Eigg Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The main gateway to Eigg is via ferry services operating from Mallaig on the Scottish mainland, with crossings taking approximately 1.5 hours depending on weather conditions. Mallaig itself is accessible by the scenic West Highland railway line from Glasgow (about 5-6 hours) or by road via the A830, known as the Road to the Isles. For those traveling from further afield, connecting trains run from Edinburgh and Inverness to Glasgow or Fort William. The ferry terminal in Mallaig offers short-term parking options, though spaces can be limited during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.

Nestled in the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Eigg offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, rich wildlife, and sustainable living. This small but mighty island rises dramatically from the sea with its distinctive Sgùrr of Eigg peak dominating the skyline. As a ferry destination, Eigg provides visitors with an authentic Scottish island experience where community spirit thrives alongside pristine beaches and ancient woodlands.

The summer months of May through September offer the most reliable weather for visiting Eigg, with longer daylight hours and temperatures typically ranging from 12-18°C (54-64°F). July and August bring the warmest conditions, though they also attract more visitors to this small island. Spring (April-May) rewards travelers with blooming wildflowers and returning seabirds, while September offers warm seas and spectacular sunsets. Ferry services run more frequently during summer months, with reduced schedules in winter when crossings can occasionally be affected by rough seas. Consider a May or September visit to enjoy pleasant conditions with fewer fellow travelers.

From Eigg, the neighboring isles of the Small Isles archipelago beckon with their distinct characters. Rum, just a 30-minute ferry ride away, impresses with its imposing Cuillin mountains and Victorian-era Kinloch Castle. The peaceful isle of Muck, reached in about 40 minutes, offers gentle walks and excellent seal-spotting opportunities. Canna, the furthest of the Small Isles (approximately 1 hour by ferry), rewards visitors with abundant birdlife and archaeological sites. The larger isle of Skye can also be accessed by continuing from Mallaig, making Eigg an excellent starting point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure through some of Scotland's most untouched landscapes.

Hiking to the summit of An Sgùrr, Eigg's distinctive pitchstone ridge, rewards adventurers with panoramic views across to Rum, Skye, and the mainland on clear days. The pristine Singing Sands (Camas Sgiotaig) beach on the island's west coast offers not only beautiful white sands but also the unique phenomenon of 'singing' when walked upon in dry conditions. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate spotting golden and sea eagles, seals, and during summer months, minke whales and basking sharks in surrounding waters. Sample local produce at the island's tearoom, where homemade cakes and locally caught seafood showcase Eigg's culinary offerings. Don't miss exploring the caves at Massacre and Cathedral Caves, sites steeped in dramatic island history.

Eigg made history in 1997 when its residents collectively purchased the island, establishing one of Scotland's most successful community buyouts and pioneering renewable energy solutions that now provide nearly 100% of the island's electricity. The island's name derives from the Old Norse word for 'edge,' possibly referring to the distinctive ridge of An Sgùrr which was formed from the last volcanic eruption in Britain around 58 million years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests Eigg has been inhabited since Mesolithic times, with artifacts dating back over 8,000 years. The island's Massacre Cave holds a somber history from 1577 when nearly the entire population of MacDonalds was suffocated by rival MacLeods who lit fires at the cave entrance.