Lì a Tuath (North Lee), near Lochmaddy

Summary

The two Lee hills - Lì a Tuath and Lì a Deas - are prominent landmarks in North Uist, rivalling the higher Eabhal. Lì a Tuath is the more shapely of the pair and a magnificent viewpoint. Its twin peaks are climbed on this waymarked route, approaching across the boggy moors.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked with posts throughout. Boggy approach across the moor; drier going on the rugged hill itself.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Signed parking area beside the A867.

Public Transport

Island bus service passes the start; around 2km from Lochmaddy.

Start Grid Ref

NF895679

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 283m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Lì a Tuath (North Lee)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There's a rough parking area signed specifically for North Lee on the A867 road. Facing away from the road, head left from the parking area, crossing a small footbridge and a stile to pass the left side of Loch a' Chadha Ruaidh. The route is marked with posts, and soon descends slightly to reach and cross another fence line at a stile. On the far side the route diverges from the fence and gains some height; this part is very boggy.

Stage 2

The wet path keeps to the left of some rocks and crosses another couple of small footbridges, then passes through a farm gate. As well as the shapely objective of Lì a Tuath seen ahead, Lì a Deas and Eabhal are both visible across the moorland and lochans. The path passes through a gap in another fence and continues over the moorland, with another small bridge (they don't always seem to span the boggiest bits!). As the hill draws closer, the route comes alongside a fence and begins to climb - with the fence on your left.

Stage 3

After gaining some height there's a fence running across the route - cross this at a stile. The going is now much drier as the path climbs round to the southwest side of the hill before turning more directly up the slopes.

Stage 4

The small cairn marking the true and shapely 263m summit has superlative views in all directions over the remarkable waterscape of North Uist and the sea. The route now heads for the second, lower summit but does not head directly towards it at first as there is craggy ground. Instead follow the path that descends more to the east initially.

Stage 5

The route then turns NE across a shallow bealach and climbs to the second, lower and more sprawling summit - this one is marked by a trig point. Lochmaddy is particularly well seen from here.

Stage 6

The descent begins to the W, then turns NW - follow the marker posts. They lead to the wreckage of a US airforce plane which crashed here in 1943, with the ten crew losing their lives; there's a small memorial. The route bears left at this point, heading across the slopes and then descends to cross another stile.

Stage 7

Keep following the posts across the moor; they lead to the fence you followed earlier on the outward route. Cross it and turn right to retrace the very wet outward journey back to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

North Uist cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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