Orval, return via Harris

Summary

Orval is the highest of the hills in the northern half of Rum, a superb viewpoint for both the Rum and Skye Cuillin and surrounding islands, with a dramatic craggy escarpment of its own. The descent leads to Harris on Rum's western coastline, the site of the Bullough's mausoleum and a beautiful location in its own right, before a long return on tracks to Kinloch.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Landrover track, sometimes boggy path to bealach, Orval itself is pathless. A mountain bike could be used as far as Malcolm's Bridge and would likely be welcome on the long return.

Getting there

Start

Ferry pier, Isle of Rum.

Public Transport

Ferry to Rum from Mallaig; no transport on the island.

Start Grid Ref

NM411991

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 27km / 16.75 miles
Time: 8 - 8.5 hours
Ascent: 961m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Orval (Rum)

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Explorer 397 - Rum, Eigg, Muck

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

Beginning from the Calmac ferry pier, follow the landrover track which curves round the coastline of Loch Scresort. It passes the primary school and later forks; take the right hand branch. This leads down through trees to rejoin the coast at the old pier; keep left here, passing the campsite and island hostel. At the next junction keep ahead on the track signed for the castle. This soon passes the front of the massively impressive Kinloch Castle - built in sandstone shipped in from Arran and appearing utterly out of place on such a remote island. Rum was once the private domain of the Bullough family who bought the island in 1879 as a private shooting estate. The castle was built as their holiday home in 1897; tours are available at specified times.

Stage 2

Shortly after the castle a crosstracks is reached. The island cafe and shop can be visited straight ahead; otherwise, turn left onto a track which soon climbs slowly; there are a few stony sections but it is suitable for a mountain bike throughout (and improves later). The route has the Kinloch River on your right, and eventually climbs clear of the woods, continuing for around 3km until it forks. Take the left branch.

Stage 3

Continue uphill, crossing a concrete bridge NM 363 994 and then reaching a second - Malcolm's Bridge - at NM 363 994. Do not cross the later, instead turning right onto a path that runs alongside the burn. The path is a little boggy in places but was originally a well-made route to the mines on Bloodstone Hill. Follow it across the moorland, taking a wide loop as it climbs up onto the Bealach a' Bhraigh Bhig.

Stage 4

Leave the path here and instead head up the slopes to the southwest towards Orval. There is a steep section which is best negotiated on the left side. Above this, there are fine cliffs dropping on the right as the plateau is reached. Follow the escarpment across a slight dip, with stunning views looking back towards Fionchra and the Skye Cuillin.

Stage 5

Continue southwards more easily across the plateau, then curving round to reach the summit of Orval, marked by a trig point and nearby cairn in the middle of a very flat expanse of grass. This is a truly superb viewpoint, with the Rum Cuillin arrayed magnificently across the island, and Canna looking fine to the north. Continue to where the plateau narrows to a minor bealach; from here the escarpment curves round to Sròn an t-Saighdeir, but our route turns southwards over a minor top at 520m.

Stage 6

From here a long but gradual descent southwards can be made down to a minor bealach at just under 200m. Here rougher ground leads up towards Loch Monica, but it is easier to bypass this lower part of the ridge on the left (east) side. Eventually the whitewashed Harris Lodge comes into view.

Stage 7

Turn right along the track to reach the spectacular mausoleum, built in the style of a Doric temple. This is the final resting place of the Bullough family, who built Kinloch Castle. Three giant slabs marking the graves of George Bullough, his wife Monica and his father John.

Stage 8

The landscape is spectacular, and if the tide is out it is well worth detouring down to the small sandy beach just to the east. After visiting this, the route back follows the main track all the way back across the island.

Stage 9

It crosses a bridge over the Glen Dulan river before climbing Hugh's Brae. There are stunning views of the Rum Cuillin before the track eventually leads back to Malcolm's Bridge in just under 6km. From here retrace the outward route all the way back along the track to Kinloch.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Small Isles, Coll & Tiree Hotels

Small Isles, Coll & Tiree B&B

Small Isles, Coll & Tiree cottages

Small Isles, Coll & Tiree hostels

Glamping and Camping

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