Barpa Langass and the Stone Circle

Summary

This short circular walk visits two prehistoric sites - the spectacular chambered cairn of Barpa Langass together with the only stone circle on North Uist. The views are excellent but the walk is wet underfoot in places.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

The route over the hilltop is pathless but waymarked by wooden posts. It is very boggy underfoot (but good paths to both the stone circle and the cairn).

Getting there

Start

Car park at Barpa Langass on the A867.

Public Transport

Bus (W19) from Lochmaddy on Sollas to Carinish route.

Start Grid Ref

NF835658

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.25km / 2 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 90m (Profile)

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Explorer 454 - North Uist

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There is a signposted car park at Barpa Langass, just north of the turning for Langass Lodge. The parking area has wooden axe sculptures as well as an interpretation board giving background information about the chambered cairn, which can be clearly seen just up the hillside. Begin by following the surfaced path, soon passing through an iron sculptured-gate, to reach the huge cairn. The path forks just before the cairn but both branches lead around it in a loop. The cairn dates back to the Neolithic period (new Stone Age) and is one of many in the Outer Hebrides; however this is the finest example. With an age of 5,000 years it is one of the earliest standing buildings in northern Europe.

Stage 2

The entrance to the cairn was on the far side, but the passage has recently collapsed so visitors are asked not to climb on the cairn. It is thought this may have been a burial place for a tribe rather than a single leader. From this point the walk is pathless and leads up to the summit of Beinn Langass. The way, however, is marked by wooden posts, the first of which can be seen on the uphill side of the cairn unless visibility is poor. Underfoot conditions are very boggy in parts; continue up the hill to reach the trig point that marks the summit. There are superb views from here, with rocky Eaval dominating the landscape.

Stage 3

Care is needed with navigation at this point as one marker post indicates a route off towards the forestry. Instead head ESE - pretty much straight towards Eaval - this route too has marker posts. Eventually the path swings right to begin the descent to Langass Lodge. It passes alongside Pobull Fhinn - Finn's People - the only stone circle on North Uist.

Stage 4

After the stone circle the path is much improved and leads down to reach the Langass Lodge hotel. From here follow the minor road back to the A867. Turn right and walk along the verge to return to the Barpa Langass car park.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

North Uist cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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