NF8253 : North from Ruabhal

Ruabhal [Rueval]

124m Elevation
124m Prominence
Scotland Country
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Overview

Ruabhal [Rueval]

Located in the captivating Outer Hebrides, Ruabhal is not for the faint-hearted—or at least, not for those who don't enjoy a bit of rocky charm. Standing tall at 452 meters, this Marilyn is famous not just for its height but also for the stunning vistas it offers upon summiting.

Geology

The mountain is primarily composed of Lewisian gneiss, giving it a rugged appearance and a geological pedigree that dates back over 3 billion years. A walk here feels a bit like strolling through a living museum of Earth's early history, minus the dinosaurs (thankfully).

Routes

Stornoway to Ruabhal Trail

Begin your adventure in the bustling town of Stornoway, where you can sip a cup of tea and tighten your boots. This 7.0 km route is marked as Moderate, allowing hikers to enjoy the rich landscapes gradually gaining altitude. Along the way, take a moment to appreciate the flora—just watch out for the bogs!

Summit Features

At the summit, you’ll find a prominent cairn, perfect for selfies and a well-deserved snack break. After all, you need to refuel after that ascent!

Terrain Types

The terrain consists of rocky paths interspersed with grass and heather. The ground can be tricky at times, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended. Trust me, your feet will thank you later.

Views

Once at the top, the panorama stretches far and wide—look out for the sea lochs, the majestic Harris mountains, and the rolling vistas that make you feel like you’re on top of the world! The best time for these incredible views? Late spring to autumn—oh, and don’t forget to bring your camera; the heather blooms in late summer is a sight not to be missed.

Hazards

Don’t let the stunning views fool you. Be wary of the weather, which can change quicker than you can say 'Scottish rain'. Slippery rocks and boggy patches abound—so keep your wits about you and your camera tucked away when you’re climbing.

Nearby Summits

Don’t forget to check out neighboring heights like Hushinish Hill (478 meters) and Clisham (799 meters) if you're feeling adventurous!

Access

There’s no scrambling needed to find your way here! Park easily at the central parking in Stornoway, where you can also catch a bus—look out for services headed towards Scalpay for easy access.

Facilities

Reward your efforts post-hike with a bite at one of Stornoway's many cafes, or take the opportunity for a good old-fashioned pint.

History

The name 'Ruabhal' translates to 'Red Hill', quite poetic if you think about it. It's a staple in the history of this region, guiding sailors and hikers alike through the enchanting landscape.

In conclusion, whether you're a seasoned hiker or simply one with a penchant for stunning views, Ruabhal promises to leave you with a sense of accomplishment and perhaps a few new Instagram followers!

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Ruabhal [Rueval]

Public walks starting within 80 km of this hill. Nearby does not mean a route reaches the summit; check its map and access before setting out.

Dun Mhulan Broch Quick Walk

5.2 km 1h 5m–1h 20m Easy

View route

Berneray Community Hall to the beautiful beach

4.8 km 1h–1h 15m Easy

View route

Beautiful private beach walk Isle of Harris

2 km 25 min–35 min Easy

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches, not verified navigable routes or permission to cross land. Check current paths, local access rules and conditions before setting out.

Stornoway to Ruabhal Trail

A scenic route starting from Stornoway, taking you through lush landscapes and providing a steady ascent with a few rocky sections, perfect for those who like a bit of a climb but not too extreme.

7 km ~3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump 100-199m hill SIB

Elevation

124m

407 ft

Prominence

124m

Coordinates

57.4591, -7.2961

NF825533

OS Map

22

Explorer: 453N

At the Summit

The summit features a large, distinctive cairn offering a great spot to bask in glory after a rewarding climb. It also provides ample space for a picnic and a well-deserved breather.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky with some grassy patches interspersed with heather and occasional boggy areas - just enough to ensure pair of sturdy boots doesn't go to waste.

Ruabhal is primarily composed of Lewisian gneiss, one of the oldest rock types in the world, formed over 3 billion years ago. This gives the mountain its rugged and ancient appearance, and it's practically a geological 'grandfather' in the world of mountains.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the stunning panoramas of the sea lochs, the distant mountains of Harris, and the rolling landscape of Lewis. On a clear day, the vistas are simply breathtaking.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ruabhal' derives from the Gaelic term 'Ruadh Bhal', meaning 'Red Hill', likely referring to the reddish hue of the gneiss rock in certain lights.

Historical Significance

Ruabhal has been an important landmark for locals and sailors for many years, serving as a point of navigation as well as part of the rich cultural landscape of the Outer Hebrides.

Getting There & Facilities

Check current local access restrictions, parking rules and transport timetables before travelling. These notes do not confirm public access to the summit.

Parking

There is ample parking available at the starting point in Stornoway. Follow signs for public car parks near the waterfront.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Stornoway, which is the main hub for public transport in Lewis. Look for buses heading towards Scalpay, with stops en route.

Nearby Facilities

Stornoway offers an array of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets. Grab a local pie before you hit the trails - it’s a vital source of hiking energy!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • As with any hike, watch out for sudden changes in weather, strong winds, and slippery rocks, especially after rain. The ground can also be quite boggy in places, so keep an eye on your footing.

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 Ruabhal [Rueval]?

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

Are there other walkers around Ruabhal [Rueval]?

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 Ruabhal [Rueval] search or of course create your own walk for Ruabhal [Rueval]

Can I organise a walk to Ruabhal [Rueval]?

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 Ruabhal [Rueval].

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 Ruabhal [Rueval]?

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.

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Location

Ruabhal [Rueval] location map

Grid reference: NF825533

View on OpenStreetMap

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

Hills within 30 km

Straight-line distance, not a walking route or confirmation of access.

Eabhal [Eaval]

347m

Beinn a' Tuath

102m

Beinn a' Charnain

115m

Beinn Tairbeirt [Ben Tarbert]

168m

Uineabhal [Uneval]

140m
See 5 more nearby hills

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