Massacre and Cathedral Caves of Eigg

Summary

Explore the coast on the south side of Eigg to find the Massacre and Cathedral caves. The Massacre cave is named after the killing of over 400 inhabitants of the island in the cave during a long running feud with the Macleods of Skye. The Cathedral cave can only be entered at low tide. A torch is needed to explore the Massacre cave.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Track and grassy path, steps and narrow path to caves. Cathedral cave only accessible at low tide - torch needed for Massacre cave.

Public Transport

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

Start

Eigg ferry pier. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.6km / 2.25 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 89m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM484838

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

At the pier is Am Laimhrig which houses the shop, cafe / restaurant, toilets and showers, and craft shop. The shop and craft shop sell a pack of postcards of the waymarked walks on Eigg including the caves which is marked with purple paint. From the pier take the road heading uphill.

Stage 2

A standing stone on the right commemorates the residents of Eigg buying their island in 1997 in partnership with the Highland Council and Scottish Wildlife Trust, following a long period of ownership by absentee landlords. 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. Cross a cattle grid and continue on the main track into the woods.

Stage 3

Pass the turning to the Lodge and Community Hall on the right and very soon after this there is a track on the left marked with a purple waymarker. Follow this track until a house comes into view. Before you reach the house branch off to the left following purple paint blobs to pass in front of the house on a faint path.

Stage 4

Eilean Chathastail, with its small lighthouse, can clearly be seen down on the left. When the grassy path forks through bracken, keep on the right hand path. At a prominent group of stones keep on the path just above the stones to head towards a kissing gate in the fence. There are good views across the water to the Isle of Muck on a clear day.

Stage 5

From here cross the field to the fence and follow this to the right until a gate allows access to a narrow path which heads down the cliff. Follow the steps downhill, crossing the small plank bridge over the stream near the bottom. From here your next destination is dependent on the tide.

Stage 6

The Cathedral Cave is ahead and can only be accessed at low tide. Follow the narrow path along the foot of the cliffs until it peters out at the shore; from here cross the rocky shoreline (care needed - very slippery) for a short distance until the entrance to the cave can be seen. This massive cave was once the site of catholic masses. From this cave retrace your steps until the shore path splits - take the lower path which continues along the shore.

Stage 7

Shortly after passing the point where the path came down from the cliffs the entrance to the Massacre cave is reached. The entrance is small but once through the narrow channel, it widens out and extends for 79 metres into the dark.

Stage 8

Here in 1577 a group of Macleods from Skye landed on the island seeking revenge for the latest act in a long running feud with the Macdonalds. The entire population of the island hid in the cave for 3 days and the Macleods were unable to find them. However as they sailed away they spotted a lookout and were able to follow his footsteps in the snow which led them to the cave. The Macleods built a huge fire and the smoke killed 395 people trapped inside the cave. Later, other Macdonalds were to exact equally bloody and ruthless revenge on the Macleods at Trumpan Church on Skye. From the cave retrace the route back to the pier.

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