NG0089 : Greabhal summit cairn

Greabhal

280m Elevation
194m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NG0089 : Greabhal summit cairn

Colin Kinnear Photo source

Explore routes near Greabhal

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

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Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km ~24m Easy

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Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km ~1h Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Westward Route from Galson

This moderate route takes you from the village of Galson, leading you across gentle hills before a steeper ascent to the summit. Perfect for those who enjoy a gradual warm-up before the real work begins.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 200-299m hill

Elevation

280m

919 ft

Prominence

194m

Coordinates

57.7916, -7.0440

NG003891

OS Map

18

Explorer: 455

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a small stone cairn and offers an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding islands and sea. On a clear day, you might even spot the mainland; it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, but much more rewarding!

Terrain & Geology

A mix of rocky outcrops and grassy slopes makes for an interesting and varied trek. The path can be boggy after rain so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Greabhal is primarily composed of ancient Lewisian gneiss, a type of metamorphic rock that is over three billion years old. This rock formation makes the peak not only geologically significant but also rich in unique textures and colours.

Views & Scenery

Notable landmarks visible from the summit include the distant Isle of Skye and the Uists, as well as the rugged coastline of Lewis. Every direction offers something new to feast your eyes on.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Greabhal comes from the Gaelic 'Greabhail', which translates roughly to 'slope' or 'hill', quite fitting for a mountain with character.

Historical Significance

Greabhal has been a landmark for local fishing and navigation throughout the ages, offering a connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Outer Hebrides.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is car parking available in the village of Galson, with enough spaces for several vehicles. Make sure to park considerately!

Public Transport

Public transport can be limited, so check local timetables. The best way to access Galson is via a bus from Stornoway.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Galson has local shops, and the nearest cafe is located in nearby Ness, perfect for a post-hike treat!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for steep cliffs near the summit, changing weather conditions, and boggy ground. Ensure to have sturdy boots and be prepared for rapid weather shifts.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Greabhal?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Greabhal through the maps

Are there other walkers around Greabhal?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Greabhal search or of course create your own walk for Greabhal

Can I organise a walk to Greabhal?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Greabhal.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Greabhal?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Greabhal here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NG003891

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

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