About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Eileen Chalium Chille
Eilean Chaluim Chille is an uninhabited island that lies off the east coast of Lewis at the mouth of Loch Erisort. At low tide it is connected by a causeway to the mainland of Lewis at Crobeg, just west of Cromore. On the south-eastern shore the remains of medieval St Columb’s Church stand in a graveyard.
The island is thought to be the site of the first arrival of Christian, Columban, monks in the northern Western Isles and the structure of the church is likely to have been similar to one identified on Iona. The graveyard around the ruins of the church was used by local people until the 19th century. A more recent enclosed burial ground lies between the causeway and the church ruins. The rest of the island is wild and grazed by sheep. There are two lochans in the centre of the island with great views of the hills of Lewis across Loch Erisort.
Highlights of Eilean Chalium Chille
- See the ruins of a medieval church
- Huge variety of seaweeds to explore along the causeway
- Great views across Loch Erisort
How to get to Eilean Chalium Chille
By car leave the A859 and follow signs for Pairc and South Lochs on the B8060. At Eishal Junction turn left and follow signs to Cromor.
Bus: it is possible to connect the W9 bus from Stornaway to South Lochs https://www.lochsmotortransport.co.uk/resources/documents/timetable/Timetables-10-2020/w9-south-lochs-to-from-stornoway-new.pdf%2010-2020.pdf with the W10 Stornaway bus – but best to contact the operator to check current days and times of operation (A. Macdonald, 01851 830327). The island can be accessed on foot 2 hours either side of low tide via a gravel and stone causeway.
Views from Eilean Chalium Chille
Eileen Chalium Chille walking route
A rugged and free-range route following grass paths and animal tracks through bracken
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