Creagorry: Hebridean Way and Gaelic Song Tradition

If you’re looking for a hotel in Creagorry, you can plan your visit around two clear interests: the Hebridean Way and Gaelic song and music traditions. Nature spots on Benbecula offer another perspective. Consider whether you want your days to focus mainly on sections of the route, local history or scenery.

The Hebridean Way: different types of terrain on Section D

Section D of the Hebridean Way runs between Howmore and Liniclate and includes different types of terrain. These include a two-mile paved walkway from Creagorry to Liniclate. The section also includes 6.5 miles on good paths or trails, 2.5 miles of rough, pathless moorland and five miles on asphalt roads, mostly quiet single-track roads. The route also features longer stretches of a good new path and spectacular bridges in striking scenery. For planning purposes, the difference between a walkway, a trail, pathless moorland and a road is a useful point of reference: the surface is not the same throughout the section.

Gaelic songs and music history

The hymn “Fhir a chruthaich fhir a chriu” was composed in Creagorry on 11 August 1875. The Gaelic song “Laoi Dhuil Liosadair” is also associated with the area: Christina MacInnes collected it there. The account passed down with the song says that Dughal Liosadair composed it after falling into a long trance. The song thus brings together the place where it was collected and a traditional account of its origins.

Piping music is also connected with Creagorry. The reel “Creagorry Blend” is associated with Pipe-Major Willie MacLean, who was in Creagorry. According to tradition, the piece now known as “The Dark Island” was originally called “Dr MacKay’s Farewell to Creagorry”.

Historic sites in the surrounding area

A crannog in Loch na Chraoibh Mòire lies north of the B891 between Creagorry and Port Pheadar. The ruins of Borve Castle (Caisteal Bhuirgh) remain at Torlum. Amy MacRuairi, the first wife of John, Lord of the Isles, had the castle built between 1344 and 1363; the Clanranald occupied it until the Jacobite rising of 1715. At South Ford on the Bonnie Prince Charlie Trail, a site commemorates the capture of Neil by the militia on 23 June 1746.

The route to the Museum nan Eilean Lionacleit also provides a point of reference in Creagorry: from South Uist, it first passes the Creagorry Coop Store and then continues on to the museum.

Scenery and wildlife watching on Benbecula

The climb up Rueval reaches an elevation of 124 metres and offers panoramic views of water, islands, beaches and mountains. The Bird of Prey Trail offers a different focus, crossing Benbecula through low-lying moorland and past lochs. During the breeding season, the area is suitable for watching hen harriers, short-eared owls and merlins. These offer two distinct nature experiences to consider: the panoramic views from Rueval and seasonal birdwatching along the trail.

Hotels and practical information

The Isle of Benbecula House Hotel in Creagorry is considered a base for wildlife watching, birdwatching, photography, walking and cycling. It is also part of the “Eat Drink Hebrides” programme. If these activities suit your travel plans, check the hotel’s availability for your dates. For practical travel needs, Creagorry also has a self-service petrol station that is open 24 hours a day.

Discover more destinations: Castlebay, Barvas, Isle Of Lewis, Isle of North Uist, Lochboisdale, Isle of Harris.

Return to the main travel overview: Outer Hebrides.