Mangurstadh beach and stacks, Uig

Summary

This superb short walk visits the beautiful sandy beach at Mangurstadh (Mangersta) before continuing above dramatic sea cliffs and stacks. It then visits the township of Mangurstadh before returning via the dunes behind the beach.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Track, sandy beach, grassy pathless clifftops, minor road. Some boggy sections.

Getting there

Start

Parking at small quarry at NB012307.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus from Stornoway - not possible to reach and return in a day.

Start Grid Ref

NB012307

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.6km / 2.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 230m (Profile)

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Explorer 458 - West Lewis

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

There is parking in a small disused quarry at NB012307, just beyond and opposite a sign indicating a track down 'to The Shore'. Begin by heading down this track, soon giving views over the stunning Mangurstadh Beach (often anglicised to Mangersta).

Stage 2

Cross the dunes just behind the stones that back the beach; you can usually cross the burn on the rocks. On the far side head up the steep but grassy slope to reach a prominent cairn. There are stunning views back across the beach towards Mealaisbhal, the highest hill on Lewis.

Stage 3

From the cairn continue across perfect flat greensward to visit the cliff edge of the next shallow inlet - take care as the edge is undercut.

Stage 4

Follow an old grassy path that contours to the right of a grassy rise, noting the old lazybeds (cultivation terraces from the 19th century or earlier) on your right. Continue to the back of the next bay, where there is a fine sea stack. Continue above the clifftops to the far end of the bay where there is a stile over the fence.

Stage 5

Cross the stile and turn left, with the fence on your left. When a junction of fences is reached it is best to turn right and stay on the inland side of the fence to keep back from the cliff edge. There are views down to a great natural arch on this section. Go through a gap when a fence runs inland, and finally leave the fenced area at a gate.

Stage 6

Continue above the coastal cliffs, heading towards the dome-like headland with steep cliffs. From atop this a faint path leads down to an almost-hidden stone buidling set into the cliffs. This is Mangersta bothy (also known as the Eagle's Nest). It was built by John and Lorna Norgrove who live nearby. They were the parents of Linda, an aid worker who was killed in Afghanistan 2010. If you wish to stay in the bothy, you need to book it via this link in return for a donation to the Norgrove Foundation which continues Linda's work to help women and children in Afghanistan.

Stage 7

Head east from the bothy, aiming towards two gates close together - go through the left hand pedestrian gate. The route now continues ahead, with a fence on your right - though you might want to detour a little around boggy ground. Continue until a road is reached. Turn right here, then immediately left downhill. Follow the road as it climbs past some houses, then fork right onto a lane.

Stage 8

Keep left as this becomes a track, passing through a gate. As the track bends right go through the second gate on the left to descend towards the sandy area behind Mangurstadh beach once more. Bear right at the bottom of the hill to return to the outward route, crossing the burn to reach the sands. From here retrace your steps back to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Lewis cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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