Tiorga Mòr

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Tiorga Mòr is the most westerly of the Harris Grahams and thus is a superlative viewpoint. After an initial boggy section on the approach, the northwest ridge makes for a fine route of ascent; the descent via Tiorga Beag is again wet but provides a grand view of the massive overhanging precipice of Sròn Uladal.

Terrain

Rough and pathless hillwalking, steep in places, with some boggy sections.

Public Transport

Bus service between Tarbert and Huisinish.

Start

Start of track to the Chliostair power station, B887. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

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.

Stage 2

Continue to the bridge over the Abhainn Leosaid. The walk leaves the track here to trace the route of an old path up Gleann Leosaid, but the first section of the path has long been lost on the flat boggy ground. The two footbridges shown on OS 1:25k maps over the river where the path switches banks are likewise fictional, so it's best to stay on the north side of the Abhainn Leosaid across the bogs until the path materialises opposite some old ruined shielings. Follow the reasonably distinct path up Gleann Leosaid, crossing the Gil Abhaidh to eventually reach the bealach.

Stage 3

The old path heads down to Loch a'Ghlinne (see the Huisinish walk), so leave it at the high point and head northeast up wet, pathless slopes, eventually passing to the right of Loch Braigh Bheagarais. Continue from the loch up to the bealach beyond, separating Ceartabhal from Tiorga Mòr .

Stage 4

Head up the ridge towards Tiorga Mòr ; the lower section is steep but any crags are easily avoided on the left. Higher up the gradient eases and the ridge narrows almost to an arete, with traces of a path winding between any rocks. There are superb views looking back, down Loch a'Ghlinne to Scarp and the sandy beaches. Continue up to reach the dramatically located trig point, and views down the west coast of Harris and its many islands.

Stage 5

From the summit descend broader slopes northeast, with a slight rise to the flat top of Tiorga Beag (unmarked on OS 1:25k). From here aim north down broad, open slopes, eventually bearing northeast towards Creagan Leathan.

Stage 6

Although this is slightly out of the way, it is worth the detour to take in the best views of the amazing overhanging precipice of Sròn Uladal across the valley. Regarded by some as Britain's greatest inland cliff, the Sròn came to wider attention due to being the location of BBC TV's live broadcast, The Great Climb featuring Dave Macleod and Tim Emmett ascending this massive crag. There are cliffs to the east from here, so instead of attempting a direct descent aim back south until the headwaters of the Abhainn Uladal is reached, and then aim for the path at the north end of Loch Aiseabhat.

Stage 7

The ground is steep with broken crags and is wet and slippery underfoot, so great care is needed to pick a safe route down. The excellent stalkers path will be gained with some relief. Follow the path to the right, passing along the west side of Loch Aiseabhat. After crossing a bridge over the outflow the path continues down the east side of Loch Chliostair to eventually reach the dam. From here follow the track downhill, soon passing under the pipelines to continue the descent of the glen. The outward route is regained at Loch Leosaid; keep on the track to retrace your steps back to the start.

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