Scotland has long been a playground for adventure seekers. From the rugged highlands to the remote glens, outdoor enthusiasts have always found new ways to explore this dramatic landscape. Among the challenges invented by the outdoor tribe is Munro bagging, the pursuit of climbing all 282 Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet. This lengthy pursuit has carved out its place as a cultural phenomenon among mountain folk. But now, there seems to be a new kind of tick-list rising in popularity in the outdoor community, and it’s happening not in the hills, but on the sea.
It seems this phenomenon is as a result of people reading “the Scottish Islands” by Hamish Haswell-Smith, a book which documents every land able Scottish Island furnishing would be visitors with vital information on the best way to get there.
Island bagging is exactly what it sounds like—visiting and often landing on as many of Scotland’s islands as possible, many of which are only accessible by kayak. While it shares some DNA with Munro bagging, Island bagging offers a different flavour of adventure: one that combines exploration, history, wildlife encounters, and an intimate relationship with the sea through paddle or sail.
The appeal is obvious. Scotland boasts over 900 islands, each with its own character, folklore, and challenges. From the bird-laden cliffs of the Shiant Isles to the sandy landings of the Summer Isles, every trip feels like discovering a secret. The Inner and Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland, and even the Firth of Forth all offer countless island gems to “bag.”
For a sea kayaker, island bagging is not just a checklist, it is a journey that requires planning, skill, and respect for Neptune. Navigating complex tides, weather windows, and swell forecasts replace route-finding and ridge-scrambling. Navigation involves both chart and compass, with marine charts replacing OS maps. There’s a tangible sense of commitment and remoteness that comes when your only way off an island is the same kayak that brought you there, something that brings a beautiful purpose to any kayak journey.
Unlike Munro bagging, island bagging rarely has a formal list. Some paddlers aim to visit the Scottish Islands Federation’s list of inhabited islands. Others follow Hamish Haswell-Smith’s “The Scottish Islands,” which catalogues 162 major islands and over 600 minor ones. Some even curate their own personal lists based on interest—lighthouses, ruined monasteries, wildlife hotspots, or Gaelic place names.
Island bagging by sea kayak isn’t for the uninitiated. The nature of paddling to remote islands means paddlers must be confident in open water crossings, understand navigation, and be ready for the unpredictability of the Scottish weather. Many of the islands, especially those off the west coast, sit across tidal races, exposed headlands, or open crossings of greater than 5 nautical miles.
Where Munro bagging requires a map, boots and a rucksack of basic gear on a sunny day, island bagging demands self-sufficiency in some of the most remote coastline in Britain. Despite this, the reward of Camping on a wild beach, watching puffins fly past your tent at dawn, or paddling beneath sea cliffs echoing with the calls of seabirds is unmatched.
What began as a quiet pursuit among a handful of sea kayakers has become a blossoming trend. More paddlers are turning to island bagging not just for the challenge, but for the deeper experience of Scotland’s coastal heritage. Conservation awareness has grown too many paddlers now follow Leave No Trace principles and work with local conservation groups to protect fragile ecosystems.
With these challenges in mind, many budding Island baggers are turning to experienced guides to help them build the skills and experience to visit these awesome places. There are so many awesome guides in our industry just waiting to help paddlers with their mission to bag as many as possible!
Want tips on where to start your own island bagging journey by sea kayak? Give us a shout and we can coach you in the skills needed or help arrange your own tailored guided trip.
