The Sgurr of Eigg - Eigg

Climb to the top of the impressive Sgurr of Eigg for fantastic views over the other Small Isles and across to Skye and Ardnamurchan. The route is fairly straightforward but involves a steep climb with short rocky scramble and care should be taken on the summit.

Terrain

Steep path, with straightforward rocky scramble to summit, very boggy in places.

Public Transport

Ferry to Eigg pier from Mallaig, limited summer service from Arisaig

Users' reports

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Start

Eigg ferry pier. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km/5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 403m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NM484838

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: An Sgurr of Eigg

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 397 - Rum, Eigg, Muck
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

At the pier is Am Laimhrig which houses the shop, excellent tea room, toilets and showers, and craft shop. The shop and craft shop sell a pack of postcards of the waymarked walks on Eigg including An Sgurr which is marked with red paint. From the pier take the road heading uphill, passing the road to Cleadale on the right and continuing into the woods.

Stage 2

After a long period of troublesome absentee landlords, the residents of Eigg bought the island in 1997 in partnership with the Highland Council and Scottish Wildlife Trust. Since then a number of initiatives have been undertaken to ensure a sustainable community can exist on Eigg and to provide accommodation and facilities for visitors. Pass the turning to the Lodge and Community Hall on the right and continue uphill. At the gate continue through the field heading for the house which is dominated by the Sgurr rising behind it.

Stage 3

As you near Galmisdale House stay on the track which curves to the right and reaches a gate. Go through the gate and turn left along the track. This track leads to Grulin, an abandoned settlement. After a short distance look out for a small cairn and red waymarker showing a small path branching off to the right. Follow this path up over the heather and bracken moorland.

Stage 4

Keep following the waymarkers as the path heads directly for the massive prow of An Sgurr. The impressive peak was originally a lava flow from the volcano on Rum about 58 million years ago. The lava followed an old river bed, filling the glen. Over subsequent millions of years, the pitchstone lava, which is harder than the surrounding basalt, withstood erosion and was left standing as the surrounding rock was worn away both gradually over time and more quickly during times of glaciation. Now the mile-long ridge stands proud, with the summit at 393 metres.

Stage 5

The path now bears right to head along the north side of An Sgurr. This section can be very boggy. There are good views to Rum over the lochans ahead. Approximately a third of the way along the bottom of the cliff, the path heads left to climb up a groove in the rock. The path is straightforward but steep. Once on the ridge turn left to follow the paint marks along the south side of the ridge to reach the summit.

Stage 6

Take great care in this area, especially in windy weather, as the sides of An Sgurr are very steep. There is a trig point at the top and spectacular views in all directions. The return route is by the same outward path. It is possible to descend the south side to Grulin by heading down the steep heathery slope from the col, opposite the point where the outward route reached the ridge. However this option is very rough and should be attempted only by experienced hillwalkers with good navigation skills and in high summer, the energy to wade through high bracken before the track at Grulin is reached.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.