For centuries, the only way for the outside world to reach Rhenigidale on the Isle of Harris was by boat, or by a path that threads its way along the Harris coast and over a mountain pass.

The path is known as the Postman’s Path as it was the path the postman used. I mentioned in a previous blog the very mundane naming convention used by Gaelic speakers. The same is true of the English names here.

When Rhenigidale was finally connected by a road in 1989, it was claimed to be the last community to be linked up to the UK network. The cost of the road was £750,000. Which would be about £1.8 million today. I always thought it would have been cheaper to offer the few residents who lived there £100K each to leave.

The route was tough. 700m of ascent over boggy rough ground. Strava claims it took me two hours. It must not have added in all the time I stopped to take pictures of the beautiful views. It was closer to four hours!

Due to a battery fail the run was recorded in two parts but done as one. I must have been taking too many selfies. My iPhone couldn’t cope.

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Review

One of the best trail routes in Scotland

Parking

There is a car park next to the start of the route in Rhengidale.

Facilities

Nothing. The nearest shop and toilet is in Tarbert

Nearest cafe

The nearest cafe is in Tarbert

Run Surface

70% trail, 30% concrete

Dog Friendly

Yes – no sheep or animals spotted on route.

Elevation

Very undulating. Lots of hills.