Walk: A hide for the eagle-eyed

📌 Meavaig, Isle of Harris
★★★

A glacial gash splitting the summits of Oireabhal and Uisgneabhal, Gleann Mhiabhaig is a great place to immerse yourself in the North Harris hills without expending too much effort. Golden and sea eagles are everywhere on this island, and the open expanse of the glen with its rocky walls is probably as good a place as any to spot one, with a simple but attractive observatory providing shelter. Ironically, the day we visited was the only day of a whole week on Harris that we didn’t see any eagles, but the scenery is nevertheless more than adequate compensation for a straightforward, short walk. Bring binoculars so you can scan the skies and crags.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish at bridge over Abhainn Mhiabhaig, B887 just northeast of Meavaig, Harris

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NB 100063

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.950852,-6.902912

🚌 Bus stops on B887, short distance to southwest

🚗 Car park

📝 Key info

▶ 5 km / 3 mi | ▲ 60 m | ⌛ 1.5 hr

Features: 💧 Gleann Mhiabhaig; 🦅 North Harris Eagle Observatory

⬤ Easy | Stony track, gentle gradients.

➡️ Out-and-back walk to North Harris Eagle Observatory

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Cuckoo heard, small birds. No eagles – though there had been sightings earlier in the day.

Weather: Sunny, fairly light winds but a little breezier near the hide.

May 2018