NG2144 : Western slopes of Healabhal Mhor

Healabhal Mhor

471m Elevation
184m Prominence
Scotland Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NG2144 : Western slopes of Healabhal Mhor

John Allan Photo source

Explore routes near Healabhal Mhor

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.

North East Ridge

A popular route starting from the parking area near the village of Garenin, offering scenic views and a manageable ascent along the ridge.

8 km ~4.5 hours Moderate

Whalebone Valley Approach

A scenic and less trodden path that traverses through the Whalebone Valley, featuring both woodland and open moorland.

10 km ~5.5 hours Challenging
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Make a day of it, together

Find someone to share the walk with, or organise a day out along a route you like.

Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn 400-499m hill

Elevation

471m

1,545 ft

Prominence

184m

Coordinates

57.4058, -6.6309

NG219445

OS Map

23

Explorer: 407

At the Summit

The summit is marked by a sizeable cairn, offering enough rocks to build a mini Stonehenge if one had a fanciful imagination and some spare time.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with rolling moorland and patches of grass.

Healabhal Mhor is primarily composed of ancient granite, part of the Lewisian gneiss, which dates back over three billion years. The rugged terrain offers a glimpse into Scotland's geological history, showcasing dramatic glacial scouring.

Views & Scenery

Panoramic views of the Outer Hebrides, including the Isle of Harris and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Healabhal' translates to 'hill of the bog', a nod to the surrounding moorland.

Historical Significance

The area is steeped in history and folklore, with tales of the Norsemen and ancient clans often shared by local storytellers.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Garenin, spacious and well-maintained but fills up quickly on weekends.

Public Transport

Limited public transport is available; the nearest bus service stops in Carloway, followed by a roughly 3 km walk to the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities on the mountain, but Tarbert and Carloway have cafes and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for rapid weather changes; strong winds are common. Poor visibility in fog can make navigation tricky.

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 Healabhal Mhor?

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

Are there other walkers around Healabhal Mhor?

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 Healabhal Mhor search or of course create your own walk for Healabhal Mhor

Can I organise a walk to Healabhal Mhor?

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 Healabhal Mhor.

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 Healabhal Mhor?

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 Healabhal Mhor 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