Acarsaid Mor and Acarsaid Bheag

This roughly 11 km / 6.8 mile outing on Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides is a coastal-and-hillside circuit with about 200 m / 656 ft of ascent, giving it a solid medium feel rather than a hard mountain day. The route begins near the Eriskay ferry terminal at Ceann a’ Ghàraidh, the main harbour on the island’s southwest side, and heads toward the sheltered inlets of Acarsaid Mhòr and Acarsaid Bheag—Gaelic names that refer to anchorages or harbours. The walking is varied: short road sections, grassy trods, stiles, rough shoreline ground, and some boggier patches on the inland return. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The start is easiest to identify as the Eriskay ferry terminal at Ceann a’ Ghàraidh, rather than a street address. If arriving by car, Eriskay is linked to South Uist by causeway, so you can drive directly onto the island and follow signs to the ferry terminal. If using public transport, the island is part of the wider Outer Hebrides transport network, with travel around the islands possible by public transport as well as car, and the terminal itself is also the ferry point for the Barra crossing. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The first part of the walk is gentle and helps you settle into the landscape. From the terminal, the route climbs briefly on the road before turning onto a rougher lane that rises over a low shoulder. The ascent is never especially severe, but the undulating nature of the route means the total climb adds up gradually. Early on, the views open over Acarsaid Mhòr, a deep sea inlet that almost cuts the island in two and still functions as a sheltered harbour for local fishing and prawn boats. That maritime character gives the walk a strong sense of place from the outset. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Terrain and what to expect

After the road section around the bay, the route becomes more obviously a walk rather than a simple coastal lane. You pass a few houses, then cross stiles and follow a faint grassy path above the shore. This is where the walk becomes more interesting underfoot: the line can be subtle in places, especially where grassland blends into rough coastal ground, and there are sections where the path is narrow, damp, or boggy. Waterproof footwear is a sensible choice even in drier spells, and after rain the inland section can feel much softer than the mileage suggests. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The shoreline section is one of the highlights. The path tracks above rocky edges and low cliffs overlooking the narrow entrance to the natural harbour, with constant sea views and a real sense of exposure to Atlantic weather. Although the elevation is modest, wind can be a bigger factor here than gradient. On a calm day this feels peaceful and spacious; in stronger weather, the same ground can feel much more committing. Checking conditions beforehand and loading the route into HiiKER is worthwhile, especially because some of the grassy sections are less distinct than a built path.

A boggier climb then leads over the low rise toward Loch a’ Chapuill, a small loch noted for waterlilies in summer. This inland hollow gives the walk a different mood from the open coast—quieter, softer, and more enclosed. Beyond it, the route reaches a small rocky cove that is known locally as a good wildlife-watching spot before returning by the outward line and looping back on minor roads. Walkers wanting a little extra height can also make a short detour near the pine trees above Acarsaid Mhòr for a broader panorama over the surrounding islands. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Landmarks, scenery, and wildlife

The defining landmarks are the two anchorages themselves, Acarsaid Mhòr and Acarsaid Bheag, along with the ferry harbour at Ceann a’ Ghàraidh and the lily-covered loch inland. The scenery is classic Eriskay: indented coastline, rocky shore, low grassy slopes, sea lochs, and wide island views that can extend to Skye, Soay, Canna, Eigg, and Muck, with even longer views possible in very clear weather. (visitouterhebrides.co.uk)

Wildlife is a major reason to take your time here. Seals are often seen hauled out on rocks near