Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
motor magnate. The anniversary is celebrated with an all-night ceilidh on the weekend
nearest June 12. Its other world-first is that its electricity grid is the first powered
entirely by renewable sources.
5
Galmisdale
Ferries arrive into Galmisdale Bay , in the southeast corner of the island. If time is
limited, you could head up through woods for superb sea views, or track the shore
south to see crofting ruins before the Sgùrr cliffs - the remains of Upper and Lower
Grulin settlements. If the tide is low you can scramble along the shore into Cathedral
Cave or Massacre Cave ( Uamh Fhraing ), where all but one of Eigg's 396 inhabitants
died in 1577, suffocated by the MacLeods of Skye, who lit a fire in the cave mouth.
Bring a torch and prepare to feel spooked.
An Sgùrr
The largest piece of pitchstone in the UK, An Sgùrr (393m) is the obvious destination for
a hike. Actually, the route up is not as daunting as the cliffs suggest; the path is signposted
left from the main road, crossing boggy moor to approach the summit from the north via
a saddle (3-4hr return). The rewards are wonderful views to Muck and Rùm.
Cleadale
For an easy stroll, strike out to CLEADALE , the main crofting settlement in north
Eigg. It's spectacularly sited beneath the island's basalt ridge, Ben Bhuidhe , and above
a beach known as Camas Sgiotaig, or the Singing Sands , because the quartz grains
squeak underfoot.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
EIGG
By ferry Summer timetables are: Canna-Eigg (Mon & Sat 1
daily; 2hr 10min); Mallaig-Eigg (Mon, Tues Eigg-Mallaig only
1 daily, Thurs, Sat 1 daily; 1hr 15min); Muck-Eigg (Thurs 1
daily; 35min); Rùm-Eigg (Mon & Sat 1 daily; 1hr-3hr 30min).
GETTING AROUND AND INFORMAT ION
By minibus or bike A minibus is scheduled around ferries
( T 01687 482494; £2), or Charlie's taxi can be booked in
advance ( T 01687 482494). Bike rental is available from
Eigg Adventures (late April-Sept; T 01687 315012, W eigg
adventures.co.uk), based near the harbour.
Tourist information W isleofeigg.org.
ACCOMMODAT ION AND EATING
There's an excellent wild camp on north Galmisdale Bay. A craft and produce market in the community hall uphill from
Galmisdale (June-Aug Mon noon-4pm) is a great spot to pick up lunch.
An Laimhrig Harbour. Island ingredients go into home-
made soups, quiche, pizza, lamb or venison burgers, plus
blackboard specials such as fishcakes - all for under a
tenner. Mon 10am-1pm, Wed & Fri 10am-10pm, Sat
1-10pm, winter open around ferry schedules.
Glebe Barn Galmisdale T 01687 482417. Eigg's hostel
on the hill above the harbour has a rather stylish, spacious
lounge with awesome coast views and pleasant wee
dorm rooms. Better still is the self-contained cottagey Tigh
Ard Beag annexe - a superb sta y for up to fi ve p eople.
April-Oct. Dorms £17 ; twins £40 ; annexe from £52
Kildonan House Galmisdale Bay T 01687 482446,
W kildonanhouseeigg.co.uk. A traditional stay in an
eighteenth-century farmhouse on the north side of
Galmisdale Bay. Marie offers three pleasingly simple
pine-panelled rooms, one with an en-suite shower, all
with sea views and dinners included. £120
Ì Lageorna Cleadale T 01687 460081, W lageorna
.com. Beautiful, modern rooms full of contemporary crafts
- think rustic wood beds and knitted throws - and
astonishing views, plus a lovely vintage cottage that sleeps
four. The owner also prepares good-value dishes such as
salmon on a bed of spicy puy lentils; reservations recom-
mended. Easter-Sept Mon-Wed & Fri noon-4pm,
dinner by arra ngeme nt; ot her months by arrangement.
Doubles £140 ; cottage £500
Sue Holland's Croft Cleadale T 01687 482480,
W eiggorganics.co.uk. On an organic croft, this is the only
designated campsite and it's a belter, with views and
sunsets to inspire poetry. The old cowshed is now a basic
bothy for up to four or for considerably more com fort
choose a yurt. Camping £5 /person; bothy and yurt £40
 
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