About
Suainebhal, “Sweyn’s fell”, is a great rounded elephant of a mountain that dominates Uig Bay. The ascent is straightforward and it provides an ideal summit for anyone who just wants to gain height quickly and enjoy the view. However it is very exposed and it can be decidedly cold, if not chilly, on the summit. So ensure you have wind proof clothing with you even on a warm day.[This walk is described in detail and illustrated with Ordnance Survey map extracts in 'Walking on Harris and Lewis' by Richard Barrett, published by Cicerone Press 2010. Unless otherwise indicated, all images used here are copyright of the author.]
Map & Directions
Route Waypoints
- Turn off the main B8011 close to two small cottages to the north of Cairisiader (NB095333) and park considerately. Follow the narrow peat road for a few hundred metres until it forks. (NB088330) and then follow the left hand branch directly towards Suaineabhal.
- Head off southwest along the north bank of the Teurabrie River, then turn south to Tom Dhomhnull (NB083316) and then ascend directly to the summit of Suaineabhal (NB078309). keeping to the grass as much as possible. The 300m climb seems to go on for ever until finally the summit cairn comes into view on the right On a clear day there are glorious views across Uig Bay, out to the Flannan Isles and St Kilda and down to the mountains on the west side of Lewis and Harris with Loch Suaineabhal and Loch Gruineabhat prominent in the foreground. It’s definitely worth the effort. If you need shelter from the wind, there is a large boulder a few meters south of the summit cairn, large enough to provide a lunch stop for a half dozen or so.
- Retrace the route back to the start
