An Sgurr a magical trip to Eigg

Hill: An Sgurr, Eigg
Category: Sub2000/Marilyn
Height: 393m

It’s always rewarding to complete a To Do list item. Day two of our trip and a walk that I have wanted to do since I sailed past it a couple of years ago. From the sea this cliff formation looks very impressive and an unlikely scalp for a hill walker but indeed it can be done.

View from ferry as we get close

A long day started with a drive from Fort William to Mallaig then the Calmac ferry to the Small isle of Eigg, a waiting list to get on, but we all did. When I put this forward as a proposed route for the club week I had not anticipated how popular it would be although a few just came for the island and not the An Sgurr.

Sun comes out on Eigg

What a day and it did not disappoint. A magical island on a sun kissed day with views to die for. 
Disembarking at Eigg a golden eagle could be seen circling the top of An Sgurr, what a start.
The ferry had also offloaded a lot of bikers so the initial walking section was through the woods, smelling of aromatic wild garlic, and dodging the bikes as they came past.

Looking impressive 'are we going up there'?

When we broke out of the woods at Galmisdale the Sgurr was a mighty impressive lava stack sitting behind.
I almost blotted my copybook by missing the turn off as we blindly followed the bikers on the Gruilin trail. Thankfully I realised quickly, a short turnaround and there was the cairn cut off.

Intimidating

The path is well trodden, muddy and wet in parts but overall in good condition. The Sgurr looking more impressive as you get closer. The Sgurr was a lava flow from a volcano on Rum, an intimidating mass of rock as we now stand beside and below it.

Rum

Thankfully the trail travels along the side before rising up giving magnificent views of Rum. Looking so close that you could touch it.

Muck

Turning back on ourselves the island of Muck so clear, but far below. The Western Isles are in view along with many other points including The Dutchman’s Cap and Ardnamurchan lighthouse.
The group had been ‘ooing’ and ‘aahing’ as the various outstanding views unfolded, everyone on track a good sign.

Final track

A short scramble up the sharp lava to reach the final side trail that leads to the round trig. What a fantastic place to have lunch and take in all the views.

Trig with the Singing Sands behind

Back to the mainland, name the peaks? Skye name the peaks? Magnificent.
On the top the views given depth by the sheer drops, not a place to go to close to the edge on a windy day trying to get that better camera shot.
Stand at the nose and look back to the terminal, group snap, then we about turned and went back the same route to the terminal.

Community stone

Early so time to enjoy the beer and home baking at the café. Some opting for ice creams and some even taking a paddle in the turquoise waters on a sunny afternoon.
A superb day and a walk that I hope I never forget. An enchanting a magical Scottish island, if only all days could be like this.

Wildlife: Golden Eagle, Buzzard, Cuckoo, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Manx Shearwater, Razorbill, Gannet, Black Guillemot, Minke Whale,
Time: 3.24
Ascent: 1587f (438)
Distance: 5.65m (9.3k)