Favourite Walks on Scottish Islands
From an extinct volcano on Mull to a andslip in northern Skye
The Quiraing, Isle of Skye
THE LANDSLIP
An ancient geological shift on the Trotternish ridge. The path winds through a cathedral of rock formations—The Needle, The Table, and The Prison. It is a landscape that can feel magical as ravens soar close and heavy, sea-born mist shrouds the jagged peaks. Best walked out-of-season to avoid the summer crush.
7km / Moderate
Circular, Isle of Raasay
THE COASTAL LOOP
A meandering exploration of Raasay’s southern coastline. The path transitions from old-growth woodland —noted for its dense moss and fungi — to open, secluded beaches. From the shoreline, there are unobstructed views across the water to the Cuillin of Skye.
7km / Easy-Moderate
Raasay Distillery has an excellent cafe.
South Coast, Isle of Ulva
THE COASTAL WALK
The route climbs through old-growth woodland through the ruins of abandoned clearance villages. A slow, coastal walk where the only company is likely sea eagles and basking seals.
13km / Moderate
Ben More, Isle of Mull
THE VOLCANIC PEAK
A 60-million-year-old extinct volcano and the highest point in the Scottish Isles at 966m. Its triangular silhouette dominates the Mull skyline. The ascent is rugged and unrelenting, providing a vast Atlantic panorama from the summit.
9.5km / Strenuous
Blà Bheinn, Isle of Skye
THE ISOLATED CITADEL
The only stand-alone Cuillin on the island. Blà Bheinn (Blaven) is a dark, volcanic fortress that offers a steep, rocky ascent. While more accessible than the main ridge, it requires a scramble through scree to reach a summit that overlooks the heart of the island.
8km / Strenuous
Goatfell, Isle of Arran
THE HIGH CORBETT
The granite peak that defines the Arran skyline. At 874m, Goatfell is technically a ‘Corbett’, though the steep ridges give it a mountainous character. The view from the summit stretches across the Firth of Clyde to the coast of Ireland.
11km / Moderate-Strenuous
TRAVEL BRIEFING
CalMac ferries serve all five islands. Ulva is reached via a three-minute, on-demand crossing from Mull; signal the ferryman using the red board at the jetty.
Hebridean weather is volatile. Carry a map, compass, and GPS. Navigation on Blà Bheinn and Ben More is difficult in low cloud.