‘Th e most amazing experience’

An Sgurr on the Isle of Eigg, about five hours all in.

Jeanie Butler, Nayland, Suffolk Why I love this walk: I had the most amazing experience on An Sgurr on the Isle of Eigg, a small Isle off the west coast of Scotland last Easter. As I approached the island on a boat this big lump of rock just enthralled me. Feeling pretty unfit, I never thought it would be possible to scale such an ominous looking peak. Not particularly high, but with its sheer sides it looks unclimbable. But I met a nice man named Craig who had just set up as a guide on the island, and he made me believe there was a way a novice walker (me) could get to the top, and the following day that's exactly what we did. It’s difficult to express how the achievement affected me. The sheer beauty is one thing, but to find yourself as a novice, up here with your two children in tow, on this seemingly unachievable summit, was the most terrifying, empowering, wonderful experience of my life to date. It’s my favourite walk for many reasons but most of all because it made me feel part of something that I always felt on the periphery of. It’s official, I’m a hill walker! And it’s thanks to a place that made me feel literally on top of the world!

My tip: If you’re at all unsure of finding your walk hire a guide. It’s so reassuring. The walk isn’t always well marked but also because of how much more interesting a walk becomes when it’s punctuated with historic tales and interesting geographical facts.