Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]
Good walks are even better shared.
NL6799 : Top of Heaval
Hugh Venables Photo source
Explore routes near Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]
Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.
Route planning notes
These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.
South West Route
A popular route starting from the village of Liceasto, follows a well-trodden path and offers fantastic views as you ascend.
North East Ascent
This alternate route winds through some lovely heather moorland and offers a quieter approach to the summit.
Make a day of it, together
Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.
Photo Gallery
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NL6799 : Top of Heaval
Hugh Venables
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NL6799 : Path Leading the Eye to Maol Dòmhnaich
Mick Garratt
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NL6799 : Orographic Cloud
Anne Burgess
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NL6799 : Castle Bay and Vatersay from summit of Heaval
Tom Richardson
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NL6799 : Rocky islets off Barra
Clive Giddis
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NL6799 : Summit of Heabhal
John Allan
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NL6799 : Trig Point on Heaval, Barra
Alan Reid
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NL6799 : Barra, from over the Sea of the Hebrides
M J Richardson
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NL6799 : The summit trig point on Heaval
David Purchase
NL6799 : Trig Point Heaval Barra
Steve Houldsworth
Hill facts and local notes
Classifications
Elevation
384m
1,260 ft
Prominence
384m
Coordinates
56.9662, -7.4683
NL678994
OS Map
31
Explorer: 452N
At the Summit
The summit is marked by a substantial stone cairn, providing a perfect backdrop for a celebratory selfie. The views from the top are frankly a bit of a show-off!
Terrain & Geology
Heabhal is predominantly composed of Lewisian gneiss, one of the oldest rock formations in Scotland, giving it a rugged and ancient appearance. You might say it’s got character!
Views & Scenery
From the summit, you can see the rugged coastline of South Uist, the distant mountains of Skye, and on a clear day, even the Isle of Harris. A sight for sore eyes!
History & Heritage
Name Origin
The name 'Heabhal' is believed to derive from the Old Norse 'Heisvaldr', meaning 'the high place'. Quite fitting, don’t you think?
Historical Significance
This mountain has been a pivotal landmark for sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Hebrides for centuries.
Getting There & Facilities
Parking
There is a small car park near Liceasto village, ample for a handful of vehicles. Make sure not to block any farm access!
Public Transport
You can reach Liceasto via local buses that run from Tarbert, but check the schedule as they might not be frequent.
Nearby Facilities
There are no direct facilities on the mountain, but local villages offer cafes and public toilets if you need a pit stop before or after your hike.
Safety Information
Known Hazards
- Weather changes can be abrupt, so always prepare for the unexpected.
- Certain areas may be boggy, which could lead to wet feet and a soggy bottom.
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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] through the maps
Are there other walkers around Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] search or of course create your own walk for Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]
Can I organise a walk to Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval].
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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval]?
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 Heabhal [Sheabhal] [Heaval] 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
Community Discussion
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Location
View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.
Grid reference: NL678994
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