Isle of Rum Walking & Cuillin Traverse
A guided island journey across wild glens, remote coastline and rugged mountains — including a full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin when conditions allow.
- Point-to-point island journey
- Wild camping & hostel night
- Full Cuillin traverse
- Experienced guides
A rare chance to walk across a truly wild island
The Isle of Rum is one of the UK’s most remote and least-visited islands. With no roads beyond the main settlement and only a small number of visitors at any one time, it offers a level of quiet and space that’s increasingly rare.
Wide glens, empty beaches and rugged hills create a landscape that feels open, powerful and uncompromising — a place where walking becomes a journey rather than a series of isolated routes.
Unlike many island walking trips, Rum has a continuous mountain backbone. The Rùm Cuillin run through the heart of the island, allowing a true point-to-point crossing rather than out-and-back walks from a single base.
This combination of remoteness, wildlife and mountain terrain makes Rum a genuinely special destination for experienced walkers looking for something beyond the usual routes.
A guided island journey, not a rushed itinerary
This trip is designed as a continuous journey on foot. We arrive by ferry, walk south through Rum’s quieter interior, camp in remote locations, and gradually build towards a full traverse of the island’s mountain spine.
Some days are exploratory and reflective, following glens and coastline at a steady pace. One day, when conditions allow, we undertake a full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin — a committing mountain journey that forms the natural high point of the trip.
There is no technical climbing involved, but this is sustained mountain terrain. Good fitness, comfort on rough ground and the ability to spend full days outdoors are essential. Your guide manages navigation, pacing and decision-making throughout, adapting plans to weather and conditions.
Who this journey suits best
This trip is ideal for:
- Confident hill walkers with good general fitness
- People comfortable on rough, pathless terrain
- Those seeking a remote, point-to-point journey
- Walkers who value small groups and thoughtful guiding
This trip is not suited to:
- Those looking for luxury accommodation
- Fast-paced, summit-collecting itineraries
- People new to full days in mountain terrain
- Trips where plans are fixed regardless of conditions
Rum in three moments
A quick glimpse of the scale, wildlife and the feel of walking on the island.
A point-to-point island journey (Wednesday to Sunday)
This trip runs Wednesday to Sunday, aligned with ferry schedules. We meet at Mallaig ferry terminal (free long-stay parking is available at the harbour), cross to Rum by ferry, then complete a full island journey on foot — finishing with a traverse of the Rùm Cuillin when conditions allow.
Day 1
Ferry to Rum & walk south to Harris Bay
Wild camp
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Ferry to Rum & walk south to Harris Bay
We meet at Mallaig ferry terminal and cross to Rum. From Kinloch we begin our journey south on foot, leaving the settlement behind and walking into the quieter part of the island. Our goal is Harris Bay, where we make our first wild camp by the coast.
Day 2
Harris Bay to Papadil
Wild camp
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Harris Bay to Papadil
A full walking day linking remote coastline and interior glens as we continue across the island. The sense of isolation increases as we move further from Kinloch. We finish at Papadil, one of Rum’s most remote and atmospheric locations.
Day 3
Papadil to Dibidil
Wild camp
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Papadil to Dibidil
We continue the island crossing, traversing rough ground and quiet valleys on the way to Dibidil, our final wild camp before the mountains.
Day 4
The Rùm Cuillin Traverse & return to Kinloch
Mountain day
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The Rùm Cuillin Traverse & return to Kinloch
When conditions allow, we make a full traverse of the Rùm Cuillin, crossing the island’s dramatic mountain backbone in a single, committing day.
This is sustained mountain terrain with rough, often pathless ground. There is no technical climbing, but good fitness and steady movement are essential.
Day 5
Ferry back to the mainland
Travel day
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Ferry back to the mainland
A relaxed morning before catching the ferry back to the mainland, bringing a rare and memorable island journey to a close.
Wild camping on Rum — with a final night in Kinloch
This is an expedition-style journey across a remote island. For the first three nights we wild camp in outstanding locations (Harris Bay, Papadil and Dibidil), carrying what we need and moving camp each day as the journey unfolds.
On the final night we return to Kinloch after the Rùm Cuillin traverse. Subject to availability, we aim to stay in the hostel — a welcome chance to dry kit, reset, and enjoy a proper night indoors before the ferry home.
Wild camping (Nights 1–3)
Expect remote, beautiful camps with a simple routine: arrive, set up, eat, and rest. Your guide will help choose sensible camp spots with shelter in mind.
- Remote coastal and glen camps
- Leave No Trace approach
- Shared expedition rhythm
Kinloch hostel (Night 4)
After the traverse we return to Kinloch. When available, we use the hostel for a warm, dry finish to the trip. If the hostel isn’t available, we’ll confirm alternatives in advance.
- Subject to availability
- Drying and recovery opportunity
- Ideal before ferry travel
Food & equipment support
We can supply premium-quality tents, stoves and complete sleep systems, as well as high-quality dehydrated meals suitable for multi-day expeditions.
Menu choices and dietary requirements are confirmed after booking, once logistics are finalised. All equipment and food options are added at checkout — simply select what you need when booking your place.
- Quality expedition tents and stoves
- Warm, reliable sleep systems
- Dehydrated meals with menu choices confirmed after booking
What makes Rum so special to walk
Rum is a place of scale and silence — wide glens, rugged coast and a dramatic mountain spine running through the island. It’s also a wildlife stronghold, and sightings are part of the daily rhythm rather than a bonus.
Wildlife-rich island
- Red deer are a constant presence in the glens
- Golden and sea eagles are often seen overhead
- Seabirds and coastal life along the shore
- Wildlife is encountered naturally as we walk
Rough ground & remote days
- Pathless sections and uneven, boggy terrain
- Stream crossings and coastal rough ground
- Long days carrying your kit between camps
- Remote terrain — help is not close
The Rùm Cuillin traverse
- A full mountain crossing when conditions allow
- Sustained walking on rough, rocky ground
- No technical climbing, but serious terrain
- Guide-led route choice and pacing throughout
Fitness and experience
This is a demanding but rewarding expedition-style journey. You’ll be carrying your kit, walking full days, and moving through remote terrain where plans must adapt to conditions.
If you can comfortably manage long hill days in the UK, are steady on rough ground, and enjoy remote places, you’ll likely be a good fit. If you’re unsure, ask — we’d rather help you choose the right trip than over-sell it.
Quick questions
Do I need technical climbing experience?⌄
No. There is no technical climbing involved. However, the terrain is serious and often rough and rocky, especially on the Cuillin traverse day. You should be confident on steep, uneven ground and comfortable spending a full day in remote mountain terrain.
What happens if the weather is poor?⌄
Rum is exposed and conditions can change quickly. Your guide will adapt routes and plans to match the weather and the group. If a full Cuillin traverse isn’t sensible on the day, we’ll choose the best alternative to keep the journey safe and rewarding.
Can you provide tents, stoves and sleep systems?⌄
Yes — we can supply premium-quality tents, stoves and complete sleep systems. These are added at checkout, so you can select exactly what you need when booking.
Do you provide food?⌄
We can supply high-quality dehydrated meals as an add-on at checkout. Menu choices and dietary requirements are confirmed after booking once we’ve finalised group logistics.
Where do we meet and where do we finish?⌄
We meet at Mallaig ferry terminal on Wednesday and return to Mallaig by ferry on Sunday. Free long-stay parking is available at the harbour for the duration of the trip.
Do I need to be an experienced wild camper?⌄
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable with the basics of multi-day camping. We’ll provide clear kit guidance and can supply equipment if needed. The key requirement is being happy carrying your kit and living outdoors for multiple days in a remote environment.
View dates & book
Choose a Wednesday departure date below to reserve your place. Once booked, we’ll send full joining instructions, confirm kit and menu choices, and get you ready for the journey.
Quick booking info
- Duration: Wednesday to Sunday
- Start & finish: Mallaig ferry terminal
- Parking: Free long-stay parking at Mallaig harbour
- Trip style: Point-to-point journey with Cuillin traverse (conditions allowing)