Sgòrr an Fharaidh and the Finger of God

Summary

This obscure hill rising above Cleadale in the northern part of Eigg gives an unexpectedly spectacular short hillwalk. A very steep ascend leads up to a grand walk along a fine escarpment, with views down over fabulous rock scenery to the beautiful beaches at bays of Laig and the Singing Sands, with the mountains of Rum and Skye making a fine backdrop.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Steep hill path, some navigation needed. Return route crosses some boggy ground.

Public Transport

None to start, which is just over 5km from ferry pier (walk or cycle). Ferry to Eigg pier from Mallaig, limited summer service from Arisaig.

Start

Cleadale. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.75km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 386m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM477886

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Sgòrr an Fharaidh

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

The walk is described from Cleadale in the northern part of Eigg - reachable by bike or on foot if starting at the southern end of the island. From the war memorial cairn where the road at Cleadale forks you can see the Finger of God - a prominent skyline pinnacle up to the left. Begin by following the road south, and looking for a faint grassy path heading uphill to the left after passing the Lageorna B&B.

Stage 2

The path climbs rapidly and soon reaches a stile over a fence. Cross this and continue on the path uphill. Soon it enters a gully and continues the ascent. The gully steepens towards the cliffs of the escarpment. When a grassy path running across the slope is reached the easiest route is to turn right onto this path, which soon starts to zig-zag up a grassy breach in the cliffs.

Stage 3

There are no difficulties except the steepness and the path eventually emerges onto heather moorland, with a fence ahead. Turn left to follow the fence uphill, now at an easier gradient. When a stile is reached cross it and continue up onto the edge of the escarpment. There are stunning views looking back down over a landslipped area just below, with the Bay of Laig and the Isle of Rum beyond.

Stage 4

A faint path continues along the edge of the escarpment, giving superb views at every step. Soon the route leads above the Finger of God pinnacle which was in view at the start of the walk.

Stage 5

Continue along the escarpment edge; there are one or two boggy patches but the going is generally very good. Eventually the unmarked summit of Sgòrr an Fharaidh is reached - the highest point on northern Eigg and an amazing viewpoint. The Cuillin of Skye are now in view.

Stage 6

The walk along the escarpment continues, passing just left of a trig point on the approach to Dunan Thalasgair. There are now great views looking back towards southern Eigg. When a fence is reached continue along the right side of this until a small pedestrian gate. Pass through the gate and then leave the ridge by descending west, making sure you pick up the line of a grassy path that descends steeply in a series of zig-zags.

Stage 7

Below the steep heather the going becomes grassy and the path fainter. Keep well left of a fence. The next objective is the ruined buildings and barn at the end of the road back to Cleadale. The path to these is very faint and hard to follow - it keeps far to the right of a striking modern house. Care is needed to find the driest route.

Stage 8

Once at the ruin and barn a muddy track is joined. Pass below a whitewashed house; you can extend the walk at this point if you wish by following the Singing Sands route in reverse, following markers to the right here. Otherwise continue along the track, which soon becomes tarmac and leads back to Cleadale and the start.

Route Profile

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