Hebridean Way Stage 11: Scaladal to Balallan

Summary

After an initial stretch of road, the Way includes a rare section through forest plantations, climbing to a low summit with views of Lewis' vast interior moorlands ahead. The stage ends with a long stretch of raised peat paths and boggy ground before reaching the string-like settlement of Balallan (Baile Ailein). Some guides suggest avoiding the last stretch round Loch Cuthaig, but it's no more boggy than that before it and remains waymarked.

Grade

Bog Factor

2.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Road, gravel and boardwalk paths in forest. Lengthy stretch of bogs and raised peat paths, waymarked.

Getting there

Start

Scaladal.

Public Transport

Buses serve both ends of this stage.

Start Grid Ref

NB187105

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Services

Seasonal cafe and toilet at Balallan and B&B nearby.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 21km / 13 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 390m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Starting from the Scaladale Centre, the Hebridean Way follows the main road north, soon passing into Lewis (which is actually the same land mass as Harris). There are a couple of places where you can avoid the traffic by following old sections of road on the right. After a little over 3km take one of these on the right; when it rejoins the modern road, take the next left (another old road section), then cross a footbridge to join a gravel path through the forestry plantations - a rare sight in the Western Isles.

Stage 2

The gravel path climbs up to the low summit of Griamacleit, which has a seat and an extensive view of the vast moorlands ahead. The path continues down the far side to reach a gate; pass through this and then cross a footbridge. Just before a vehicle bridge a wooden boardwalk goes off to the left - turn and walk along this. The boardwalk extends for a substantial distance - keep ahead at a junction - until the trees are left behind, after which it joins another section of old road.

Stage 3

Continue along the old road. After an old stone bridge you can either take the next exit to the main road, or continue as waymarked, crossing a ditch and then joining the road at the next gate which is locked. Turn left along the road.

Stage 4

At Ceann Tarabhaigh a short distance along, the Hebridean Way turns left off the A859 onto the unmarked track just to the left of the conifer trees and property. Almost immediately go through a kissing gate and continue up the track onto the moorland. Bear right where the track splits. Before a farm gate ahead is reached turn right onto a turf path with a waymarker which can be easy to miss. The path crosses the bare moorland, goes over a footbridge and becomes increasingly boggy. Continue straight ahead where some ATV tracks cross the route to continue above Loch Stranndabhat with its little island visible over on the right.

Stage 5

Take care to follow the indistinct route to another footbridge and bear right to eventually reach a gate near the head of the loch. The path now becomes much drier underfoot and the houses on the outskirts of Balallan can be seen ahead. Go through a gate and climb up the stony track and turn left at the next junction. Alternatively if you wish to miss out the next, very boggy, section you can turn right to head to the A859 and turn left along that to reach the end of the stage at the centre of Balallan. Otherwise continue uphill to the left and continue on the track, going through a gate. At a turning area keep straight ahead on the main track which soon bears right to run alongside a fence.

Stage 6

The track heads slightly downhill towards Loch Cuthaig and before it climbs again towards a gate keep a sharp eye out for the marker post and path and turn left along it. Follow the path and go through a small gate and before the loch is reached bear right uphill. There are a lot of ATV tracks here, whilst the remains of the raised turf path of the Hebridean Way runs just to the right of them, they can be useful to get across the worst of the bogs on this next section. Keep the fence on your left and descend to the fence corner. Here the path heads east to cross a footbridge (the bridge is actually just a few metres to the left of the path). Don't go through the gate ahead but keep left of the fence soon passing close to the end of Loch Cùl Airigh a' Flod. The boggy path continues until it reaches a rough track at a waymarker, turn left here and keep striaght ahead at the track junction to head south towards Balallan. At a T-junction at the first houses turn right to reach the main road. Balallan has B&Bs nearby and a seasonal cafe and toilets in the community centre to the left. Next stage: Balallan to Stornoway

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