Hebridean Way Stage 10: Tarbert to Scaladal

Summary

After an initial road stretch out of Tarbert, the Hebridean Way follows an old path up Gleann Lacasdall crossing a bealach through the Harris' mountains. It descends to the Maraig road before climbing again on a boggy but picturesque old grassy track through the hills, before descending to Scaladal.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac roads, clear hill paths, boggy in places.

Getting there

Start

Tarbert.

Public Transport

Buses serve both ends of this stage.

Start Grid Ref

NG153999

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Services

Hostel at Scaladale Centre, B&B nearby at Aird a' Mhulaidh.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 15km / 9.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 412m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Head through Tarbert along the main street, then continue out along the road towards Scalpay. Pass the recycling centre, and after 2km keep left on the main road where the Urgha road goes off right. After another 300m there is an information board where the Hebridean Way leaves the road, forking left to head down an old path towards Lochanan Lacasdail.

Stage 2

The going underfoot is good by Harris standards, continue along the west side of the loch. The path then heads towards the bealach, Braigh an Ruisg, with bridges over the small feeder burns coming down from the right, and great views looking back over the loch. It's a little wetter underfoot as the path descends the far side, leading down to a bend on the Maraig road.

Stage 3

Turn left along this road, climbing steeply until it joins the main A859. There are great views back to the shapely peak of Todun. Turn right along the main road; you can avoid most of the traffic by using sections of the old road on the right and then the left. When the next section of old road goes off left, take it, pass an old telecoms building then take a grassy path which forks off left at a cairn.

Stage 4

This old path climbs gently between the Clisham range and its outlier, Cleit Ard. Although grassy underfoot, it can be very boggy in places. It passes to the right of Lochan a' Cleit Ard before beginning to descend slightly.

Stage 5

There are excellent views of Lewis ahead as the path curves round the flank of Caisteal Ard, eventually descending to reach the road once more.

Stage 6

Turn left along the road, soon crossing the bridge over the Abhainn Scaladail. After another 500m a minor road goes off right; continue ahead to reach the Scaladale Outdoor centre and the end of this stage. Next stage: Scaladal to Balallan.

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