Hebridean Way Walking Route Section J: Tarbert to Scaladale

About

Height Climbed: 457m / 1,500ft

Height Descended: 430m / 1,412ft

Terrain: 6.5 miles on good paths and tracks; 2.5 miles on roads.

The section north of Tarbert is a short one – a welcome easy day after the long hikes from Leverburgh and Seilebost.

After enjoying the cosmopolitan delights of Tarbert, perhaps fitting in a visit to its beautiful new whisky distillery, a short walk along the road to Scalpay leads to the start of a fine path along the west shore of Lochannan Lacasdail. Before the days of tarmac roads this was once the main route north from Tarbert, threading an easy line through an otherwise impenetrable barrier of rocky hills.

After passing over the bealach (hill pass) at the head of the glen there are fine views of An Cliseam, the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, as well as the Pairc hills on the east side of Loch Seaforth. These are in Lewis, the long trench of Loch Seaforth acting as the boundary between the two islands.

Head down towards the picturesque village of Màraig then up to the main road, before another excellent little track leads you to Scaladale. The Outdoor Centre here offers invaluable hostel accommodation, as well as all sorts of adrenaline pumping activities for the adventurously inclined!

Apart from the Hostel and a small B&B, there is not a lot of accommodation options. If the accommodation is full, an option may be to stay in Tarbert for an extra night and use the bus service to pick you up/drop off. 

The distances and timings above do not include any extra distance you may need to reach your accommodation for the night.