Eigg - The Green Island
19 people attending
3 places left
Friday 15th - Monday 18th June
Isle of Eigg
Eigg is a green island - in more ways than one - with a verdant landscape to disappear into and explore, and an electricity setup which places it as one of the most 'green' places on the planet as the island generates almost 100% of its electricity from hydro, wind and solar sources.
With a population of nearly 100 and at a size of only 12 square miles we are sure to get to know the island over the four days that we will be on it. And yet there is plenty packed into its small area - from the dramatic stump of An Sgurr rising to 393m, across the moorlands and to the Singing Sands that is Traigh a' Bhigeil. There is plenty of history packed into the small isle with Massacre Cave to explore, an deserted township at Grulin and various ruins marking over 8000 years of people living on the land.
Bike hire is available on the island, and if the weather is kind we could hire some kayaks and get to see the island from around its coast.
Travel info - don't miss this ferry, as the next departure from Mallaig to Eigg isn't until Saturday. For detailed directions please see the 'Getting to Eigg' tab
On Friday we leave Mallaig at 08:25 to arrive on Eigg at 10:50
MEETING & TIMES
WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN
Friday:
As the ferry deposits us on the island during the morning we might not have full access to the bunkhouse, and will look to get out and start exploring the island. In the evening we have the ODL buffet. If this is your first event, don't worry as you will be made very welcome.
Saturday & Sunday:
We should have two full days exploring planned, with various options to cater for differing abilities. Ideas of activities could include :
An Sgurr is the major landscape feature at the south end of the island.
Grulin township, Massacre Cave and a number of walks are also in the south.
To the NW is Bay of Laig with a coastline and beaches to explore.
Monday:
We will need to clean the hostel after breakfast and pack our stuff before venturing out for another day exploring, as the ferry isn't until later in the afternoon. Or we catch the ferry across to Rum, which would allow just over two hours to have a look at Kinloch Castle.
FACILITIES ON THE ISLAND
There is a small community shop and Post Office on the island selling a small selection of groceries and local products.
On the mainland the nearest shop is the Co-operative in Mallaig open 7am to 10pm daily. The closest large supermarket is a Morrisons in Fort William.
On Monday we depart Eigg at 16:25 to arrive at Mallaig at 17:40
Why not make an adventure of your time in the area? You could depart Eigg at 11:45 on the Monday and travel onto Rum or Canna.
Getting to Eigg
Eigg is served by Calmac ferries from Mallaig, the return fare is £8 - Your ticket can only be purchased at Mallaig ferry terminal.
On Friday you will need to catch the 08:25 sailing from Mallaig, this calls at Muck and then Eigg at 10:50. You need to be available for boarding at least 10 minutes prior to the sailing time.
The sailing leaves Mallaig prior to the first train or bus of the day arriving into the town. You may wish to stay in Mallaig where there are a selection of hotels and B&Bs - http://www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/accommodation-search.php?options%5B2... - or stay in Fort William where a larger range of accomodation is available, including a SYHA hostel, and travel by car on the Friday morning. Please note if you are staying in Mallaig on the Thursday evening, food outlets stop serving at 9pm.
To get to Mallaig -
Public Transport:
By train - Scotrail operate three services a day from Glasgow Queen Street to Mallaig. Ensure that you board the correct half of the train, as it splits at Crianlarich with half going to Oban. http://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/timetables-and-routes
By bus - Shiel Buses operate a service between Fort William and Mallaig - http://www.shielbuses.co.uk/timetable04.html - Scottish Citylink operate services between Glasgow Buchanan Bus station and Fort William.
By road:
From Glasgow - head west out of the city on the M8. Stay on the M8 until junction 30 signed M898 Erskine Bridge, as you cross the bridge stay in the left lane to pick up the A82 - signed for Crianlarich - which takes you north past Loch Lomond and Crianlarich where you follow the signs for Fort William. Travel along the A82 through Fort William following signs for Inverness A82 until you reach the Lochybridge roundabout, where you turn left onto the A830, this road takes you to Mallaig. Free car parking is available in the West car park, which is on your left hand side as you drive into the village.
From Edinburgh - travel west out of the city following the A8 or M8, turning right after Ingliston to pick up the M9. Travel on the M9 to Stirling junction 10 (Craigforth), turning left off the roundabout signed Crianlarich (A85). Follow the A84 through Doune, Callendar and Lochearnhead to Crianlarich. From Crianlarich follow the signs for Fort William and the route as from Glasgow.
You are not permitted to take vehicles onto the island without first receiving a permit from Highland council.
What to bring
The main activity planned for the weekend is to explore the island, good walking boots are a must along with clothing for any weather - as we are on a west coast island we will get anything coming in from the Atlantic!
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: A good comfy pair of walking socks is essential really; they keep your feet warm and drier than normal socks.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg. They are not essential to have but you will feel the difference if you have them when walking through muddy or boggy ground - which is almost guaranteed in Scotland.
Walking Trousers: You should have a suitable pair of trousers for walking in, jeans are not suitable as they take on water when wet and will make you cold. The same goes for jogging pants/tracksuit clothing.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in case of wet weather. They are also good to be worn as a second layer as they can act as a windproof barrier, keeping the legs warm.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top, as cotton T-Shirts can become damp and uncomfortable when climbing a mountain.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top can sometimes be good. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices but they can be expensive unless you shop sensibly, don’t forget your OutdoorLads discount for Full Members at Cotswold outlets.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months, windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres. As an option you could store your items in waterproof bags inside just in-case or ensure the bag has a waterproof bag to pull over the top.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area - Ordnance Survey Explorer map 397 or Landranger 39 covers the island. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Mobile Phone: If you choose to bring your phone, then you are well advised to buy a waterproof bag or if that is not possible a simple food/freezer bag will suffice.
Food & drink
Friday evening - please bring an item for the buffet
For the customary Outdoorlads buffet, please bring something to feed 1 or 2 people. Be imaginative with your offering... You could bring a selection of meats or cheese, some pasta salad, fancy bread or even do a bit of baking!
Saturday & Sunday breakfast and dinner along with Monday breakfast are included in the event cost.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday lunch - you will need to bring with you.
Tea & coffee is available throughout the weekend.
Note - the MV Loch Nevis from Mallaig does not have a full food offer, only light refreshments are available on board, although it normally will do a cooked breakfast offer.