Hebridean Way Walking Route Section D: Howmore to Liniclate

About

Height Climbed: 111m / 366ft

Height Descended: 113m / 372ft

Terrain: 6.5 miles on good paths or tracks; 2.5 miles on rough, pathless moorland, 5 miles on tarmac roads, mostly quiet single track; 2 miles on pavement from Creagorry to Liniclate.

After two days of magical walking along the beaches of South Uist, now it is time to sample the island’s wilder east coast.

The Ordnance Survey map of this area looks alarming – a water-logged world of impassable lochs and bogs. Fear not, however, for considerable stretches of good new path and some spectacular bridges lead you through a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. Ruined duns (ancient castles) sit on tiny islands in freshwater lochs, the South Uist hills reflecting on the blue waters. Where the paths disappear plentiful wooden marker posts guide you on a dry(ish) route over the wet ground. This is wild and lonely country where there is more wildlife than humans. Look out for golden eagles soaring overhead and listen for the plaintive three note call of the greenshank.

The day ends by crossing the causeway onto the island of Benbecula, where several shops, plentiful accommodation and even two hotels bring you back to civilisation.