NB0809 : Oreval summit

Oireabhal [Oreval]

662m Elevation
419m Prominence
Scotland Country
Find walking friends Explore routes

Good walks are even better shared.

NB0809 : Oreval summit

Colin Kinnear Photo source

Explore routes near Oireabhal [Oreval]

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

Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km ~24m Easy

View route

Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km ~57m Easy

View route

Route planning notes

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

The West Approach

This route starts from the small road south of the mountain, leading you through boggy terrain and grassy slopes before tackling the summit's rugged section.

6.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate
Browse more walks on the map

Make a day of it, together

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

Find walking friends Plan a walk here
Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Graham Simm

Elevation

662m

2,173 ft

Prominence

419m

Coordinates

57.9831, -6.9352

NB083099

OS Map

13 14

Explorer: 456

At the Summit

The summit boasts a small stone cairn, offering a perfect photo-op for all those social media enthusiasts. From this point, one can truly appreciate the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops and occasional boggy patches; sturdy footwear is recommended to avoid unexpected squelches.

Oireabhal is primarily composed of ancient Lewisian gneiss, formed over 3 billion years ago, making it one of the oldest geological formations in the UK. The rock layers give the mountain its rugged character and provide a glimpse into the geological history of the region.

Views & Scenery

On clear days, the views stretch to the mountains of Harris and the turquoise waters surrounding the islands, providing a postcard-perfect panorama. You might even spot the St Kilda archipelago in the distance!

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Oireabhal' derives from the Gaelic term meaning 'sheltered mountain', which is quite apt considering its commanding presence amidst the windswept landscapes.

Historical Significance

The mountain has been an important landmark for local navigators and a source of inspiration in Gaelic folklore, with tales of mythical creatures said to roam the hills.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited roadside parking along the A859, with a small pull-in area suitable for a couple of cars. Arrive early to secure a spot, particularly during the summer months.

Public Transport

Local buses run from Stornoway to various parts of Lewis, but it’s best to check the local schedule. Alternatively, hiring a car offers more flexibility.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities on the mountain itself, Tarbert offers several cafes, hotels, and public toilets. The Hebrides are known for their warm hospitality!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Uneven and slippery paths, particularly in wet weather. Visibility can also change rapidly, so keep an eye on the sky if it looks like British tea time upstairs.

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 Oireabhal [Oreval]?

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

Are there other walkers around Oireabhal [Oreval]?

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 Oireabhal [Oreval] search or of course create your own walk for Oireabhal [Oreval]

Can I organise a walk to Oireabhal [Oreval]?

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 Oireabhal [Oreval].

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 Oireabhal [Oreval]?

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 Oireabhal [Oreval] 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: NB083099

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Nearby Hills

An Cliseam [Clisham]

800m

Eabhal [Eaval]

347m

The Storr

719m

Sgurr na Banachdich [Sgurr na Banachdaich]

965m

Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh

972m
See 5 more nearby hills