Mealaisbhal from Breanais, Uig

Summary

Mealaisbhal is the highest of the Uig hills and the highest summit on Lewis. Its position on the western edge of the island - overlooking Uig Sands, the rocky neighbouring hills and a vast sweep of ocean - make it an unforgettable viewpoint. The ascent is pathless and boggy, most easily accomplished from the west as described here; the route can be extended to a rugged mountain day by continuing over the neighbouring hills.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Rough track, then pathless. Peat bog followed by steady ascent with boulders at summit.

Public Transport

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

Start

Block house at north end of Breanais. Open in Google Maps.

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.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 540m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NA992265

Summits Climbed

Sub 2000: Mealaisbhal

Mapping and GPS

Install our App FREE
Download our route descriptions and use offline with GPS mapping

Want to sponsor this route?

Stage 1

The walk starts from an old block house at the north end of Breanais. There is no formal parking here, so take the time and care to find a safe space without blocking any entrances or passing spaces. Begin the walk by heading up the rough track that starts alongside the block house, soon passing another ruined house. The track is used by locals to cut and harvest peat from the lower slopes.

Stage 2

There are good views ahead to both Mealaisbhal and its rocky southern neighbour, Cracabhal. After passing some old fence posts the peat track peters out into peat bog. Leave it here and continue ahead towards Mealaisbhal. The going improves over rough grasses before crossing another very boggy section; keep well south of Loch Sanndabhat.

Stage 3

Soon the foot of the steeper slopes of Mealaisbhal are reached. It is straightforward enough to avoid the outcrops and Lewissian Gneiss to make a fairly direct ascent, aiming a little to the right of the boulder-covered summit. Looking back there are stunning views out over the vast ocean, with tiny Gaisgeir visible to the right of Scarp, and the Flannan Islands visible to the NW. In very clear conditions it is possible to see remote St Kilda, 90km or more across the sea.

Stage 4

Eventually the slope eases to the summit. A bit of rough boulder-hopping is needed to visit the cairn, the highest summit on Lewis - a stunning view over the Uig Sands is revealed only at the last moment.

Stage 5

It is worth heading along the summit ridge SE for a short distance - soon on easier grass - for the best views of the rocky and dramatic neighbouring Uig hills. From here the easiest return is to retrace your steps. If you prefer to make a longer and much more challenging walk than described here, it is possible to descend SE to the next bealach and then continue up the rocky north ridge of Cracabhal - with some rocky scrambling en route. You can then continue to Laibheal a Tuath before descending the latter's west ridge back to the road.