Sgurr of Eigg
A leisurely walk (low hills and fells (below 600m)) in Highland, Scotland, about 7.10km (4.41 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 3:00h. It is unsuitable for families with children, prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
346m (1135ft)
Descent
346m (1135ft)
Max. Elevation
340m (1115ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
692m (2270ft)
Start & End
Eigg hostel
Distance
7.10km
(4.41mi)
(4.41mi)
Duration
~3:00h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
5Created by maryw on 29 Sep 2011
The Sgurr is a distinctive volcanic feature of the Eigg landscape, visible afar off from the mainland, but mightily impressive close up. It is by definition a car-free walk, as visitors may not bring cars onto the island by ferry! A community minibus runs from the pier. The ferry times do not generally allow this walk to be done as a day trip, so accommodation on the island will be needed. The walk is here described as a route from the island's convenient and comfortable hostel, but may also be done starting from the pier.  It is less daunting than may first appear, and is definitely not a rock climbing exercise!Â
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- $walk->POI array(0)
Waypoints
OS Grid NM480851
This is the route to the Sgurr from the Glebe Barn hostel - also convenient for those camping or staying elsewhere on the north of the island. (Alternatively the start of the main footpath can also be reached by following the steep road leading uphill from the pier.)
Emerging from the turning to Glebe Barn, turn left and walk a short distance along the road before taking the first turning on the right.
OS Grid NM480848
Turning right here, follow the track past woodland on the uphill side to the point where it is joined by a track coming up from the pier. Pass some houses, keeping an eye out for a footpath branching off to the right, marked by a small cairn.
About 0.31 km (~0.19 miles) from 
OS Grid NM473840
The footpath branches off right from the cairn. From here on, occasional splashes of red paint on rocks (even if faded in places) should reassure you that you are on the correct route to the Sgurr. (There is a booklet describing this and other colour-coded walks on Eigg).
About 1.10 km (~0.68 miles) from 
OS Grid NM464847
The path climbs steadily towards the looming prow of the Sgurr. Then the gradient eases and the path begins to run parallel with the hill's sheer flank, heading west. It can be boggy in parts. At this point there seems to be no obvious way of breaching the wall, but at last the path turns towards the one possible way up!
About 1.18 km (~0.73 miles) from 
OS Grid NM459848
The path leads through a cleft, towards a steeper rocky section on the left, where a zigzag route onto the ridge is picked out by red splashes. From here on, the route is over rocks, on the south side of the ridge, the path faint but mostly discernible.
About 0.51 km (~0.32 miles) from 
OS Grid NM462846
You've made it! There is a trig point marking the 393m summit, and a limited patch to sit on to admire the fantastic views. Definitely one for a fine day! Also a day which is not too windy, as the summit is quite exposed with steep drops close by.
About 0.38 km (~0.24 miles) from 
OS Grid NM460847
Retrace your steps, keeping an eye out for the guiding red paint splashes. Descend the steep section into the gully with care, after which the going becomes easier.
About 0.29 km (~0.18 miles) from 
OS Grid NM463847
As the path draws level with the base of the prow again, look back and marvel once more at this huge volcanic feature.
About 0.34 km (~0.21 miles) from 
OS Grid NM472840
Turn left at the cairn. Keep going straight if heading for the hostel, or go through a gate on the right to regain the route to the pier.
About 1.16 km (~0.72 miles) from 
OS Grid NM480847
Turn left along the road at this junction.
About 1.05 km (~0.65 miles) from 
Glebe Barn Hostel turnOS Grid NM480850
Turn right onto the rough track leading to Glebe Barn Hostel - and some creature comforts!
About 0.31 km (~0.19 miles) from 
