Areas

Rùm is an island of two distinct characters: the small, inhabited pocket around Kinloch Bay, and the vast, wild interior and coastline that makes up the National Nature Reserve.

Kinloch & The Bay The island’s only settlement, Kinloch, lies at the head of Loch Scresort on the east coast. This is the island’s hub, where the ferry arrives and you will find the community hall, the village shop, and the visitor centre. It is also the location of Kinloch Castle. While the castle itself is currently closed for public tours, you can still walk around the grounds and marvel at its incongruous grandeur against the wild mountain backdrop. The bay is also a great place to spot harbour seals, otters, and the island’s unique breed of Rùm ponies grazing nearby.

The Rùm Cuillin This spectacular range of volcanic peaks forms the mountainous heart of the island. The full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin, taking in the main peaks of Hallival, Askival, Trallval, and Ainshval, is one of the classic Scottish ridge walks: a long, strenuous, and exposed route for experienced and well-equipped hillwalkers only. For others, there are less daunting but equally rewarding walks into the corries and onto the lower slopes, offering a taste of the range’s wild majesty and incredible views.

The Wild West & North The vast majority of Rùm is an uninhabited wilderness of moor, bog, and secluded bays, accessible only via long walks on rough tracks. A popular long-distance walk or mountain bike ride follows the track from Kinloch to Harris Bay on the west coast. Here you will find the Bullough Mausoleum, a grand Doric temple built in a stunningly remote location. Another long walk leads to Kilmory Bay in the north, an area used for the long-running red deer study. These journeys into the island's interior offer a true sense of isolation and a chance to experience the untamed nature of the reserve.