A dramatic ridge walk taking in the summits of Ulabhal, Oireabhal and Cleiseabhal, all excellent viewpoints. The route can be extended by 1km to visit the summit of Sròn Uladal.
Bog Factor
Rough and pathless hillwalking, steep and rocky in places, boggy descent, minor road.
Start of track to the Chliostair power station, B887.
Bus service between Tarbert and Huisinish.
NB052077
There is no formal car parking at the foot of the power station road up Gleann Chliostair; some drivers find a spot near the cattle grid just along the B887 whilst others drive up the first 500m of the power station road to park on a bend where the tarred track swings right. The walk begins by heading up the power station road (signed as a path to Gleann Uladal). At the bend already mentioned take the left branch through a gate onto a rougher surfaced track. The track now slopes down to the west side of Loch Leosaid, with a good view of Tiorga Mòr looming ahead. Pass the small power station and stay on the track which steepens as it climbs to the dam.
Follow the excellent stalkers path on the east side of Loch Chliostair and after leaving the loch behind cross a bridge and climb to reach Loch Aiseabhat. Cross the outflow on stepping stones and follow the path along the west side of the water. At the end of the Loch the path descends into Gleann Uladal (with the mighty prow of Sròn Uladal visible ahead on the right), however our route leaves the path to climb the easy, boggy ground directly east, aiming for the bealach at first before branching off NE to aim directly for the summit of Muladal. This is a good viewpoint for the Uig hills and you can also detour north to the rocky summit of Sròn Uladal which has a dramatic location.
From Muladal descend to the bealach and climb steeply towards the pyramidal peak of Ulabhal which is rocky near the top but has no difficulties; the cairn is perched overlooking the steep eastern face.
Continuing south along the ridge, the rocky outcrop of Cathadail an Ear can be avoided on the right with no real loss of height - keen scramblers will include it. From the far side continue descending (there is now a vague path) and then aim directly SW for the summit of Oireabhal.
The summit cairn provides fabulous views, looking south the island of Taransay is backed by the beaches and hills of South Harris, while the view east is dominated by the peaks of Uisgneabhal Mòr , Teileasbhal and Stulabhal.
The ridge continues south, heading over the small peak of Bidigidh before ascending, crossing a rock band with no difficulties, and finally aiming southwest to reach the summit of Cleiseabhal marked by a trig point. This too is an excellent viewpoint, particularly for picking out the islands dotted below.
The descent is straightforward but boggy and steep in places. To avoid the crags and steep ground on the west flank of Cleiseabhal, aim southwest from the summit directly towards the island of Sodaigh Mòr (as its name suggests, the larger of the twin islands with the fish farm in front). Much lower down you can bear west to reach the B887 near Loch nan Caor. From here turn right to follow the road back to the start.
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