Welcome toRum
See Manx shearwaters and white-tailed eagles, or explore the castle, and Kinloch village on the shore.
More about Rum
Ideal for:
History & heritage
Nature & wildlife
Walking
Wildlife Watching
Home of the sea eagle
Rum is a National Nature Reserve, so you're just as likely to see researchers as tourists here. If you tire of the wildlife - which includes sea eagles - then head to Kinloch Castle, built in 1900 at the centre of an estate that once employed 14 under gardeners. It's open to visitors, and well worth a look.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
For more information on Rum visit the Small Isles and Isle of Rum websites.
How to get here
The ferry to Rum runs on the Small Isles route, from the port of Mallaig.
Get the ferry to Rum from Mallaig on the mainland. You must make an online booking for passengers and also if you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge. If you are taking a vehicle you must have a permit to travel ( see timetable for more information) and contact the Mallaig Office directly.
Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Traveline can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.
We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful:
Getting to Mallaig
Mallaig is a port on the North West coast, and makes a great base for your adventures on the Isles.
By car
Mallaig is roughly 3 hours 30 minutes from Glasgow, or 4 hours from Edinburgh by car. There are no EV charging points on the Small Isles however three rapid charging points are available in Mallaig at the West Bay Car Park, approximately 300m from the Terminal Building.
Postcode for sat nav
Mallaig Port: PH41 4QD
Travelling without a car
By train
From Glasgow it is possible to catch the train direct to Mallaig, on one of the World's most beautiful train journeys. The fastest train takes 5 hours 14 minutes and includes a crossing on the famous Glenfinnan viaduct which featured in the Harry Potter films. Check Journey Planner for train times.
By Bus
Mallaig is easily reached by bus from Glasgow with a change in Fort William. Check out our new Journey Planner for more details.
By 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 is largely volcanic. Rum is Scotland's finest National Nature Reserve and is of international importance for many of its plants, habitats and birds. To find details of where to walk on Rum visit the Isle of Rum website.
By Bike
Mountain biking is the perfect way to explore the Small Isles. Rum has over 30 miles of roads and 4DW tracks that includes 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 on the island and has 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 however on Rum the ponies have remained in a form close to their original endemic type. Bike hire is available on the island, check out Isle of Rum for further details.
If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your cycle journey with CycleStreets .
