If you're after crystal-clear seas, solitude, freshly caught seafood and soul-stirring views, head for an offshore retreat far from the urban sprawl

Called the ‘edge of the world', Foula lies 20 miles into the Atlantic from Walls Pier on West Mainland in Shetland and is home to one of the most isolated communities in Europe - London is more than 600 miles away. The dramatic landscape (the island has the highest cliffs in occupied Britain) makes for great walking country. Visit in summer and your journey will be rewarded by wild flowers and 19 hours of daylight. Self-catering cottages and B&Bs are available, or you can pitch a tent. A must for anyone who likes to leave the crowds far, far behind (www.visitshetland.com).

Nine miles off the west coast of Mayo, this small, rugged island rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic, its steep cliffs providing dramatic, panoramic views. Criss-crossed with lanes and pathways, it's a great destination for walkers and artists, while its sheltered, sandy coves and clear, blue waters will appeal to beach lovers and divers alike. Family-run B&Bs serve a range of freshly caught seafood. Regular ferries run from Roonagh Quay and Cleggan on the mainland and there are also boats to neighbouring Inishbofin and Clare Island (www.inishturkisland.com).

Lying between Mull and Skye, the rocky shoreline of this privately owned island is perfect for crabbing. Book one of the six original estate cottages or throw a party at the stylish Eilean Shona House. Secluded footpaths (no cars or bikes are allowed) weave their way through 300 acres of woodlands. Daily ferry service from Castle Tioram in the West Highlands (www.uniquecottages.co.uk, www.eileanshona.com).

It's a 30-mile boat trip from Penzance to tiny St Agnes. Just one mile across, the island offers a few B&Bs and self-catering cottages, but one of the most beautiful places to stay is the campsite at Troytown Farm, where you can breakfast on milk, butter and yoghurt made from Jersey cows. At night, sip a pint at the Turk's Head, Britain's most southwesterly pub, then sit and gaze at the star-studded skies (www.simplyscilly.co.uk, www.troytown.co.uk).

OK, this is more of a peninsula than an island but twice a day every other week, tides cover the causeway across the river estuary and no cars can drive across. The best way to enjoy Shell Island is to pitch a tent - there are 300 acres of wild camping available - and wake up to the soul-stirring views of Cardigan Bay and the mountains of Snowdonia. Laze away the days on one of the sandy bathing beaches and gather your own seafood supper of crabs, mussels and clams to savour in front of your campfire as the sun sets (www.shellisland.co.uk).

Get back to nature on Ireland's southernmost inhabited island, where you can revel in wild scenery, pretty harbours and unspoilt beaches. Rare migratory birds, whales, leatherback turtles, sun fish and sharks are all visitors. There are good places to stay and boat hire is also available. The 45-minute ferry crossing runs from Baltimore or Schull in West Cork (www.capeclearisland.com).

Take the small ferry north from Ballycastle to Rathlin out of season and you might be the only passenger aboard - along with a few cattle and supplies for the 70 islanders. With beautiful scenery, the island is prime birdwatching territory, while anglers and divers appreciate its clean seas. Stay at The Manor House, run as a B&B by The National Trust (www.discovernorthernireland.com, www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

With no full-time residents, just a summer community of farmers, Bardsey guarantees absolute solitude. Between April and October, you can stay in one of seven self-catering cottages, rented out by the Bardsey Island Trust. There's no electricity, so it's supper by candlelight - you can even order fresh lobster from the local fishermen. Ferries run from Porth Meudwy on the mainland (Bardsey Island Ferry, 0845 811 3655, www.bardsey.org).

You'll need a head for heights to cross the razor-edged isthmus that joins Little Sark to the main island of Sark. Sheer 300-foot cliffs drop either side of the narrow road, known as La Coupée, but you'll be rewarded by a distinct lack of people and a magnificent coastline, including the turquoise seas of Convanche Bay and the sheltered, sandy beach of La Grande Grêve. Book a room at La Sablonnerie and you can arrive in style in a vintage horse-drawn cart (no cars are allowed on either island). There are regular ferry crossings from Guernsey - visit www.sark.info for details (La Sablonnerie, 01481 832061, www.lasablonnerie.com).

With a population of just 60, Easdale lies 16 miles south of Oban, with no cars, breathtaking views of the Atlantic and big skyscapes. Most islanders live in slate-quarriers' cottages, a few of which are available to rent. Great for beachcombing, and there's a welcoming pub, too (www.easdale.org).