The Small Isles consists of a group of islands on the west coast of Scotland: Muck, Eigg, Rum, and Canna. They are a part of the Inner Hebrides.
I am departing Tobermory and sailing to the Isle of Canna; about 30nm (nautical miles). That’s a 6-7 hour sail due to the light winds… on the nose of course!
Departing Tobermory, I sailed north towards the Sound of Mull. I passed by this lighthouse: Rubha Nan Gall. The name means “Stranger’s Point” in Scottish Gaelic. It was designed by Robert Luis Stephenson’s father; Alan.
Rubha Nan Gall Lighthouse
Once on the sound, I continued north to reach the other side. While I was doing that, a Cruise ship passed me going the other way.
Cruise Ship
When finally out of the Sound of Mull, I was officially on the Hebridean Sea. The lighthouse below marks the western most point of British mainland. It was established in 1849 by Alan Stephenson.
Lighthouse
To get to Canna, I had to sail past Muck and Rúm. Eigg is north of Muck. So, I could see it but I was staying in the open water; not going between the islands.
Muck is a small low-laying island with a population of 28. It is the smallest of the Small Isles.
Muck
While passing Muck, it was easy to see Rúm. It is the largest of the Small Isles. It seemed as if I was passing it all day. Rúm’s western coastline is very rugged with high cliffs. The photo below doesn’t do it justice.
Rúm
This is a sailboat I was following to Canna. It helps to give the scale of the cliffs.
Sailboat Sailing past Rúm’s Western Coast
When finally passing Rúm, I had a short 3nm to reach the harbor at Canna.