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 Slate Islands
Paddleboarding in Slate islands
Islands of Slate islands
Slate Islands Guide
The Slate Islands are a historic island group south of Oban, shaped by centuries of slate quarrying and surrounded by sheltered waters, tidal narrows and rugged coastlines. Their small villages, flooded quarries and quiet walking routes reveal an unexpected blend of industrial heritage and wild island scenery. Ideal for low-level exploring, harbour wandering, quarry swims and gentle paddling routes.
This guide introduces every major island in the Slate Islands group.
About the Slate Islands
A compact archipelago in the Firth of Lorn, the Slate Islands include Seil, Easdale, Luing, Belnahua and Scarba. Once the heart of Scotland’s slate industry, these islands now offer peaceful landscapes, wildlife-rich waters and unique cultural history.
Expect:
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dramatic quarry pools
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tidal channels including the Grey Dogs and Corryvreckan
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sheltered bays for SUP
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coastal wildlife including seals and otters
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characterful island villages
Seil
Linked to the mainland by the Bridge Over the Atlantic, Seil is the gateway to the Slate Islands. The island offers coastal walking, small coves, beautiful harbour views and access to Easdale by passenger ferry.
Highlights
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Ellenabeich village
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Atlantic Bridge viewpoint
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coast paths and small islets
→ Explore Seil
Easdale
Britain’s smallest inhabited island by population, Easdale is famous for its deep blue flooded quarries, compact paths and rich industrial history. Perfect for low-level circuits and atmospheric photography.
Highlights
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flooded slate quarries
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quarry swims
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island circuits with open sea views
→ Explore Easdale
Luing
A peaceful island of crofting landscapes, rolling fields and wildlife-rich shorelines. Luing is ideal for gentle walking, cycling and exploring small settlements overlooking the Firth of Lorn.
Highlights
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Cuan Sound
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Ardinamir Bay
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quiet roads for cycling
Belnahua
An uninhabited former quarry island accessible only by boat. Atmospheric ruins, sheer quarry edges and exposed coastlines make this a memorable stop for experienced explorers.
→ Explore Belnahua
Scarba
A wild, mountainous island known for its cliffs, remote walking terrain and proximity to the famous Gulf of Corryvreckan, one of the world’s largest tidal whirlpools.
Highlights
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rugged coastline
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deer-filled slopes
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views across the Firth of Lorn
→ Explore Scarba
Slate Islands Adventures
Walking
Low-level coastal circuits, village loops, quarry-edge paths and rugged hill routes on Scarba.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Sheltered waters around Seil, Easdale and Luing; tidal expertise required near the narrows.
Wild Swimming
Quarry pools on Easdale and sheltered coves along Seil and Luing.
Cycling
Quiet island roads with views across sounds and sea lochs.
Plan Your Visit
Best Seasons
Spring to autumn for calmer seas, open quarries, long evenings and wildlife activity.
Getting Around
Road access via the Bridge Over the Atlantic (Seil), ferries to Luing, and small boats to Easdale, Belnahua and Scarba.
Paddleboarding in Slate 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 Slate Islands
Read more about the islands in our Islandeering book
Seil
Easedale
Scarba
Belnahua
Fladda
Shuna
Where to go Paddleboarding in Slate Islands
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
