About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Table of Contents
About North Coast islands
Paddleboarding in North Coast islands
Islands of North Coast
North Coast Islands Guide
The North Coast islands lie off Scotland’s far northern mainland, stretching from Cape Wrath eastwards through the Pentland Firth. Shaped by Atlantic exposure and powerful tidal systems, these islands are defined by dramatic cliffs, internationally important seabird colonies and some of the strongest tidal waters in the UK.
Together, the North Coast & Cape Wrath islands and the Pentland Firth islands form a coherent north-coast island system, closely tied to mainland Sutherland and Caithness communities. While sharing a northern setting, the islands fall into two distinct sub-groups based on exposure and marine character.
This page provides an overview of the islands along Scotland’s North Coast.
Islands of the North Coast
North Coast & Cape Wrath Islands
These islands sit off the Atlantic-exposed north coast of Sutherland and Cape Wrath, known for seabird cliffs, isolation and open ocean views.
Handa
One of Scotland’s most important seabird islands, Handa is a National Nature Reserve with towering cliffs, breeding colonies and boat-only access.
→ Explore Handa
Rabbit Islands (Na h-Eileanan Galla)
A low-lying cluster in Tongue Bay, important for seabirds and a distinctive feature of the north-coast seascape.
→ Explore the Rabbit Islands
Oldany Islands
Oldany, Oldany Mòr and Oldany Beag sit off the remote Cape Wrath peninsula, characterised by rugged cliffs, exposure and minimal human presence.
→ Explore the Oldany Islands
Pentland Firth Islands
Defined by one of the most powerful tidal channels in Europe, the Pentland Firth islands lie between Caithness and Orkney. These islands are shaped by extreme tidal races, strong currents and a distinctive maritime character.
Expect: tidal streams, exposed coasts, maritime history, wildlife-rich waters.
Stroma
A long, low island close to the Caithness coast, Stroma is known for abandoned settlements, dramatic tides and commanding Pentland Firth views.
→ Explore Stroma
Swona
(H4 – Individual island)
A small, uninhabited island west of Stroma, Swona is characterised by grassland, Norse heritage and powerful surrounding tidal waters.
→ Explore Swona
Nature, Culture & Coastal Identity
Wildlife
The North Coast islands support internationally important seabird populations alongside seals and marine mammals.
Human History
From crofting and fishing to wartime and maritime heritage, human traces remain despite many islands now being uninhabited.
Landscape & Exposure
High cliffs, Atlantic horizons and constant wind define one of Scotland’s most dramatic island environments.
Island Adventures
Walking
Short but intense island walks shaped by terrain and exposure.
Wildlife Watching
Outstanding seabird viewing during the breeding season.
Coastal Exploration
Boat access, tides and weather are central to visiting these islands.
Plan Your Visit
Best Seasons
Late spring and early summer for seabirds and calmer conditions.
Getting There
Boat access from the Sutherland and Caithness mainland, with seasonal services to selected islands.
Paddleboarding North Coast Islands
We have shared some of our favourite routes in our Top paddles on Scottish Island blog but more can be found on our Route Map page
Islands of North Coast
Read more about the islands in our Islandeering book
Oldany
Handa
Rabbit Islands
Stroma
Swona
Where to go Paddleboarding in North Coast
We have shared some of our favourite routes below but more can be found on our Route Map page
Top paddles on Scotland’s Islands
Scotland is one of the best places in the world for paddling with spectacular coastlines, [...]
Jan
Luing walking route
The walk is peaceful and remote, free range along the foreshore for most of the [...]
Feb
