Heritage Trail: Tolsta to Lional
The Heritage Trail follows a traditional route linking the old summer shielings along a very remote but atmospheric stretch of the Lewis' coastline. Far from help or easy escape routes for much of the way and with no formal path, it is a challenging route across unforgiving terrain.
Terrain
Minor road at either end, but most of the route has no formal path and is extremely rugged going, with a great deal of ascent and descent. There are waymarkers but given the remote location, navigation skills essential. With pre-planning, it is possible to make the return by bus.
Public Transport
Bus links North Tolsta from Stornoway for the start; bus from Lional links to Stornoway at the end.
Start
Tolsta North bus stop.
Hillwalking in Winter
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.
Users' reports
Read about the experiences of our users on this route.
There are 4 reports from this walk - click to read them.