Hebridean Way Stage 5: Liniclate to Carinish

Summary

This part of the Way begins with some fine sandy beaches on Benbecula, as well as some rougher going in the dunes. After a stretch on tarmac the route climbs to the highest point on Benbecula - the summit of Ruabhal - for superb views. The descent from here is very rough and pathless moorland, and the stage concludes with a lengthy roadwalk crossing the causeways to Grimsay and finally North Uist.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac roads, sandy beach, dune paths. Boggy hill path for ascent of Ruabhal - pathless moorland for the descent.

Getting there

Start

At Dark Island Hotel and the school, Liniclate.

Public Transport

Bus to Liniclate school on Benbecula; end point is also served by bus.

Start Grid Ref

NF782498

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Services

Campsite and pods just before the end of the stage, hotel at Carinish.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 24.5km / 15.25 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 174m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Leave the B892 road on the south side, taking the track that heads past the right hand side of the Dark Island Hotel. The tarred lane becomes a track; continue past a wind turbine. After passing through a gateway leave the track and take the grassy path that heads through a gap in the dunes to emerge on a beautiful sandy beach. Turn right along the sand.

Stage 2

After the dunes relent, it becomes easier to follow the grassy path alongside the beach, keeping to the seaward side of the fence. Eventually the path rounds the Sìthean Bhuirgh headland and turns north. Keep straight ahead across a track to the beach, remaining on the grassy path. Soon dunes make a reappearance; the Hebridean Way continues along the top of them, but it's rough going and there's sometimes a single wire electric fence you may need to pop over or under to continue progress. Beyond the dunes the easy grassy path resumes and you can keep ahead until the path rejoins the tarmac road.

Stage 3

Continue ahead along the road for 1.25km, until a Hebridean Way sign indicates where to turn left through a gate and along a track to another section of fine beach backed by high dunes. Cross the sands to the far end, where a track cuts inland sharply to the right and reaches a parking area. From here follow the minor road north, turning right at the next junction and right again when the B892 is reached once more at a t-junction. After 300m take the next left, following a narrow minor road for almost 4km until it emerges on the A865.

Stage 4

Go straight across the main road onto a tarmac lane opposite, which soon leads to a recycling and industrial area. Keep ahead here onto a smaller track which continues across the moors, with the low dome of Ruabhal - the highest point on Benbecula - ahead and to the left. The track reaches the shore of Loch Bà Una, and soon afterwards a marker indicates where to turn left and begin the ascent of Ruabhal. The path up is well marked and mostly good, but has a couple of very boggy sections.

Stage 5

From the summit trig point there's a fantastic 360 degree view of water, islands, beaches and mountains. The mountains of South Uist are very clear back to the south, and the prominent prow of Eaval - a landmark for the next stage or so - is seen to the north. Looking east, the Isle of Skye can often be seen and the numerous lochans immediately below on Benbecula

Stage 6

The path vanishes completely at the summit, and there are no markers for some time. Continue along the pathless ridge that leads a little west of north, descending onto the moorland between Loch Olabhat and the Dubh Loch. The markers resume but there's still no path, and the going underfoot becomes increasingly wet. Continue following the posts which lead round to the west of Loch na Faolainn, emerging on a minor road opposite a bungalow.

Stage 7

Turn left along this road, soon meeting the A865, and turn right along this main route. The A865 is followed for 6.5km from here until the end of the stage; traffic can be speedy so care needs to be taken. Soon the road leads across a bridge and causeway onto the next island, Grimsay.

Stage 8

Ignore the two roads that lead off to the right on Grimsay, continuing until further causeways lead to Eileann a' Ghiorr and finally North Uist. Ignore the turning on the right for Cladach. This stage ends where the Hebridean Way is signed turning off to the right at NF835600. There's a campsite and pods off left just before this, or a B&B and hotel at Carinish can be reached by detouring 1.5km further along the road. Next stage: Carinish to Lochmaddy.

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