SUMMARY
Visit the ruins of Upper and Lower Grulin villages and be immersed in the atmosphere of this once busy township, sheltering under the dramatic ridgeline of the Sgurr. Enjoy views over to neighbouring Muck and look out for moorland birds including lapwing, stonechat and wheatear.
DIFFICULTY AND WALK DURATION
This is an easy-medium walk along a rough road track to Upper Grulin with a smaller, boggy foot path to Lower Grulin. 2.4km/1.5 miles one way (lower Grulin) – 1 hour one way from signpost.
DIRECTIONS
From the pier, go straight up the hill, through the woods, then through a gate into farmland. Here at Galmisdale House turn left, onto the upper farm track. The Grulin track signpost starts here at the start of the Sgurr walk. Go past the wind turbines on the left and the Sgurr on your right. At the whitewashed bothy (private house) veer off the path, past the bothy to explore the ruins of Upper Grulin. Go back on the path to carry on upwards to Lower Grulin, for another half hour or so, passing through a marshy area.
EXTRA INFORMATION
Grulin was once a busy township, with 14 families living there and making a subsistence living off the land. The area was cleared in the aftermath of the 19th century potato famine, when the landowner leased the land to a sheep farmer who offered more money if it was cleared of people. One family was able to move to a croft in Cleadale, the others had to leave for Nova Scotia, where many Eigg people had emigrated in the late 18th Century.