Laig Bay and forest walk - Eigg

Follow the main road across the island to the fertile crofting area in the north. Visit the beautiful beach at Laig Bay with views to Rum and then climb up into the forest for the return to the pier along forestry paths and tracks.

Terrain

Minor road, beach, and forest paths; the latter are very muddy.

Public Transport

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

Users' reports

There are no walk reports for this walk. Why not write write one?
Write your report - there's £90 to win at Webtogs each month

Start

Eigg ferry pier. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 12.4km/7.75 miles
Time: 4 hours
Ascent: 272m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NM484838

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 this route which is a combination of Laig Bay (marked in blue) and the Plantation Trail (marked with green waymarkers on the ground, but brown on the postcard). . From the pier take the road to the right passing over the cattle grid and following the shore.

Stage 2

Once past Shore Cottage the road starts to climb, it is possible to bypass the next two bends on grassy tracks. After a short climb the road levels off. The road links the pier to the main settlement of Cleadale in the north. Pass a large standing stone on the right. Ignore the sharp turn to the right which is the road to Kildonnan. Pass the primary school on the right (older children have to go to Mallaig for secondary school, boarding with local families during the week) and then the Heritage Centre in the old shop. Here there is an interesting exhibition about the island. Next door is the swap shop where locals can swap unwanted items.

Stage 3

Ignore any turnings into the forest on the left and continue along the road. Soon the road starts to descend and there are good views across the fertile land at Cleadale and the beach at Laig Bay. After a sharp bend the first houses at Cuagach are passed. Don't take the first track marked with blue markers to the left, but keep an eye out for the second one opposite a post box. This leads down towards the church. If you reach the road junction at the war memorial you have gone too far.

Stage 4

Follow the track down towards the shore and turn left again before the church and house. This leads to the beach, passing a small wooden house on the right. The sands here have great views across the water to the jagged peaks of Rum. Turn left and head south across the sands. About half way along the beach head up onto the track that runs along the shore and follow it towards the buildings at Laig.

Stage 5

The track leads to the farmhouse, keep left on the lower track when the track forks rather than heading right up to the house. Soon the path crosses a stream, there is a bridge just to the left. Climb up the stony track on the far side, passing one of the hydro electric plants that powers the island's own electricity grid. The track climbs and narrows, passing a lochan below, and then going through a gate and a narrow pass between rocks at the top of the hill. Here the path is very wet underfoot. The path now crosses an area of heather between forestry plantations, keep the trees close to on the left and follow the path of wooden chippings.

Stage 6

The path crosses a stream on stepping stones and then climbs gently. When it reaches a track, the road is very close on the left if you need a short cut, otherwise turn right following the green waymarkers. Keep on the main track, ignore a path to the right, and at the next junction keep straight on rather than taking the track to the right. This climbs and continues on a narrow path from the end of the track, eventually reaching the road. Turn right here and follow the road downhill back to the pier.

Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? Please let us know by using the error report form.

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.