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 Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast Islands
Paddleboarding in Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast Islands
Islands of Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast Islands
Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast Islands Guide
The Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom coast islands occupy a distinctive stretch of Scotland’s mid–west coast, facing the Minch between Gairloch and Ullapool. Defined by long sea lochs, rocky peninsulas and dramatic mainland mountain backdrops, this coastline forms a natural transition between the Inner Hebrides to the south and the North Coast & Cape Wrath to the north.
Unlike true archipelagos, the islands along this coast are a mix of small island groups and individual near-shore islands, closely tied to mainland communities around Gairloch, Aultbea and Ullapool. Together they offer some of Scotland’s most atmospheric low-impact island exploration, combining wildlife-rich waters, quiet anchorages and wide Minch views.
This page provides an overview of the islands and island groups along the Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom coast.
Islands and Island Groups
The Summer Isles
A compact archipelago at the mouth of Loch Broom, the Summer Isles form the heart of this coastline’s island landscape. With a mix of inhabited and uninhabited islands, they combine sheltered paddling waters, rocky shorelines and a strong maritime history.
Includes: Tanera Mòr, Horse Island, Isle of Ristol, Isle of Pistol, St Martin’s (Eilean Mhàrtainn), Priest Island and surrounding skerries.
→ Explore the Summer Isles
Gruinard Island
Lying off the open Wester Ross coast in Gruinard Bay, Gruinard Island is a low-lying island with a complex history and strong sense of isolation. Framed by the Torridon and Wester Ross mountains, it sits apart from the Summer Isles while sharing the same Minch-facing character.
→ Explore Gruinard Island
Isle Martin
Situated at the entrance to Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom, Isle Martin is closely associated with Ullapool and the sheltered loch system. Its grassy slopes, archaeological remains and calm shoreline contrast with the more exposed islands to the south.
→ Explore Isle Martin
Nature, Culture & Coastal Identity
Wildlife
The Minch-facing waters support seals, seabirds and marine mammals, while intertidal shores and kelp forests contribute to high coastal biodiversity.
Maritime History
Fishing, crofting and small-boat navigation have shaped island life along this coast for centuries, with visible remains of settlements, anchorages and working shorelines.
Landscape & Seascape
Low-lying islands, rocky skerries and expansive sea views are set against some of Scotland’s most dramatic mainland mountain scenery, creating a powerful sense of place.
Island Adventures
Walking
Gentle coastal circuits and informal paths, particularly on Tanera Mòr, St Martin’s and Isle Martin.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Sheltered channels between islands and loch mouths provide rewarding routes for experienced paddlers in suitable conditions.
Wildlife Watching
Excellent opportunities to observe seabirds, seals and occasional dolphins from shore or small boats.
Plan Your Visit
Best Seasons
Late spring to early autumn offers calmer seas, longer daylight and peak wildlife interest.
Getting There
Boat access is required for most islands, with services and charters operating from Ullapool, Aultbea and the Gairloch area.
Paddleboarding in Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast
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 Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom Coast
Read more about the islands in our Islandeering book
Summer Isles
Gruinard Island
Isle Martin
Islands of Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom coast
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Where to go Paddleboarding in Wester Ross & Little Loch Broom 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
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