Bleabhal ridge - South Harris

Start: Start the walk across the mainly single-track road from a rough cart track that has come along the side of the pasture/beach to the North along A859.

(S/E) From the car park, head East-South-East on the Hebridean Way (A) keeping on top of one of the many "lazy beds" (ancient crofters farming strips), heading towards and crossing Abhainn Nisishee stream.

(1) Start climbing Bolabhal Sgarasta in a Northern-East direction to the summit.

(2) From the summit, follow the long, wide, grassy ridge in a Northern-East direction, bearing East to the wide col.

(3) Then start the climb to the summit of Bleabhal still East. From the trig point head West then North-West to Meabhal and then descend North following the ancient wall (now simply a mound on the ground which is better drained than the surrounding area).

(4) This bears downhill North-North-West then West. At approx. point 9 look out for a gate in the fence. Head NW until you pick up the waymarking posts of the Hebridean Way.

(5) Follow the Hebridean Way posts in a generally Western direction which rejoins the road A859.

(6) Turn left along the road for a few meters then take the Hebridean Way signage on right towards the Scarista beach.

(7) Continue South-West along the beach and then head inland again through sand dunes to pass through the gate near the start of the track back to the road.

(8) Turn right and head South along the road to the starting point at the car park. (S/E)

Car park : Cars can usually be parked on the layby as it can accommodate about 8 cars. The road is basically VERY quiet.. Otherwise park at the car park behind the cemetery next to Scarita House Hotel on A859 and start at waypoint (6).

Note : Walking underfoot on the hills is very tough as there are virtually no paths but many bogs and lochans. It is certainly not the place for the ill-equipped or poor navigators. There is very little mobile coverage of any quality on the island.

Look out for eagles, both golden and white-tailed varieties along this walk.
(A) To know more about the Hebridean Way click here.