5. Foula, Shetland Islands
The UK’s most remote inhabited island is truly mind-blowing. Fewer than 40 people live in this wild Atlantic outpost, cast adrift 20 miles west of Shetland’s mainland.
Hike the hills and you’ll only have seabirds for company. There is only one shop here – it is run by the island's only school kid, Jack, for half an hour ever day after lessons.
Getting there: brave the tumultuous trip on the local ferry (which is hauled ashore after every journey to stop it being dashed on the rocks). Alternatively, enjoy the seriously scenic flight from Shetland.
6. North Rona, Outer Hebrides
North Rona is the most remote island the British Isles to have ever been permanently inhabited – it lies a whopping 71km off the coast of Lewis. Landing by boat is tricky, even the lighthouse is serviced by helicopter. But as a reward the rugged rocky coastline gives way to a grassy and wildflower-strewn meadow.
The local seabirds may not welcome your arrival, so take a protective umbrella. If you make it past them to the lighthouse you can relax with a view that it's likely no other human being has enjoyed for months.
Getting there: if you don’t have your own helicopter, Northern Light run live-aboard cruises that take in North Rona.
7. St Kilda, Outer Hebrides
It is the misty-eyed lifetime dream of many Scottish sailors to make it out to St Kilda, the epic archipelago that lies over 64km west of the Outer Hebrides.
The archipelago enjoys a dual listing on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, once for its human heritage (its last inhabitants left their organic, community-led and money-free life in 1930) and again for its natural importance.
You risk being knocked off your feet by great skuas while hiking in the hills, can watch thousands of gannets and puffins swirl around the UK’s highest cliffs and see minke and even killer whales in the Atlantic waters.
