The mountains of Harris are home to 20 pairs of Golden Eagles, one of the highest densities in Scotland. This straightforward short walk heads out to visit a new eagle observatory, where visitors can scan the skies for these magnificent birds soaring over the ridges on either side of the glen.
Good track throughout.
Bus service between Tarbert and Huisinish.
Parking area on B887 at start of track up Gleann Mhiabhaig.
There is a new parking area at the foot of Gleann Mhiabhaig on the Huisinish road. Begin the walk by heading up the landrover track up the glen, soon crossing a bridge over the Abhainn Mhiabhaig.
The great rocky buttresses of Sròn Scourst dominate the view up the glen and becomes ever more impressive with each step. After just over 2km the eagle hide is reached, just to the right of the track, and accessed up a wooden ramp.
The hide has a visitors book for the recording of sightings, which are frequent. Golden eagles are usually seen at a distance, gliding on the thermals. The best way to recognise them is from their silhouette - sea eagles (which can also be seen here) have broad wings and a large protruding head and beak; golden eagles have a less protruding head with a smaller beak and a longer tail. Adult sea-eagles have white tails but not juveniles, whilst young golden eagles have pale patches so this is a less reliable identifier. Buzzards can also be seen but are much smaller, with shorter, rounded wings.
The return is the same way, back down the track. If you wish to extend the walk you can continue a little further along the track, passing Loch Scourst; if you go far enough, the views back to Sròn Scourst from the north are even more impressive as it can appear as a separate peak. The track eventually becomes a path and heads over the mountains to reach Aird a' Mhulaidh on the Lewis-Harris boundary, but that is a serious walk best left to experienced hillwalkers.
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