Hartaval

Hartaval

Hartaval Group Walks | Join a Walk

669m Elevation
180m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

Marilyn Graham Sim

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Hartaval together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

669m

2,195 ft

Prominence

180m

Coordinates

57.5157, -6.2095

NG480551

OS Map

23

Explorer: 408 409

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a small stone cairn marking the highest point, along with panoramic views that are nothing short of breathtaking. Perfect for a selfie... or a group shot if you've brought enough friends!

Terrain & Geology

Varied includes grassy slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops and some boggy areas especially on the lower slopes.

Hartaval is primarily composed of ancient Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rocks in the world. This fascinating geology provides not only a sturdy foundation for the hill but also unique formations that tell the story of Earth's early history.

Views & Scenery

Notable landmarks from the summit include the distant peaks of the Cuillin mountains, the Isle of Raasay, and the bustling waters of the Sound of Raasay.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Hartaval' is thought to derive from Gaelic, perhaps meaning 'hill of the deer', a nod to the wildlife that frequents the area.

Historical Significance

Hartaval holds significance for outdoor enthusiasts and local hikers, providing a manageable ascent with rewarding views, and a sense of companionship amongst fellow walkers.

Popular Routes

Kilmarie to Hartaval

Moderate

This route begins at Kilmarie, taking you through gentle hills and across boggy patches before the ascent steepens towards the summit, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

8.5 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Kilmarie, where there's a small layby suitable for a handful of cars.

Public Transport

Public transport is limited; the nearest bus stop is in Broadford, about 30 minutes away by car. Taxi services can be arranged from the town if needed.

Nearby Facilities

Facilities in Broadford include a couple of cafes and local shops, though don't expect anything too fancy, just good hearty fare.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be wary of sudden weather changes typical of the Highlands, as well as the occasional elusive bog lurking beneath what appears to be solid ground.

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

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Hartaval?

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

Are there other walkers around Hartaval?

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 Hartaval search or of course create your own walk for Hartaval

Can I organise a walk to Hartaval?

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 Hartaval.

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 Hartaval?

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 Hartaval 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