Forsnabhal and Clibh circuit, Uig

Summary

This circular exploration of the Uig area offers great variety: a low summit, lonely lochs, trackless peat bogs, a dramatic glen and views over sensational sandy beaches.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

A fair amount of the walk is on good tracks or minor roads. There is one pathless section across rough, peat-hagged moorland, and some very boggy stretches on the return path.

Getting there

Start

Uig heritage centre.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus from Stornoway - not possible to reach and return in a day.

Start Grid Ref

NB055344

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10km / 6.25 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 252m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Forsnabhal

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk starts from the Uig heritage centre, which is well worth a visit and has plenty of parking - note the Lewis chessman sculpture outside - the famous chess pieces were found in a dune at Uig Sands. Begin the walk by leaving the car park and turning left along the minor road, and then left again at the t-junction after a short distance. Pass the coastguard building and continue straight ahead, ignoring the Cradhlastadh road which forks off left. Continue for another 800m until an unsigned tarred lane turns off to the right - take this turning, ascending towards the mast-topped hill of Forsnabhal.

Stage 2

There are stunning views looking back over Uig Sands as height is gained. At the building at the top of the road go up the concrete steps to reach the top of the hill with its air traffic control masts; the views are simply sensational. The cairn marking the true summit is just beyond the masts.

Stage 3

From here the next 1km is rough, pathless going. Aim ENE, crossing a post-and-wire fence - there is no stile but also no barbed wire so it can be stepped over if you have long legs. Beyond this keep to the higher ground, crossing peat-hagged moorland; you should aim to pass to the left of a small lochan.

Stage 4

Beyond the lochan continue ENE to descend to meet a well-made landrover track near the north end of Loch Mòr - as its name suggests, a larger sheet of water. Turn right along the track, passing the south side of the loch; further on the route becomes tarmac. Ignore a track off right and follow the tarred lane as it swings left downhill.

Stage 5

On the descent there are views to Camas na Clibhe - or Cliff Beach - a stunning sandy bay. The lane zig-zags downhill, passing several houses; unless you want to make a detour to visit the beach, turn right at each of two t-junctions.

Stage 6

Follow the minor road as it continues SSE along the eastern shores of Loch Sgailleir. Beyond the loch keep right at a junction, passing two churches. Cross a cattle grid and then, at the lamp-post just beyond, leave the road to head steeply uphill on grassy slopes, passing to the left of a telegraph pole.

Stage 7

There are views down into dramatic Gleann Bhaltois, through which the road passes to reach Uig. Keep walking along the left side of a fence high above this glen. The going is rough in places, but keeps beside the fence - do not cross at a stile. Later there are more great views down into Gleann Bhaltois, and a clearer path begins to form, but there are one or two extremely wet and boggy sections to negotiate. Eventually the route becomes a muddy track and heads through a gate to continue along the other side of the fence - with a final patch of waterlogged ground before it meets the road. Keep straight ahead to return to the Heritage centre.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Lewis cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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