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Part of the Small Isles snorkel trail!
The Old Pier is a historic, family-friendly site and the perfect pitstop to experience Rum’s natural beauty.
Just off this sandy, sheltered beach, clear waters offer plenty to keep you busy in your explorations with lots of life to be spotted across rocks and kelp beds.
Best accessed mid-tide.
Plan a visit
By road
The Small Isles can be reached by boat from Arisaig (via Arisaig Marine) or Mallaig (via CalMac).
Visitors cannot take cars onto the islands however bicycles are encouraged.
Old Pier is an easy 10 minute walk from the ferry terminal; follow signs for Rum Bunkhouse and turn right at the bottom of the hill, where the Rum National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre lies.
Toilets and shower are situated next to the Visitor Centre building.
For other facilities, including general store and craft shop, visit Kinloch village (5 minute walk from the Old Pier).
Access Google Maps location pin here (TBC).
By rail
Not applicable
By bus
Not applicable
Provided by Google Maps
Here is the wind forecast and tide times for this snorkel site. It is your responsibility to assess whether these conditions are suitable for snorkelling.
Other considerations
Please be a responsible snorkeller; do not touch, take or tease wildlife.
This area is home to breeding seabirds (April-September) and seals (harbour seals June-July, grey seals August-December). Please behave responsibly and stay distant, wildlife should be left undisturbed. For more information see sealalliance.org and nature.scot. Avoid disturbing ground-nesting birds and livestock; follow the Outdoor Access and Marine Wildlife Watching codes.
Please read our top tips to being a safe and responsible snorkeller.
Share your snorkel stories #ScottishSnorkelTrails
We have worked hard with coastal communities and organisations across Scotland to create these snorkel trails, to:
We would therefore love to hear your feedback on how you’ve found using them! From photos, videos and artwork to posts, blogs and more – every piece of little or large feedback will be read and valued! You can share them with us via email (livingseas@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk), Facebook (@Scottish Wildlife Trust) or Bluesky (@scotwildlife.bsky.social) – use the #ScottishSnorkelTrails.
FURTHER READING
Nearby reserves
Rum, Port na Caranean
Muck, Gallanach Bay
Eigg, Galmisdale Bay
Canna, Tarbert Bay
Canna, Coroghan Bay
Local group
Local Group 1
