Hebridean Way Walking Route Section E: Liniclate to Grimsay

About

Height Climbed: 188m / 617ft

Height Descended: 180m / 590ft

Terrain: 4 miles on good paths, tracks or beach; 2 miles up and over Ruabhal, on small path then pathless hillside and moorland; 6.5 miles on tarmac roads, mostly quiet single track.

Sandwiched between North and South Uist and separated from both by treacherous tidal sands, but connected by casueways, a day spent exploring the island of Benbecula on foot, is a rewarding experience and the Hebridean Way takes walkers to some wonderful places that most tourists never see.

The day starts with some great Atlantic beach walking, a quintessential Hebridean experience, with the sound of seabirds filling the air and the sharp smell of seaweed ever-present.

Half way up the island the route branches out to the east side of the island. An easy climb up Ruabhal, the “hill of the fords” that gave Benbecula its Gaelic name Beinn na Faoghla, is rewarded with one of the most sensational views in Scotland.

The descent is more challenging than the climb, pathless terrain down through overgrown heather then over wet, boggy ground. The road is soon reached, however, and a fascinating walk along a beautiful causeway leads you to Grimsay. The route skirts the edge of this attractive little island, which is well worth further exploration if you have time to spare.

Note: The map below shows the end point of this section. The distances and timings above do not include any extra distance you may need to reach your accommodation for the night.