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An Sgurr and Sgorr an Fharaidh on Eigg
Routes on the peaks on the Isle of Eigg
Eigg is an island of surprises !
It's a small island, much smaller than neighbouring Rum, but the community is vibrant, having bought out the absent landowner in 1997.
The island boasts interesting history, amazing geology and green credentials, more of which can be found on their
community website.
Main route summary
The prominent peak that dominates the view is
An Sgurr, which is at the eastern end of Europe's largest pitchstone ridge.
You'd think the route up here would involve climbing, but fortunately there's an easy walking path.
The other high ground on the island,
Beinn Bhuidhe is encircled on most sides by cliffs and crags, a walk up this and to it's highest point
Sgurr an Fharaidh is detailed in 'Alternative Routes' below.
In 2012 the 'Easter Eigg' race took nearly 50 runners from the pier to the summit, with the winner taking under 42mins ! Perhaps they'll run it again soon ?
| Peaks |
An Sgurr (394m, Marylin)
Sgorr an Fharaidh* (340m, Marylin)
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| Ascent |
410m (1,350ft)
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| Distance |
7.5km (4.5m)
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| Time |
walk : 2:30hr*, run : 1hr
*Naismith's rule : 4km/h distance + 600m/h ascent
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| Start/finish |
Galmisdale
(grid ref : NM484838)
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Profile
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Maps
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The map images above link to items on Amazon.
A small commission is earned on any map purchased which helps fund the operating costs of this website. More information on maps is on this page
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Downloads
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| Terrain | | easy |
 | difficult |
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| Navigation | | easy |
 | testing |
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| Effort | | stroll |
 | long day |
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| Scenery | | ok |
 | stunning |
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| Meanings |
An Sgurr : 'the peak'
Sgorr an Fharaidh : 'peak of the reel ?'
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Route detail & map »
Getting to Eigg
- There are two ferries that serve Eigg, the Calmac Small Isles ferry from Mallaig and the Sheerwater from Arisaig.
The Calmac ferry operates throughout the year, but different routes depending on the day of the week. The Sheerwater is from April to September only.
An Sgurr
- From the pier, head towards the café.
On your right the road spilts into two, one heading right around the bay, the other directly uphill ahead.
Take the road uphill. As it enters a wood, the road becomes a track and comes to a three-way split by a house - keep straight ahead.
Through more wood and to a gate which leads to open pasture.
- Continue for around 200m and you'll come to some buildings with knackered vehicles - to the right of the main building there is a gate through a wall - go through this and turn immediately left on a fine track.
- Continue on this track for less than 100m and you'll see a small cairn marking the start of the path uphill.
- The path is obvious and travels uphill through heather at a gentle gradient around the impressive northern side of An Sgurr.
The path comes to a small nick in the rock buttress, a painted marker points the way.
- A short bit of uphill, the path turns and aims eastwards, along the southern side of the crest and eventually arrives on the summit.
A pristine conical trig point rests on the top, from where superb views can be savoured in all directions.
Return
- Return by the same route, perhaps detouring to Loch nam Ban Mora.
- Alternatively, from the summit, return to the nick, then head further west and drop south-west to Lower Grulin and pick up a path then track to return on.
Photos of route »
Eigg and Rum from Glenuig
Sgorr an Fharaidh and Rum from Roshven
An Sgurr from above Galmisdale
An Sgurr
From An Sgurr's summit looking to Rum
An Sgurr's buttress
Rum Cuillin from Sgorr an Fharaidh
An Sgurr from Sgorr an Fharaidh
Rum Cuillin from the Singing Sands
More photos are on Flickr !
Alternative routes »
Sgorr an Fharaidh »
Sgorr an Fharaidh is the highest point on the mass of high ground known as Beinn Bhuidhe on the eastern side of the island.
The cliffs on the west and east sides of the hill are most impressive and the walk above these makes for a fine afternoon stroll.
Other hill routes nearby »
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Blaven and Clach Glas
Reckoned to be one of the most beautiful mountains in Scotland, no difficulties getting to the summit.
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Knoydart
One of the more remote and most beautiful areas in Scotland. Accessed by a lovely walk in from Kinlochourn or by boat from Arnisdale or Mallaig
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Lochailort Corbetts
3 Moidart Corbetts in a compact group. Pathless, grassy and rocky terrain with fine views from the summits
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Rum Cuillin
More compact than the Skye Cuillin, effort is needed to get to the island and scrambling on the ridges (coming soon).
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Forecasts & other useful info »
