Scalpay walk - Sgalpaigh walk - Eilean Glas Lighthouse walk

Route: Scalpay and Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Area: Outer Hebrides, Isle of Scalpay

Date of walk: 9th March 2024

Walkers: Andrew and Gilly

Distance: 6.7 miles

Ascent: 500 feet

Weather: Sunny, exceptionally windy

The Isle of Scalpay is a small island with a population of around 300. Access to the island was formerly by ferry, but it is now connected to Harris via a bridge built in 1997

Today’s route would take us on a circular walk around most of Scalpay, the destination being the Eilean Glas Lighthouse. A light has been kept here to guide mariners since 1789, making it one of the earliest lighthouses in Scotland

We parked in a small roadside parking space at the edge of the village of Scalpay, at the start of the Heritage Trail which is clearly waymarked. After passing by three houses we passed through a gate to enter onto some wild and boggy terrain leading to Loch an Duin (loch of the Fort), the largest of numerous lochans peppered around the island

Marker posts appeared at regular intervals, making navigation a relatively simple affair. Without them it would be easy to go astray in such remote surroundings

The path ascended to the summit of Beinn Scorabhaig, the highest point on Scalpay at 341 feet. From the cairn we could see the Eilean Glas Lighthouse in the distance, and we descended towards it, through peat hags at first and then mercifully along a well made path. The original lighthouse was one of the first in Scotland and was built by Thomas Smith before being replaced by Robert Stephenson in 1824. After enjoying the views we set off along the undulating coastal path leading back to the start. Eventually we arrived at the road, which we followed all the way back to the start

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We park on the roadside near the main settlement on the island and set out along the Heritage Path to Eilean Glas

Looking across to Ceann a Bhaigh, which we'll walk past at the end of the walk

We reach Loch an Duin and turn left

We cross a small bridge over the outflow of Loch an Duin, aiming for the market post ahead

Leac Easgadail, which is on Harris

Looking back to the start - the marker posts proved to be an invaluable guide through some rough and remote terrain

The coast of North Harris

Looking back along Loch an Duin

We cross a narrow neck of land between Loch an Duin and the adjacent Loch Cuilceach

Looking out to the Shiant Islands

We start the easy ascent of Beinn Scorabhaig

North Harris

We reach the top of Beinn Scorabhaig, from where we can see our next target, the Eilean Glas Lighthouse

North Harris and the Shiants from Beinn Scorabhaig, the highest point on Scalpay

The Shiants again

After crossing some rough ground, it's a relief to be on the easy path to Eilean Glas

We arrive at the Eilean Glas Lighthouse. Refreshments are available here during the summer months

We turn right at the lighthouse and follow the undulating coastal path

Looking back to the Eilean Glas Lighthouse

The path weaves its way up and down gullies, with good views out to sea...

The end of the coast path as we reach Ceann a Bhaigh (confusingly, there are two Ceann a Bhaighs on the small island)

We descend to the road, which we'll follow for about three miles back to the start

We pass by a sea loch

We walk above An Acairseid a Deas (South Harbour)

We approach the main settlement on Scalpay (which for some reason doesn't appear to have a name)

We pass by the West Harbour (An Acairseid a Tuath)

We arrive back at the other Ceann a' Bhaigh and from here it's a short stroll back to the start

Scalpay

Route map

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