Hebridean Way Stage 7: Lochmaddy to Berneray

Summary

A mix beautiful tidal inlets, rough moorland with a climb almost to the summit of Beinn Mhor with great views, a long gentle descent is followed by more road walking eventually crossing the causeway to Berneray. There is accommodation and a shop on Berneray or continue the Way by taking the ferry to Leverburgh on Harris.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Main and minor road walking, waymarked moorland path, boggy in places.

Getting there

Start

Road junction of A867 and A865 on edge of Lochmaddy.

Public Transport

Buses serve both ends of this stage.

Start Grid Ref

NF910691

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Services

Berneray has an excellent cafe and shop, B&B, hostel (facilities can be used by campers for a fee), bunkhouse, toilets and coin operated shower at the fishing harbour, also toilets at the ferry terminal. If continuing to Leverburgh, there are showers at the ferry terminal, a hostel, B&B, takeaway van, and shop.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 16.5km / 10.25 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 274m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

This stage begins at the junction of the A865 and A867 around 1km out of Lochmaddy. Begin walking along the A865 which heads north. This can be a fast, busy road particularly at ferry times, but the scenery is great and there is a verge to walk on. After 2.7km and a wide bend in the road, turn left onto a track leading up to a Scottish Water building signed for Loch Portain. Go through the gate, climb the track and stay on the track to skirt round below the building. Immediately on the far side bear right to join a path just a short distance above the track, there are waymarkers and great views looking back.

Stage 2

The path traverses the side of Blathaisbhal. Once over a stile head diagonally left over pathless moorland to reach another stile. Climb this and bear slightly left and keep straight on, crossing over a clearer path which heads directly down to the loch on the right. Continue instead to a marker post and then bear right here to follow a muddy track down to the loch. Head left along the side of the loch and go through a gate, past a bench, and through the Fairy Knoll picnic area to another gate to reach the main road.

Stage 3

Follow the main road for 0.5km and turn right onto the minor road for 2.2km. Turn left onto a moorland path signed for Newton. This is a beautiful section which skirts the edge of Bàgh Teileam and is good for waders at low tide and for spotting otters. Marker posts and a narrow but clear and fairly dry path add to the experience. The route heads inland to cross a footbridge and from here it's useful to spot the marker posts on the hill ahead.

Stage 4

The route aims slightly left at first towards Beinn Mhòr before heading more steeply uphill and keeping just right (east) of the 190m summit and there are great views looking back over the North Uist waterscape. This is also a fantastic area for spotting birds of prey, particularly white tailed eagles.

Stage 5

Once over the shoulder of the hill, views of the causeway to Berneray and the hills of Harris can be seen ahead. It is also possible to pick out the dark line of the Hebridean Way which follows the remains of a stone dyke now covered in heather, in a wide arc to the right below before aiming for the road near Loch an Sticir.

Stage 6

Descend to the Bealach na Beinne and continue following the line of raised heather, passing a few boggy patches before the path becomes clearer. As the route rounds the east side of the loch, the remains of an iron age fort can clearly be seen on a small island. Probably built between 100BC and 100AD it was later remodelled and in 1602 became the hideout of Hugh Macdonald of Sleat on Skye who had failed in his plan to murder his cousin. Eventually captured, he was returned to Skye where he was imprisoned in Duntulm Castle with a platter of salt beef and an empty flagon to die of thirst. Head through the gate to reach a small parking area and the road.

Stage 7

Turn right and follow the main road, turning left to reach the causeway leading to the island of Berneray. There are wonderful views over the sea and this side of the causeway is a good place to look for otters. Cross to Berneray. The Hebridean Way continues by taking the ferry to Leverburgh on Harris for the next stage; take the first right once on the island to reach the ferry terminal. However it is a shame to miss out Berneray, which has a cafe and shop, so if time allows it is a good place to plan to have a rest day and explore the beaches, or stay the night in a B&B or bunkhouse or hostel.

Route Profile

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