Get Lost Mountaineering

An Sgurr on the Isle of Eigg

Start/Finish

Eigg harbour café reached by Calmac ferry from Mallaig or smaller ferry from Arisaig.

Distance/Time

7 km.    About 2 - 3 hours.

Peaks

An Sgurr, 393 m, NM 463 847.    OS sheet 39:Rum & Eigg

Introduction

This classic “shark fin” peak should be on everybody’s walking list. If the ferries are carefully chosen, the whole expedition can be done in a day including enough time for the delightful café and gift shop by Eigg harbour. The ferry from Arisaig is the MV Shearwater. At busy times, it is essential to book in advance on 01687 450224. In 2018, the return fare was £18 for an adult.

Route

(1) From the café, walk along the road taking the left fork (WNW) just above the cafe which goes uphill.. The road soon becomes a track and continues through natural woodland going uphill. (Ignore the track on the left through a gate, go uphill instead). Go through a large open field to a large house joined to a cottage with a distinctive red roof.. Go past the house then through the gate onto the obvious track. Go left for 20 – 30 m beyond the house before reaching a cairn indicating the start of the obvious path on the right which heads over moor land towards An Sgurr. The path passes the great pillar on its N side and follows ground below the ridge. Eventually the path turns left up a short, shallow, stony gully onto a grassy bealach. Several choices are offered to gain higher ground to the left (E) but the easiest is at the far (S) end of the bealach. The path then climbs the summit ridge, on its S side, until reaching the trig point on the summit of An Sgurr, 393 m. On a good day there are fine views of the rest of Eigg, Muck and Rum.

(2) Return the same way.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 29^th May, 2018, and on 20^th September, 2009.

(b) Some recently discovered old film photos have now been added after the modern digital ones.