Beinn Mhor, Beinn Choradail and Hecla

Hecla from near the track end

South Uist is accessible via ferry from Oban or Mallaig, arriving at Lochboisdale, near the southern end of the island. From here, the A865 runs north, spanning the length of the island.

Taking in the three highest peaks on the island, the ideal starting point is just south of the road junction for Tobha Beag, roughly midway up the island, where a patch of forestry marks the beginning of the hike.

There is limited roadside parking available for a couple of vehicles near the junction.

Aiming up onto Beinn Mhor's crest

From the road junction, head south along the road until you reach a track by the patch of forestry. Turn onto this track and follow it past a house and some outbuildings and continue for just under 1km until it comes to an abrupt end .

An initial set of ATV tracks continue for another 100m before fading into rush and peat. From here, strike out southeast across open moorland. The terrain gradually ascends, with occasional faint paths cutting through thickening heather.

As height is gained heading up towards Beinn Mhor's northwestern shoulder , the ground becomes firmer underfoot with a faint path gradually developing, offering easier progress over grass and scattered boulders. The path leads onto the crest of Beinn Mhor's north-western shoulder and to the spot height at 606m .

A traverse along a fine ridge begins, with the path weaving across the crest. The final rise to the summit begins with a dog-leg to avoid steep ground.

On Beinn Mhor's summit looking to Beinn Choradail and Hecla

On Beinn Mhor's summit looking to Beinn Choradail and Hecla

Approaching Bealach Heileasdail

Retrace your steps back along the ridge past the 606m spot height, then turn eastwards and begin to descend down pleasant grassy slopes. Rocky slabs punctuate the slope lower down, but a route travelling on grass can easily be found. Bealach Heileasdail is reached standing above a lochan in the south facing coire below.

Standing above Bealach Heileasdail is the steep southern face of Beinn Choradail. The ascent ahead presents some interesting route-finding, as rocky outcrops require some navigation. However, keeping slightly to the right (east), the climb is not overly steep nor technically demanding.

Nearing Beinn Choradail's summit

Nearing Beinn Choradail's summit

Hecla from Beinn Choradail's summit

To avoid the crags and cliffs on Beinn Choradail's north face, initially backtrack approximately 100m. Turn west then northwest to descend grassy slopes around and beneath the cliffs to reach the fairly flat ground on Beinn Choradail's northern shoulder.

On a gently descending slope, continue down to the bealach before Hecla, passing several scattered lochans dotting the landscape.

The climb up onto Hecla's western shoulder begins by navigating on heather-clad ground between rocks and small crags. Higher up terrain becomes more pleasant as it leads onto a broad, grassy shoulder.

Turning eastwards, the ascent is steady, and before long, Hecla's summit is reached. At just under 2,000ft, Hecla's height is modest, but views on a clear day from its summit are stunning, particularly northward over Benbecula to North Uist and beyond.

View northwards from Hecla over Benbecula to North Uist

From Hecla's summit, return along its broad western shoulder, keeping an eye out for distant glimpses of St Kilda on the horizon if conditions allow. Gradually Hecla's shoulder begins to turn north-west, so around 1km after leaving the summit, begin to turn westwards and start losing height.

Having dropped down into Gleann Dorchaidh, the return journey is entirely pathless. Finding a direct line back is rather elusive while trying to avoid the worst of the bog, hidden lochans, and dense heather.

Eventually, the outbound track is rejoined, leading back to the roadside and marking the end of this rewarding island adventure.