Uisgneabhal Mòr , Teileasbhal and Stuabhal

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Summary

Uisgneabhal Mòr is the second highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, and with its close neighbour Teileasbhal looks impressive from the A859 west of Tarbert. Combined with remote Stuabhal the hills make for a grand and rugged hillwalk, with a long initial approach up Gleann Miabhaig enlivened by the rock architecture of Sròn Scourst.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Good track for the outward leg, then rough, pathless hillwalking with some steep ground and boggier sections. Final section of descent is very wet.

Public Transport

Bus service between Tarbert and Huisinish.

Start

Parking area on B887 at start of track up Gleann Mhiabhaig. 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: 20.25km / 12.5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 8 hours
Ascent: 1100m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NB100062

Summits Climbed

Fiona: Uisgneabhal Mòr
Sub 2000: Stulabhal

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

There is a new parking area at the foot of Gleann Mhiabhaig on the Huisinish road, built for the Harris Golden Eagle Observatory. Begin the walk by heading up the landrover track up the glen, soon crossing a bridge over the Abhainn Mhiabhaig. The great rocky buttresses of Sròn Scourst dominate the view up the glen and become ever more impressive with each step. Look out for the eagle hide just to the right of the track, and continue past a boatshed and Loch Scourst.

Stage 2

The track passes beneath Sròn Scourst to continue up the now more open glen; looking back, the buttress looks finer from this side, appearing as an individual pyramidal peak though it is really only the termination of the northwest ridge of Uisgneabhal Mòr . Continue along the track, passing below the much less imposing nose of Sròn Ard, to reach a green shed just short of Loch Bhiosimid. At this point a clear path turns off to the right; turn onto this, which heads northeast to reach and cross a footbridge over the Abhainn Stulabhal. The path has been repaired by the North Harris Trust and now begins to climb to the east, passing beneath the rocky snout of Creag Chleistir. The path continues across rough country to eventually reach the A859 at Bagh Bhiogadail; however our route leaves it here to begin the steep and rough ascent of Creag Chleistir.

Stage 3

The lower section of ridge has broken rocks; zig-zag steeply through these to gain easier ground above. Magnificent views open up as height is gained, with the top of Stulabhal soon coming into view as well as the twin peaks of Uisgneabhal Mòr and Teileasbhal further on the walk, whilst out west is the Oireabhal range and the Uig hills of Lewis. Continue to reach the mossy summit trig point and windshelter that marks the summit of Stulabhal, close to the edge of the steep northern slopes.

Stage 4

A steep, wet and slippery descent of around 220m must be negotiated down to the bealach to the south - concentrate and try not to be distracted by the view of Loch StUladal backed by the cliffs of Creag StUladal. Just before the boggy bealach is reached there are some broken crags which are easily avoided. Continue southwest up the open slopes beyond to ascend to Creag Stulabhal; after the initial steep slope the going becomes much easier for the next few kilometres on open, more gently graded ground.

Stage 5

Continue south and then southeast, climbing gently towards the next major peak, Teileasbhal. As the summit draws near the ridge becomes well-defined and there is a final rocky clamber up massive blocks before the summit cairn is reached. Uisgneabhal Mòr is the next objective - only 750m away as the crow flies, though the route on the ground is considerably more strenuous. Descend steep slopes to lose 140m down to the bealach, avoiding a rocky bluff part way down.

Stage 6

A very steep ascent of 170m follows, over boulders at first before easing slightly up more open, grassy slopes. The actual summit is atop a prominent crag overlooking the bealach; pass to the right of the crags before cutting back to visit the cairn. This is the second highest of the main Harris hills, and a fine view is suddenly revealed along the west coast of South Harris with its fine beaches. Continue along the edge of the crags beyond the summit at first before aiming south across open ground to gain the south ridge.

Stage 7

The upper section of this ridge makes for excellent descending, being well defined and grassy. However the ground becomes increasingly boggy and rough lower down. Cross Creag na Speraig and continue over very wet ground, sticking to the high points where possible to cross Braigh an Fhais. A short descent leads to the second small lochan on the ridge; from here it is possible to descend the very steep and slimy slopes to the west, avoiding crags, to reach the B887 half a kilometre or so south of the start of the walk.

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