Beinn Mhòr and Hecla, South Uist

Summary

A rough, tough but magnificent hillwalk requiring good navigation. Beinn Mhòr has a spectacular summit ridge and the other two peaks also have great character as well as superlative views. The route can easily be shortened to include just Beinn Mhòr before returning the same way.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Short section of track, then rough pathless moorland, boggy in places. Narrow ridge on Beinn Mhòr has no difficulties. Navigation between the peaks could be difficult in poor visibility; there is a magnetic anomaly on Hecla.

Public Transport

Daily (not Sun) bus between Lochmaddy and Lochboisdale.

Start

On A865 in centre of South Uist, just north of Loch Dobhrain. Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 18.75km / 11.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 - 10 hours
Ascent: 1205m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NF768346

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Beinn Mhòr (South Uist)
Sub 2000: Hecla (Thacla)
Sub 2000: Beinn Corradail

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (11)

Stage 1

The walk starts along a track at a croft with large polytunnels just north of Loch Dobhrain and a small section of forestry. There is limited parking for one car a little way south of the track, or more space just off the road heading west to the coast from the A865 just north of the track and the Abhainn Rog. Start by walking up the stony track passing the ruined croft house on the left and house on the right. Eventually go through a gate and continue past peat cuttings to the end of the track. There are good views of the three hills ahead.

Stage 2

Aim ESE across the heather, which has some boggy areas but is not as bad as you might expect. Keep to the left of the small lochan to cross the outflow. Aim for the main ridge up Beinn Mhòr and start to climb the steep flank, the going gets better as height is gained. Part way up a cairn is passed and the ground becomes stonier but dry. The ridge then narrows and the dramatic cliffs that fall from Beinn Mhor's summit ridge come into view. The summit itself can be seen on top of a prominent knob on the ridge, a little nearer than a cairn which is prominent in the distance. Continue along the ridge; a path bypasses on one side and then the other but there are no difficulties.

Stage 3

The final much narrower section can be avoided using a bypass path on the right. This path returns to the ridge just beyond the summit on the right hand side, so it is necessary to double back to visit the trig point and large shelter at 620m.

Stage 4

Retrace your steps along the ridge for around a kilometre to the flat shoulder. From here you can descend ENE down an indistinct ridge towards Bealach Sheiliodail. The ridge is very rocky but there is easier, grassier going if you keep just to the right of a rocky rib for much of the distance. Avoiding short, vertical cliffs can be tricky in mist. The bealach too is a confusing place; continue east, taking the time to examine the climb ahead to work out the best route. This ascends directly for a short distance before taking a diagonal route to the right, passing a prominent upright boulder, to avoid the crags. Eventually it is possible to climb easily left and then on up the ridge towards Beinn Choradail.

Stage 5

After crossing a slight depression there is a final climb to the summit at 527m which is marked by a small cairn. To descend head NE for a short distance down to a dip on the ridge above a gully. Head left to cross the top of the gully and follow the bottom of the cliffs until the path starts to rise. Break off here to head down the steep grassy slope and then NWN down the ridge to the col. The climb up to the broad ridge of Hecla (Thacla) is fairly straightforward. Note that there is a magnetic anomaly on Hecla which renders compass bearings unreliable.

Stage 6

Once on the ridge follow it to the right. It gradually narrows; most of the stones can be avoided to the right before reaching the area just short of the oddly-shaped summit rocks. These are easily passed through; the cairn itself is on an overhanging outcrop at 606m.The best descent route is to return to the col and then make a gradual descent across the lower flanks of Maoladh Creag nam Fitheach to reach the Glendorchy River which can usually be crossed easily. Continue heading west across heather and boggy ground and ascending very slightly to eventually pick up the outward route by the lochan past earlier. Turn right when the peat track is reached to return to the main road and the start.

Route Profile

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