To get to the Isle of Eigg, you catch a ferry from Mallaig. Caledonian Macbrayne operates the Small Isles ferry service to Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna all year round.
CalMac Summer Timetable 2024 - from 29 March 2024 - 20 October 2024 the MV Loch Nevis runs from Mallaig to Eigg six days a week. There is no ferry from Mallaig to or from Eigg on a Wednesday, but there is every other day. There is an easy to read summer 2024 timetable for Eigg here. If you want to read the connecting timetables for Mallaig, Eigg, Rum, Muck and Canna, go here. The CalMac timetable is notoriously difficult to read, so if you have any questions about ferry travel please send us an email.
Ferry Cancellations - Eigg is an exposed island with occasionally extreme weather, even in the summer. Please be aware that ferries are sometimes cancelled. We recommend you take out travel insurance, if you don’t already have it, to cover any costs incurred due to travel problems. For information on what CalMac does and does not cover in the event of ferry cancellation, see the information on their Disruptions FAQ webpage.
We will pick you up and take you to your accommodation when you get to Eigg. We will also take you back to the ferry for your return home.
The day before and the morning of travel to Eigg, please check CalMac's Service Status in case there have been any changes.
Additionally, during the summer months from late April to September you can also travel from Arisaig.
Getting to Mallaig or Arisaig for the ferry
If you're travelling to Mallaig or Arisaig by Scotrail train or CityLink coach, the main connections are through Glasgow and Fort William. If you're travelling by car, it's about three and a half hours from Glasgow and four from Edinburgh, but for both you should add at least 45 minutes for slow traffic and/or weather delays. Shiel Buses run a local bus servicebetween Fort William and Mallaig.
A useful web site to visit is www.travelinescotland.com which has a journey planner and all the timetables (contact 0871 200 22 33).
Parking in Mallaig
You can park your car in the West Bay Car Park at the Mallaig & Morar Community Centre, the first building on your left as you come into Mallaig. The ferry terminal is five minutes walk from the car park, but you can drive to where the ferry leaves to deposit any luggage before you park. You can also park in East Bay, which is a slightly longer walk to the ferry terminal. (see a photograph of Mallaig car parks at the bottom of this webpage). Give yourself PLENTY of time to find a parking space, particularly in the summer as it can get very busy.
Parking in West Bay is charged, but it’s free in East Bay. For West Bay you can buy a parking ticket for multiple days or a week+ using the RingGo website. Do not use the RingGo app as it only allows you to buy parking for up to 24 hours. Once you’ve logged onto the website, the location number for West Bay is 23485.
The night before you travel to Eigg...
Most of the ferries to Eigg are in the morning, so many of our guests stay in Mallaig, Arisaig or Fort William the night before they come over. You can a range of hotels and guesthouses in Mallaig and Arisaig on the Road to the Isles website. There are also lots of places to stay in Fort William, which is an hour's drive from Mallaig. The 0830 train from Fort William connects with most but not all of the ferries to Eigg
If are having problems finding somewhere, please do get in touch.
Accessibility
Sweeney's Bothy is up a very steep hill, accessible by an unmade path and is not suitable for wheelchairs. We will help you with your luggage, but please note (wonderful as they are) in most situations, suitcases on wheels struggle! The bed is accessible by a ladder. If you would rather sleep downstairs, we can provide a mattress.
The Amazing Shed is on the flat and accessible by a rough made track.
Laig Beach Bothy is on the flat and accessible by a rough made track.
Weather
Weather on Eigg can be variable! It is always wise to check a weather forecast before you come here. Here are some of the weather websites that we use.
Insurance
You are advised to take out your own travel insurance to cover cancellation due to travel delay or personal circumstances.
Useful websites
Isle of Eigg - the Isle of Eigg's main website has lots of information about things to do, places to go, the history, geology and archaeology of the island. There's also lots of info on places to eat, to buy arts and craft and enjoy a spot of adventure or learn new skills.
Eigg Adventures- for bike, kayak hire and archery lessons
Selkie Explorers- Selkie Explorers offers day, weekend and week long trips around Eigg, Small Isles, Outer Hebrides, St Kilda and beyond.
Galmisdale Bay - Cafe and Bar, near the Pier and 10 minutes walk from the Shepherd's Hut
Lageorna- restaurant 5 to 10 minutes walk from Sweeney's Bothy, 15 minutes from Laig Beach Bothy.
Isle of Eigg Shop and Post Office - near the pier, great stock of groceries, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish.