Welcome to

Rum

The largest of the Small Isles, Rum is also the least populated with only 30 full time residents. It’s this remote nature that draws visitors to the island.

Nature & wildlife

Walking

History & heritage

A walker standing at the peak of the Rum Cuillin Traverse on Rum.

The Isle of Rum - a storied history

Rum has furnished researchers with some of the earliest archaeological evidence of human occupation in Scotland, it has been a battleground between feudal clans, the centre of a thriving kelp industry, viciously cleared to make way for sheep then later turned into a sporting estate.

Today Rum exists as a National Nature Reserve. This history has left its mark on the island in many different ways, no more ostentatious than the grand Kinloch Castle. But it is the natural beauty of the island that draws visitors back, a place of unending charm untouched by human intervention.

Ostentatious opulence

Built in 1900, Kinloch Castle is the eccentric building that looms large over the island. Constructed as a luxurious retreat by former island owner John Bullough, its unconventional design and opulent interior stand as testament to his colossal wealth. As a building conceived to entertain the castle was fitted with the finest furniture, a sprung-floor ballroom, four poster beds and – bizarrely – a family of alligators. The house has since fallen into disrepair, but the exterior can still be appreciated by an imaginative visitor speculating on the parties that must have occurred inside during its heyday.

A view of the outside of Kinloch Castle, with hills behind. Rum.

A Norse walk

Like its more famous sister range across the water in Skye, the Rum Cullin is a mountain range of outstanding natural beauty waiting to be conquered by experienced climbers. Blessed with old norse names like Hallival and Trollval, these five peaks run some 20km across the South of the island.

At 812m tall, Askival is the highest point on Rum and provides an imperious outlook over the island and beyond. Traversing the entire range can take some 12 hours so many climbers choose to rest overnight in Dibidil bothy, taking refuge in this classic stone cottage.

A view across the water to the mountainous island of Rum from Ardnamurchan peninsula.

A man standing looking across the sea towards the island of Rum from Ardnamurchan.

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Nature and wildlife

Tourist information

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Be a great visitor

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy

VisitScotland | Responsible Tourism

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Safety tips

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.

RNLI | Safety tips

Getting to Rum

The ferry to Rum and the other Small Isles runs from the port of Mallaig on the mainland. Tickets can be purchased online in advance. Vehicle drivers will need to have the relevant island permit before travel. Visit the Highland Council website for more information on vehicle permits.

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A picture montage of a train, bus and ferry

Getting here by public transport

Looking for the best way to get to Rum? Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options.

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More travel information

Car

Mallaig is roughly 3 hours 30 minutes from Glasgow, or 4 hours from Edinburgh. All vehicles must be in possession of a valid permit to travel.

Visit the Highland Council website for more information on vehicle permits.
If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
You can check the exact location of the ferry terminal on our ports page.

Train (to Mallaig)

From Glasgow, it is possible to catch a train direct to Mallaig, on one of the World's most beautiful train journeys. The fastest train takes around 5 hours and includes a crossing on the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which is featured in the Harry Potter films.

Visit Scotrail for more details.
Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Bus

Mallaig is easily reached by bus from Glasgow with a change at Fort William to a local service operated by Shiel Buses.

Plan your journey using the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Car

Mallaig is roughly 3 hours 30 minutes from Glasgow, or 4 hours from Edinburgh. All vehicles must be in possession of a valid permit to travel.

Visit the Highland Council website for more information on vehicle permits.
If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
You can check the exact location of the ferry terminal on our ports page.

Train (to Mallaig)

Visit Scotrail for more details.
Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Getting around Rum

Bike

Mountain biking is the perfect way to explore the Small Isles. Rum has over 30 miles of roads and 4WD tracks that include tough steep climbs for advanced riders. The island is not for the faint hearted with its rough terrain, but there is a lot to explore with nearly 1,000 red deer, as well as golden and white-tailed eagles.

Similarly, the Rum pony has been native to the Highlands and the Islands since the last ice age and on Rum, the ponies have remained in a form close to their original endemic type.

Find more cycling routes on the Isle of Rum.
If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

On foot

The Isle of Rum is the largest of the Small Isles archipelago among the Scottish Inner Hebrides and measures 40.4 square miles and its landscape is largely volcanic. Rum is Scotland's finest National Nature Reserve and is of international importance for many of its plants, habitats and birds.

For more information visit the Walk Highlands website or visit the Isle of Rum website.

Bike

Similarly, the Rum pony has been native to the Highlands and the Islands since the last ice age and on Rum, the ponies have remained in a form close to their original endemic type.

Find more cycling routes on the Isle of Rum.
If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

On foot

For more information visit the Walk Highlands website or visit the Isle of Rum website.

Car driving on single track island road next to a coastal view.

Highland Council vehicle permit scheme

Vehicle drivers will need to have the relevant island permit prior to travel. This can be arranged, visit the Highland Council website for more information on the Small Isles vehicle permit scheme.

Opens in new window Highland Council | Permit | Small Isles

Rum

The Isle of Rum - a storied history

Ostentatious opulence

A Norse walk

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Nature and wildlife

Tourist information

Be a great visitor

Safety tips

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