Starting at the stunning coastal Loch Mòr Bharabhais this route heads inland over wet ground to visit two more lochs and return via the small setttlement of Bru. Good bird watching opportunities.
Infrequent waymarkers, very boggy and pathless for sections.
Nearest bus, Barabhas, 1km from start.
Road end at Barabhas Iarach.
To reach the start turn north off the A858 at Barabhas (just east of the junction with the A857 from Stornoway) along Sraid na Loch signed Barabhas Iarach. At the road end there is parking at the back of the bay, just above the pebble and sandy beach which is popular with surfers. From here follow the grassy path west to cross the bridge over the outflow from Loch Mòr Bharabhais which is popular with anglers. Follow the path which is waymarked with infrequent yellow posts as it skirts around the seaward side of the loch and crosses a small area of boggy ground with what appears to be a large circle of standing stones, sometimes partly submerged on the landward side of the large pebble bank at the shore.
After passing between two boulders the path splits - the waymarked route keeps straight ahead to run just to the right of a fence, alternatively you can follow the wider track which soon reaches a surfaced road. Both routes rejoin at the gate leading to the settlement of Bru. Do not pass through the gate, instead turning right and continuing across rough ground beside the fence. At a fence corner go through two pedestrian gates and continue down to the southern end of Loch Eirearaigh, which is popular with fishermen. Pass through a gate and continue to a bridge over the river that feeds the loch.
Continue round the west side of the loch until another fence and gate - do not pass through, instead turning left uphill by the fence, following infrequent marker posts. At the fence corner turn right, still alongside the fence, to another post. At this point the marked route turns left and cuts over the moor, but it is worth continuing a short distance for better views of the coastline, with stacks above a beach. At the next bay the route cuts inland (rejoining the markers), aiming for a stile over a fence.
The route now follows a fence southwards inland; there are marker posts but the ground is extremely boggy. Soon the western side of Loch na Muilne is reached. Eventually the markers indicate a route curving left across deeply peat-hagged ground - keep a sharp eye out for the posts. The line of posts seems to give out at the very boggiest section - keep ahead here to reach an excellent footbridge over the Abhainn Eirearaig, unseen until reached.
From the bridge continue eastwards uphill across the moorland. Soon a boggy path is followed, and then a clearer track - still wet underfoot in parts - is reached. Turn left along the track and follow it to the road in Bru. Turn left along the road, going through the gate at the end to rejoin the outward route. Now simply retrace your steps back to the parking area north of Loch Mòr Bharabhais.
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