Fat (Video) Tuesday – Chilled Out Bikepacking on the Isle of Rum with

Join Jeff Price, AKA The Summittoppler, as he spends 3 days bikepacking on Rùm in the Small Isles of Scotland. You can see more of Jeff’s videos on YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/@jefbricks

Jeff goes over much of what is contained below but there are some tidbits here if you need them!

The Isle of Rùm is the largest of Scotland’s Small Isles, located in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast. It’s a National Nature Reserve managed by NatureScot, known for its dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and fascinating history.

Overview

Size: About 40 square miles (104 km²)
Population: Fewer than 40 residents, mostly living in Kinloch, the island’s only village
Access: Reachable by ferry from Mallaig, operated by CalMac Ferries

Outdoor Activities & Cycling

Rùm has a network of rough tracks, ideal for mountain biking or bikepacking, though not suited for road bikes.

Key tracks

Kinloch to Kilmory Bay – scenic coastal route with views of beaches and red deer
Kinloch to Harris Bay – leads to the remains of a mausoleum and good picnic spots
Kinloch Glen Loop – takes in waterfalls and moorland
Bring your own bike; rentals are very limited or unavailable.

Kinloch Castle

Built in the late 1800s by Sir George Bullough, a wealthy industrialist
A lavish, red sandstone Edwardian mansion with an eccentric history
Currently closed to the public for restoration, but the grounds are accessible and worth exploring

Other Areas of Interest

Kilmory Bay – Beautiful beach with a chance to spot red deer, especially during the rutting season
Harris Mausoleum – A remote and haunting structure near Harris Bay
Hallival and Askival – Peaks in the Rùm Cuillin, offering serious hillwalking and breathtaking views
Wildlife – Rùm is a haven for red deer, golden eagles, sea eagles, and rare plants

Final Notes

No shops or restaurants beyond what’s offered in Kinloch; bring provisions
Accommodation includes camping, a bunkhouse, and a few holiday cottages
As a nature reserve, Rùm prioritizes sustainable tourism – tread lightly!

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