The Small Isles is a name given collectively to the islands of Rum, Canna, Eigh and Muck. When Skye is added they are more often called Inner Hebrides [as opposed to the Outer Hebrides or Krk islandThe islands are reached from Mallaig on the mainland by a passenger ferry of Calmac [www.calmac.co. uk] The timetable is different on different days but it is sometimes possible to go from the morning train from Glasgow straight onto the boat.

This is a magic trip in good weather. The less said about other circumstances, the better, perhaps. Rum is a fine island with mountains called Coolins of its own, Sea eagles have been re-introduced there from Bodø in Norway. Canna has no accommodation except camping but looks attractive. There are no regular day trips which allow time on the island. Muck is a very small island but there are cottages for rent there. Eigh is a shapely island which has been in the news when the islanders managed to buy it from the Laird. The Sgurr of Eigh, an accessible hill provides a splendid spot for views and is itself a very prominent viewpoint from all sorts of plaes on the mainland and other islands.