymous bothy - the second of the island’s two we might visit on this adventure. The bay, surrounded by the foundations of a former beachfront settlement, is set at the foot of the imposing Bloodstone Hill, once quarried for its deposits of heliotropes, or ‘bloodstones’. We’ll keep an eye out for some of Rum’s wildlife here, as the area is frequented by deer, sea eagles, ponies, and even the odd Highland cow. The bay affords spectacular views of the nearby Isle of Canna.
Each evening we’ll eat dinner together as a group at the bunkhouse, no doubt fuelled by brilliant tales of the day’s exploration of Rum’s incredible landscapes. After dinner, feel free to kick-back in our accommodation’s lovely living space, complete with a log-burner - always a great conversation starter!
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We set sail for the mainland today, saying our goodbyes to Rum after this adventure. The estimated time of departure will be confirmed ahead of time - we aim to finish on the final day by mid to late afternoon, back in Mallaig. However, the exact finish time will be dependant on ferry timetables - if you’re travelling via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.
This experience is graded as ‘Active Plus’. You do need to be fit enough and happy to be out in the hills and exploring mountainous and remote terrain for long days. If you’d like a rest day at any point, you are more than welcome to relax in Kinloch and go for a gentle stroll along the beach at your own pace.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: Please meet your guide and group at Mallaig Ferry Terminal at 8:45am. Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to find parking if arriving by car - see Parking section below - you don’t want to miss the ferry!
Meeting Location:
Ferry Terminal
Mallaig
PH41 4QDPlease Note: we’ll be catching the ferry to Rum on foot - we have no vehicle for this trip (cars are not permitted on Rum for non-residents). So, it’s best to leave the ‘kitchen sink’ and any excess bags at home! Once on Rum, you will need to walk everywhere and this includes from the harbour to our accommodation, which is around 0.5 miles - approx. 10-15 minute walk. Please consider this when packing - a holdall or rucksack, rather than a wheeled suitcase (as the paths are uneven/unsurfaced).
Parking: There is long-stay parking available at the East Bay Car Park (Mallaig, PH41 4QF). Charges may apply - located a 15-minute walk from the Train Station.
Public Transport: Mallaig Train Station has services to/from Fort William and Glasgow and is a 5-minute walk from Mallaig Ferry Terminal.
Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day by mid to late afternoon, back in Mallaig. The exact finish time will be dependant on ferry timetables. If you’re travelling via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility in case of amends to ferry timetables or delays.
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We’ll base ourselves at the excellent Rum Bunkhouse for this getaway, heading out each day on foot to explore the island. The bunkhouse accommodation offers comfortable shared rooms (each bed has a reading light and USB charging point), a spacious living and dining area (complete with a log burner), drying room, and Wi-Fi.
All bedding is provided and towel hire is available upon request, but you are encouraged to bring your own towel and toiletries.
Room Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male RoomAll rooms at this hostel are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - usually with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).
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Included:
Return ferry (foot passenger) from Mallaig to Rum.
4 nights’ accommodation at Rum Bunkhouse.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 4 days (Days 1-4) around the wild and remote Isle of Rum led by a qualified Large Outdoors guide.
Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation each evening (Days 1-4).
A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).
A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) on Days 2-5. Please ensure you bring your own packed lunch for Day 1.
Tea, coffee and squash at the accommodation - please note, due to the remote location we may not have the usual range of decaf and herbal options available.
Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not Included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
A packed lunch on Day 1 - please ensure you bring one with you.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation. There is a well-stocked convenience shop in the hamlet of Kinloch, where you will be able to buy essentials - including rum distilled on…Rum!
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
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As with all ferry travel, departure is reliant on timetables, which sometimes do have to change after publishing and/or after we have made bookings and communicated timings with you. Travel is also subject to suitable weather conditions, so it is possible that unforeseen delays or cancellations may occur.
If our outward journey to Rum is delayed or cancelled, meaning we must stay an additional night(s) in or near Mallaig, Large Outdoors will attempt to arrange accommodation and the relevant costs will be charged to you (or you are welcome to source your own accommodation).
If our return journey to Mallaig on the mainland is delayed or cancelled, meaning we must stay an additional night(s) on Rum, accommodation and food will be arranged by Large Outdoors and the relevant costs will be charged to you.
Large Outdoors cannot accept responsibility for any delays to onward journeys, or additional costs incurred by ferry changes or cancellations. Please ensure you have suitable travel insurance in place to enable you to recover such costs, as per our Terms & Conditions.
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Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
Please Note: we’ll be catching the ferry to Rum on foot - we have no vehicle for this trip (cars are not permitted on Rum for non-residents). So, it’s best to leave the ‘kitchen sink’ and any excess bags at home! Once on Rum, you will need to walk everywhere and this includes from the harbour to our accommodation, which is around 0.5 miles - approx. 10-15 minute walk. Please consider this when packing - a holdall or rucksack, rather than a wheeled suitcase (as the paths are uneven/unsurfaced).
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What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is graded as Active Plus - you certainly need to be capable of managing ascent and descent, with long days spent in remote mountainous areas. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.What transport is provided during this trip?Return ferry travel from Mallaig to Rum is included.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary. -
The Isle of Rum is the largest of Scotland’s Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides. The island is home to around 30 people, all of whom are based in the hamlet of Kinloch on the east coast. The rest of the island is an uninhabited wilderness home to spectacular wildlife that has been the site of important ecological studies over many decades. The island’s large Red Deer population is of particular interest, both to the scientific community and to nature lover. The Isle of Rum is also the site of a successful reintroduction programme for the White-tailed Eagle - the largest bird of prey in the UK!
The island’s remoteness is part of what makes it so appealing for adventures. There are very few well-defined paths and no roads, meaning a grasp of map-reading, compass navigation, and emergency planning is essential, which is why we think walking with a Large Outdoors guide is the safest and most fun way to experience the beauty of Rum.
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"The bunkhouse was stellar, with really sturdy and comfortable wooden beds...and excellent communal space for relaxing and chatting in. I loved all the glass in the living/dining area - you could sit and admire the landscape whatever the weather and the hammocks were an inspired addition to the porch. The variety of wildlife on the island was amazing...The red deer congregated around the bunkhouse at dawn and dusk, so we got to watch them at very close quarters." Kate
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.