Rum

How do I get to Rum?   There is a Caledonian Macbrayne passenger Ferry from Mallaig on the west coast of Scotland to Rum, but this does not run every day. Also, AquaExplore run fast R.I.B's (Rigid Inflatable Boats) from Elgol on Skye on a daily basis, mainly in the summer months. Finally, Arisaig Marine run a scheduled ferry service to the isle of Rum during the summer months. To travel throughout Scotland and the UK, you can book your tickets through The Trainline.

How do I get around Rum?   On foot! All the Small Isles ferries are passenger only as there are very few roads on the Small Isles.

What's worth visiting on Rum?  Kinloch Castle is a magnificent Edwardian Castle in the main settlement of Kinloch. For more information on Kinloch Castle, please see my article, Rum with a View.  There are two Heritage Trails that start in Kinloch and take around two hours to complete. A longer and more demanding walk is to complete Rum's Cuillin, which includes the peaks of Hallival and Askival.

Where can I stay on Rum?  It is possible to stay in Kinloch Castle which has a Hostel in what used to be the Servants Quarters. This can be either on a full board or a self-catering basis. The Isle of Rum Community Trust Campsite is just 10 minutes walk from the pier. Also, there are two bothies on the isle of Rum, at Dibidal and Guirdal run by the Mountain Bothy Association.

Are there any books/DVD's about Rum?  The Small Isles: Canna, Rum, Eigg and Muck by Denis Rixson, Rum and the Small Isles by British Geological Survey, Rum: A Landscape Without Figures by John A. Love

Any other information on Rum? The isle of Rum has some of the most ferocious midges of anywhere in Britain. It is recommended that you take a midge net with you, especially if you intend to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Other islands around Skye (including Skye): Canna, Eigg, Muck, Raasay, Rona, Skye, Summer Isles