Urgha to Rhenigidale

Summary

Follow the ancient walking route to the village of Rhenigidale, the main access route overland until the road was built in the 1980s. The route is described as a one-way walk only, so you need to check the times for the bus back unless intent on a much longer route.

Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Well constructed path, one short boggy section, steep descent.

Getting there

Start

Parking area on Tarbert-Scalpay road, just east of Lochanan Lascadail.

Public Transport

Start can be reached on foot from Tarbert or by using the Scalpay bus; infrequent bus for return from Rhenigidale to Tarbert.

Start Grid Ref

NB184004

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.75km / 3.5 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 456m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

This route starts from just east of Lochanan Lascadail, near Urgha and around 3km from Tarbert on the road to Scalpay. There is a parking area just east of the bridge with an information board and footpath sign. This is a linear walk so transport will need to be arranged or the route walked in both directions. If a shorter walk is needed, the section from Rhenigidale is more dramatic, but parking can be problematic in the village. From the Urgha end, start by following the signed path which is boggy at first but rapidly improves as it climbs gradually uphill. After passing a memorial, the route climbs steadily through the rocky landscape.

Stage 2

Until the road was built in the 1980s this path was used each week by children attending the secondary school in Tarbert. Looking north west there is a good view of the pointed peak of Clisham. The top of the pass is marked by a cairn. The descent is gentle at first with good sea views. Soon a path junction is marked with a small cairn and stone marker. The right fork leads down to the deserted village of Molinginis. This makes a worthwhile there and back detour, adding upto 2 hours and a substantial climb back to this point to the walk - although a path cutting off this triangle and following the coast is shown on the map, it is extremely rough and is not recommended.

Stage 3

Soon the descent gets steeper with a number of zig zags easing the gradient before the path reaches the sea at Loch Trolamaraig. Cross the bridge at the back of the pebbly beach and start the long but less steep climb uphill, where the path splits the left hand one is the main path but both rejoin higher up. As the path winds around the dramatic coastline, the genius of its construction is evident.

Stage 4

Cross a bridge and soon the remains of a settlement are passed as the path traverses the steep cliffs. Go through a gate and eventually climb up to the road at the end of the walk. If you haven't timed things to catch the bus back and are looking for a much longer walk, turn left along the road to continue the Urgha and Maraig circuit.

Stage 5

Alternatively, to visit the tiny village of Rhenigidale turn right and walk down the road. The small youth hostel operated by the Gatliff Trust can be seen on the slope opposite as you head into the village; there are no other facilities.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Harris cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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