Hartaval

About Hartaval

Standing as the second highest peak on Skye’s Trotternish Ridge, this Graham offers a rugged character defined by its dramatic, landslide-sculpted eastern cliffs. While less frequented than the neighbouring Storr, the summit provides a spectacular vantage point overlooking the Sound of Raasay and the jagged coastline of the Inner Hebrides.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is of Old Norse origin, likely deriving from hjörtr-fjall, meaning 'Stag Hill.' This reflects the Viking influence on the Isle of Skye’s nomenclature and suggests the area was historically noted for its red deer population.
• •The summit offers a superior, elevated perspective of the Old Man of Storr to the south, allowing walkers to look down on the famous rock pinnacles from above. To the east, the view stretches across the Sound of Raasay toward the mountains of Applecross on the Scottish mainland.
• •Like much of the Trotternish Ridge, the hill was formed by the weight of massive basaltic lava flows overstepping weaker sedimentary rocks, leading to the spectacular landslips visible on its steep eastern escarpment.
• •It is a significant waypoint on the Trotternish Ridge traverse, a challenging 23-mile route that is widely considered one of the most demanding and scenic long-distance hill walks in the British Isles.
• •It is the ideal destination for walkers who find The Storr a little too crowded, as the extra physical effort required to reach Hartaval's summit acts as a highly effective filter for the casual tourist.