• Friday 24th August 2018
• Isle of Eigg

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Eigg is an island of surprises! It’s a small island, much smaller than neighbouring Rum, but the community appears vibrant.

Island life sure looks like to be one chilled out big party and it appears to drive the locals to drink. Last night in ‘the community hub’ it closed down to ‘tourists’ after 5pm and the locals went on to have a lock in…half the night…these people were getting scrambled, frying their brains. Being on Eigg is an egg-cellent excuse to crack the bad egg puns…sorry!

So today after a long hike we stopped in to have a drink in the community hub to mingle with the locals whilst conributing to their local economy of course and just had to laugh…the cook was behind the counter with a couple of cans in hand, the local bus driver was there clearly having a few, the outdoor adventure dude, local mechanic need I go on where all in there mingling and somewhat merry…how does the daily work get done or does it and does owning the Island mean no rules apply or simply make up your own…if this is what owning the Island means how do I sign up…minus the alcohol though but I like the idea of my own rules and time being my own!

I am being slightly facetious. I do think the guys here must be hardy as it is very isolated and in winter times not so merry and chilled out I assume…so party whilst you can guys!

We didn’t party and decided that today we were going to summit Beinn Bhuidhe which is encircled on most sides by cliffs and crags with the highest point being Sgurr an Fharaidh.

These are the cliffs you see as you head over to Skye or as we came here by boat.

The ridge looks amazing. On looking up at the ridge you can clearly see the ‘Finger of God’ – a prominent skyline pinnacle.

So off we headed. After a very steep ascend with waterproofs on waterproofs off as heavy showers came and went quickly.

We were eventually met with 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 fine backdrop…the sun was out the day was glorious the waterproofs came off for the last time!

The point of the spear was where we were heading. The large pink area in the picture was masses of heather

The walk along the ridge was pretty relaxing and easy going. You could see the houses sporadically placed below.

One of the locals we got chatting to later was saying that 60% of the locals stay on this bit of the Island…what a backdrop.

The descent down was very steep and very slippery so reaching level land felt good.

We wandered for a bit and came across the crofting museum, which was basically an old croft and inside had the most amazing artifacts.

We spent ages looking about, checking out old letting agreements, cost for land documents, doctors bills, photographs, the stuff these guys have gathered was quite amazing. The decour throughout the house also gave you a slight insight into what Island life was like…quite spectacular.

After our busy hike and history briefing we relaxed in the evening with a short walk to the pier, finishing the day of with a campfire and the most amazing moon against the bluest of skies.

Some more pictures that we took throughout the day

Isle of Rum from today’s walk

The Ridge

Stunning views across to Rum and just look at that heather

The main road…but hardly a car in sight

Bonny heather