![Oireabhal [Oreval]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Oireabhal_summit_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1259062.jpg)
Scotland
Oireabhal [Oreval]
662M
2173FT
About Oireabhal [Oreval]
Rising steeply from the rugged terrain of Harris, this prominent Graham offers a wild, rocky ascent characteristic of the Outer Hebrides. Its position between the higher peaks of the North Harris hills and the Atlantic coast ensures a summit vista that stretches across the Sound of Harris to the Uists.
Key Statistics
Rank
8th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Northern Isles
Prominence
?
419m
Nearest Town
Cliasmol
Geology
You are standing on the Lewisian Complex. The ground is made of gneiss, a tough, striped rock forged by intense heat and pressure deep within the earth.
Find It
Latitude
57.9831°N
Longitude
6.9352°W
Did You Know?
- •The name Oireabhal reflects the deep Norse influence on the Hebrides, likely derived from the Old Norse 'eyrr', meaning a gravelly bank or beach, combined with 'fjall' for mountain.
- •The hill sits within the North Harris Trust land, a community-owned estate where golden eagles are frequently sighted hunting over the craggy eastern slopes.
- •Summit views are particularly striking to the west, where the Atlantic breakers hit the white sands of Husinis, with the remote stacks of St Kilda occasionally visible on the horizon in exceptionally clear weather.
- •The ascent is often combined with the neighbouring peak of Cleit Ard to create a challenging horseshoe walk above the deep glacial trench of Gleann Mhiabhaig.