This short walk explores the most southerly headland on Harris, a great vantage point for marine mammals, otters and seabirds. It crosses open grazing land so dogs should be kept under tight control.
Bog Factor
Coastal path, minor road and some pathless boggy sections.
Parking at St Clement's Church, Rodel (Roghadal).
Bus to Rodel from Leverburgh or Tarbert.
NG048831
Rodel is famous for its sixteenth century St Clements Church with its fine stone carvings, it is well worth a visit, take time to climb the ladders in the tower. From outside the church follow the road to the west (left with your back to the church) for a short distance. After passing a house take the turn on the left signed for Borrisdale.
Cross the outflow of the loch and take the path straight ahead after the bridge. At a path junction bear left to keep straight on heading up and around the grassy slope. Near a fence the path bears right to head uphill following the cliff with stunning views taking in Renish Point.
Go through a gate and follow the path as descends around the end of a sea loch and climbs the far side heading through another gate. At the top, with a house to the right, turn left onto a track and when this reaches the road end turn right to follow the road past a number of houses. At the first road junction turn left and follow this to the road end where there is a house and jetty.
Turn right to go through a gate and up a grassy track. At the top is a sheep fank, go through the gate to the left of the wall and straight on through two more gates in fences. After the final gate, where the ground can be very boggy, turn left to follow the fence to reach drier ground and continue making your way along the east side of the headland. When another fence is reached you can either go straight through it if it is still broken down or turn right to reach a gate mid way along. Either way you now follow sheep tracks towards the highest point which is marked with a cairn, picking your way to avoid the boggy areas and old peat cuttings.
The high point is a great viewpoint and makes a good destination, but for wildlife it is worth continuing on a vague path straight ahead to reach the most southerly point of Harris. Here you stand a good chance of spotting passing porpoise, whales and dolphins, and the tell tale white fish bones of otter spraint is easy to spot, the otters themselves usually more elusive.
The islands of Berneray, South and North Uists are usually clearly visible as is Skye. It is possible to explore the west coast of the headland as an alternative return route to the fence, the driest option is to return by the outward route.
This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?
