📌 Meavaig, Isle of Lewis
★★★
Topped by an array of masts, the low hill of Forsnabhal is hardly the most characterful or memorable summit on Lewis. However, a tarmac access road makes light work of the ascent, there are grand coastal views (and southwards towards rockier hills) from the top, and it can be combined with several other interesting local sights to make a satisfyingly varied circuit. To the west, Uig Museum has interesting historical displays and a cafe for a useful mid-walk refreshment stop, while a fantastic and quiet beach at Cliff beckons to the east. However, the most unexpected highlight is perhaps Gleann Bhaltois to the south; the view along this deep, glacial meltwater valley is surprisingly dramatic, and wouldn’t seem out of place on Scotland’s more mountainous mainland.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish on minor road, north end of Meavaig, Isle of Lewis. Alternative start points at Uig Museum or Tràigh na Clibhe
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NB 088350
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 58.206940,-6.960106
🚌 Bus to Meavaig
🚗 Space to park at road junction – don’t block gate
📝 Key info
▶ 11 km / 7 mi | ▲ 300 m | ⌛ 3-4 hr
Features: 🪨 Gleann Bhaltois; 🏛️ Uig Museum ★★; △ Forsnabhal (205 m, sub-2000′ Marilyn); 🏖️ Tràigh na Clibhe ★★★; 💧 Loch Sgailleir
⬤ Moderate | Varied terrain. Steep ascent on grass near start then faint, (sometimes very) boggy path / track above Gleann Bhaltois. Tarmac road through Uig to Forsnabhal, then a pathless moorland section to Loch Uamasbroc, with remainder of route on tracks / minor roads. One fence to climb after Forsnabhal summit.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit with extension to Tràigh na Clibhe: start – path above north side of Gleann Bhaltois – Uig Museum – Forsnabhal – Loch Mòr – Cliff – Tràigh na Clibhe – return to Cliff – road along Loch Sgailleir to start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Red deer on descent from Forsnabhal, sheep & lambs, rabbits. A cuckoo on a rock above Cliff, tufted duck on Loch Sgaillear, greenshank, common sandpiper, meadow pipits, stonechats, gulls.
Weather: 12°C sun & some cloud, moderate breeze.
June 2025
