The Isle of Scalpay circular walk, Harris

This Outer Hebrides walk is a pleasant circular route around the Isle of Scalpay. Do be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions in this part of Scotland.

Technical sheet

293009
A Eilean Siar walk posted on 04/07/16 by Walking Britain. Last update : 20/10/16
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.43 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 2h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 72 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 72 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 77 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4 m
  • ⚐
    District: Eilean Siar 
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 57.87726° / W 6.69523°

  • Today’s forecast: … Loading…

Description

(S)Having crossed on the bridge from Harris, turn first left, and park opposite the storage area in the tarmac bay off the road (grid ref.NG216972). Walk eastwards towards the stone quarry building and at the road junction turn right and continue past the track that leads to the house called Woodstock. At the next 3 houses turn left through the metal farm gate to follow the surfaced lane towards the fourth house. Turn right in front of it and go through a gate onto a track which heads left to Loch an Duin. Go left over a stile and footbridge and follow the path around the north of the loch.

(1)From this point there are marker posts and it is possible to see the next one where the path is difficult to see in the boggy ground. They are numbered in reverse order. When you reach a fence pass through the gates and continue following the posts to the far end of Loch an Duin. Climb uphill from the stream and follow the posts which pass to the south of Loch Cuilceach.

(2)The route leads up to Beinn Scorabhaig from which, in good weather, there are good views over the mountains of Harris. The Eilean Glas lighthouse is directly ahead and the path aims for it. At this point you can also see the new stone track on your right that leads to the lighthouse from Kennavay and it is at this point that I left the way-marked path and headed for the new stone track.

(3)The track heads into Kennavay where it joins the road where you turn left and follow it, ignoring the side roads and continue northwards until you reach the main settlement on Scalpay. There is a community shop and café here, that is well worth the stop. Continue over the bridge at the head of Ceann a Bhaigh and follow the signs back to the Scalpay bridge and the car parking.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 15 m - Parking area near Scalpay bridge
  2. 1 : km 0.92 - alt. 17 m - Loch an Duin
  3. 2 : km 2.24 - alt. 33 m - Loch Cuilceach
  4. 3 : km 4.37 - alt. 33 m - Kennavay
  5. S/E : km 8.43 - alt. 16 m - Parking area near Scalpay bridge

Useful Information

A longer version of this five mile walk is available at Walk Highlands at http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/outer-heb... . There are also other versions that shorten the walk in the reviews. The weather can alter so quickly in Harris it is good to have ways of getting back to the start point before visibility goes and/or you are completely soaked.

Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine.

The GPS track and description are the property of the author.

Loading…