Visiting the Small Isles in September offers the chance to embrace simplicity and nature’s rhythms. The summer crowds have mostly dispersed, and the islands bask in a calm, golden light that makes the scenery even more stunning. The days are still long enough to explore from dawn to dusk, with the sun lower in the sky, creating dramatic shadows on the hills, glens, and rugged coastlines. This gentle sunlight creates the perfect conditions for photography or just soaking in the quiet beauty of nature.
Long Walks and Stunning Scenery:
September offers cooler, more comfortable temperatures for long walks across these breathtaking islands. Each island offers its own unique scenery:
Eigg: Famous for its distinctive Sgurr, a dramatic pitchstone ridge offering panoramic views over the surrounding islands and sea. Hike across the island to Laig bay and take in the dramatic backdrop of the Rum Cuillin.
Muck: Small and intimate - explore Gallanach Bay with the beautiful outlook towards Eigg and Rum or climb the gentle slopes around the farm and complete the Muck circuit.
Canna: Take your binoculars and enjoy the wildlife opportunities from marine life just off the coast to the abundant birdlife. It is also home to a wealth of archaeological sites that speak of its long and fascinating history.
Rum: The largest and wildest of the Small Isles, Rum offers more challenging hikes, such as the ascent of Askival, its highest peak. The island’s rugged terrain, with its crags and lochs, is perfect for more adventurous explorers, and the chance to see the majestic red deer that roam freely.
Local Food Delights:
September is a great time to savour fresh local produce often sourced from the land and sea surrounding the isles. Try warming seasonal soups, crumble made from foraged berries, lamb from the local Muck farm, freshly caught shellfish and island reared beef. Find out more here.
Images kindly shared by Simon Hird.
The Chance to Disconnect:
In September, the islands offer a genuine sense of peace and quiet. With fewer tourists around, you'll often find yourself walking for hours without seeing another soul, enjoying a rare solitude that allows for reflection and relaxation. It’s the perfect opportunity to unplug, slow down, and connect with the stunning natural world around you.
Wildlife Encounters:
This is also a prime time for wildlife viewing on the Small Isles. Watch for dolphins and minke whales in the surrounding waters, and keep an eye out for sea eagles, golden eagles and a variety of other seabirds. Ask a local for some location tips and set aside some time to sit and observe with no time pressures.
Occasional Travel Woes:
While visiting the Small Isles is always an adventure, the weather in September can be unpredictable. Ferries can be delayed or cancelled due to sudden shifts in weather. Nature sets the schedule here. Ensure you have travel insurance and if you are caught out, take the chance to hunker down, sip on a cuppa and indulge in some island time.
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