Tirga Mor (Tiorga Mor) and Oreval (Oireabhal)

[foggieclimber]

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Hills: Tirga Mor (Tiorga Mor) and Oreval (Oireabhal)
Date: Friday 7th May 2010
Company: Foggieclimber, Turracoo, Chirs, Kevin and Gregor
Time: 8Hrs 10Mins

Yesterday we decided to undertake a horseshoe including the Graham's Tirga Mor and Oreval and also head out to see the cliffs of Sron Uladal. I think Dempster's book is right to describe this walk as a 'classic' and the best walk in the outer islands. I would go further and say it is the best walk I have ever undertaken.

Route:


We parked at the start of the small road leading to Chliostair dam where there is room for two or three cars. There is room for more cars further along this private road.

Starting point:


We followed the road for approx 2.5km, alongside a large pipe leading to Chliostair Dam. It was initially overcast but we had high hopes for some improvement in the weather. On reaching the dam we had a brief walk along the top of the dam before taking to the lower slopes of Tirga Mor.

Chliostair Dam:


Kevin ascending Tirga Mor near dam:


The ascent of Tirga Mor was fantastic. Plenty of interest en-route with slabs that can be ascended, or easily bypassed, depending on your choice of route (similar to An Ruadh Stac near Torridon). We got nice views looking back to Loch Chliostair during the initial ascent.

Loch Chliostair:


As we gained more height, views began to open up towards South Harris including Luskentyre, which was at high-tide when we drove round past it earlier in the morning.

Gregor and Turracoo with South Harris in background:


The ascent of Tirga Mor is quite steep.

Steep ascent of Tirga Mor:


At Loch Maolaig, we saw three deer – the only ones we have seen thus far on Harris.

Loch Maolaig:


Chirs was also enjoying the walk, taking plenty of opportunity for photographs.

Looking back to Loch Chliostair:


By the time myself and Turracoo reached 600m we were already commenting on the spectacular views from the hill.

Kevin and Turracoo ascending Tirga Mor:


I hope to visit Taransay in a future visit to Harris. I believe Castaway was filmed here.

South Harris and Taransay:


Turracoo:


Luskentyre (Losgaintir) beach:


View North-West:


We reached the summit of Tirga Mor just over 2 hours after setting off.

Turracoo, Chirs, Gregor and Kevin at summit of Tirga Mor:


From the summit of Tirga Mor, we made for the 580m top of Tirga Mor, which we opted to ascend to hopefully get our first views of the cliffs of Sron Uladal.

View towards 580m top of Tirga Mor:



Looking back to Tirga Mor:


Another look at South Harris:


First sight of Sròn Uladal:


From the 580m top, we descended via steep grassy slopes to the end of Loch Aiseabhat.

Overhanging Sròn Uladal:


At the end of Loch Aiseabhat, I stopped for fifteen minutes or so to re-group with the others and to put on some sunblock. On re-grouping, Turracoo, Kevin and Gregor advised that they didn't want to extend the walk out to Sron Uladal. Myself and Chirs however were still keen to head out to see Sron Uladal so we agreed to split into two groups.

Looking back along track towards Loch Aiseabhat:


We lost quite a bit of height heading down to see Sron Uladal, but it turned out to be well worth the effort. The cliffs are very high and seriously impressive. Below the crag is a mass of boulders – some larger than cars, some almost as big as small houses. Several of these boulders have howffs below them.

Sròn Uladal:


Sròn Uladal:


The end-on view of Sron Uladal reminded me a little of Sugar Loaf mountain in Rio.

Sròn Uladal:


Instead of re-ascending the track back to the end of Loch Aiseabhat, we decided to attempt to skirt round Sron Uladal and ascend round the back of it. We didn't know how possible such an ascent would be as we hadn't seen this route documented anywhere.

Loch Uladal:


Sròn Uladal:


The ascent round the back of Sron Uladal turned out to be fine, albeit continuously steep and up very wet grass and heather.

Ascent of Sròn Uladal:


Chirs ascending Sròn Uladal:


Our route of ascent took us directly to the summit of Sron Uladal.

At summit of Sròn Uladal:


Foggieclimber at summit of Sròn Uladal:


From Sron Uladal the Graham Top Ulabhal looked quite impressive.

Ulabhal:


Looking back towards Sròn Uladal:


As we gained height again, we started to see incredible views over to South Harris and also out to St. Kilda .

Ceapabhal looks a lovely wee Marilyn, hoping to ascend it today.

Taransay and Ceapabhal:


It didn't take too long to ascend Ulabhal, and from the top we could see Turracoo, Gregor and Kevin at the summit of Oireabhal. I wondered if I could catch them up if I went into Warp speed?

Oireabhal from Ulabhal:


Oireabhal from Ulabhal:


Myself and Chirs both ascended a nice we scrambly top between Oireabhal and Ulabhal.

Chirs on top of wee scramble between Oireabhal and Ulabhal:


The ascent of Oireabhal was quite straightforward. Myself and Chirs stopped at the summit for numerous photos.

Foggieclimber at summit of Oireabhal:


Chirs at summit of Oireabhal:


From the summit of Oireabhal, I steamed-off ahead towards Cleisabhal which is a nice hill but doesn't seem to be on any 'list'.

View towards Cleiseabhal:


Ascent of Cleiseabhal:


View across to Uisgneabhal Mor and An Cliseam (Clisham):


Looking back to Oireabhal from Cleiseabhal:


At the summit of Cleisabhal, I could see the others not too far ahead.

View from summit of Cleiseabhal:


Sòdhaigh Beag, Sòdhaigh Mòr and Taransay from Cleiseabhal:


St. Kilda in distance:


I caught up with the others during the descent of Cleisabhal.

Looking back:


After a short walk along the road we reached the starting point.
This is a really special walk.
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[Clachglas]

Great trip and report; the best pictures of Sron Uladal I've seen.
Thank you.

[bowlesy]

A great advert for the Hebrides, a fine report and it really does look a terrific route. It makes me think now that it would have been good to spend more time on the island. Loved your pics out to the Atlantic and towards Luskentyre. Cheers.

[AdrianL]

Gneiss!

That's quite a claim that it's the best walk you've ever done, especially knowing what a fan you are of the Skye Cuillin.
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All you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be

[OwdJockey]

I agree Andy that looks really special

Is that the first time you have seen St. Kilda?

[RCFC]

If those hills were on the mainland they would recieve more attention than they do, but isnt it great that such places do exist and they are overlooked by some many hill walkers.
Amazing to see St Kilda, I missed out on a trip to it this time last year as I was busy at work. Those who went had a glorious day with blue skies and calm seas. I must go one day.
I remember the Marilyn on Taransay from the 'castaway' programme. Didnt realise it was a marilyn at the time but I remember them going to the top from time to time.
Great stuff Andy

[fertg1234]

The Western Isles are special so its no wonder it contains the best walk. Looked like you all had a great day, and the pictures capture the wildness of the place. At 8 hours plus it was long day but I bet it flew past. Can't wait till I go to Uist now in July. The house we has last time had a similar view of St Kilda. Great report

[foggieclimber]

[peterb]

Really great and informative report, I think you really captured the character of the place. The pictures show what a special place this is.

[JimH]

Cracking views Lucky you!

Thanks for sharing.

[munros111]

foggie it looks like you and your friends knocked it off weather wise, brilliant bit of country to go walking , i just love the landscape there
fab pics and report
thanks for posting

[Bagger]

[kinley]

Looks stunning

Having gravitated to the west coast hills for the sea views I think these ones would send me into overload

So want to get out there in good conditions

[foggieclimber]

[bowlesy]