Day 2 (27 March)
An early start and I was away from the B&B at 7:30 to get the 8:30 train from Fort William. My ticket – booked in advance and using my senior railcard – cost £9.20 return.
Scotrail
It was a spectacular journey through amazing scenery to get the 10:20 ferry to Eigg (it also calls at Muck). The unusual names come from Norse and not Gaelic.
I had an hour on the ship under windless, blue skies. Between the mainland coast, the Small Isles and Skye, you’re surrounded by beauty. All for £7.70 (return).
Calmac
I settled quickly into my home from home thanks to the owner’s daughter, who then rushed off to fret about her 400 sheep which are about to start lambing.
Shepherd’s Hut
I decided to have lunch out as the only cafe on Eigg is only open on the days the ferry arrives (3 days a week at the moment – still the winter timetable). Lunch out on the deck. In March…
Al Fresco
More exercise kept me busy in the afternoon – I tackled An Sgurr, the biggest hill on the island. It was tougher than yesterday’s hike – a path which alternated between rocky and boggy. Still, another 3.5 hours and 12 or 13 km on the clock.
An Sgurr
The island has its own micro-brewery – not bad for a population of 83 and very welcome after the climb.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2017