This guidebook describes 30 day walks on the Isles of Harris and Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. The walks range from 4 to 22km, and are easily accessible from Stornaway or Tarbet. Routes vary from short strolls to long wilderness hikes, both high-level and low-level, all illustrated with OS maps and dramatic photography. Highlights include the An Cliseam horseshoe, the stone circles of Calanais and the famous Butt of Lewis lighthouse. The routes take in most of the main summits as well as historical and geographical places of interest. A list of all the Marilyns (British hills of any height with a drop of at least 150m on all sides) on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda is included at the back.
Much of the Long Island, as it is known, is remote and walkers are not likely to encounter anyone else in their explorations, so these walks are for well-equipped, experienced hikers with good navigational skills. Tips are given about walking on St Kilda, Berneray, Taransay, The Shiant Islands and The Flannan Isles, along with a short Gaelic glossary and route summary table, and advice on practicalities to make the most out of any walking trip on Harris and Lewis.
- Activities
Walking - Seasons
Best enjoyed from Spring through Autumn, when the days are longer and the wind less persistent - Centres
Stornoway (Isle of Lewis), Tarbet (Isle of Harris) - Difficulty
for well-equipped, experienced hikers with good navigational skills - Must See
high hills meeting white sandy beaches at the edge of the Atlantic; stunning scenery with spectacular wildlife
Contents |
INTRODUCTION |
Geology |
Flowers and vegetation |
Wildlife |
Getting there |
Getting around |
Where to stay |
Safety considerations |
Midges |
Footwear |
Access |
Maps |
Place names |
How to use this guide |
HARRIS |
Introduction |
1 Ceapabhal and Toe Head |
2 Roineabhal from Roghadal |
3 Coast to Coast on the Coffin Route |
4 Beinn Dhubh |
5 The Scholar's Path |
6 Scalpay |
7 Circuit of Tòdun from Urgha |
8 Cleit Ard |
9 Liuthaid and Mullach a' Ruisg |
10 The Skeaudale Horseshoe |
11 An Cliseam Horseshoe from Àird a' Mhulaidh |
12 Stulabhal, Tèileasbhal and Uisgneabhal Mòr |
13 Muladal, Ulabhal, Oireabhal and Cleiseabhal |
14 Tiorga Mòr |
15 Huiseabhal Mòr, Oireabhal and Huiseabhal Beag |
LEWIS |
Introduction |
16 Ceann Loch Rèasort from Loch Ròg Beag |
17 Griomabhal, Naideabhal a-Muigh and Laibheal |
18 Mealaisbhal, Cracabhal and Laibheal a Tuath |
19 Tamanasbhal, Teinneasabhal, Tahabhal and Tarain |
20 Suaineabhal from Cairisiadar |
21 Bhalasaigh to Bostadh on Great Bernera |
22 Calanais Standing Stones |
23 Dun Chàrlabhaigh and the Gearrannan Blackhouses |
24 West Side Coastal Path |
25 Beinn Bhragair |
26 Around the Butt of Lewis |
27 Heritage Walk between Tolstadh and Port Nis |
28 A walk to the tidal island of Eilean Chaluim Chille |
29 The deserted village of Stiomrabhaigh |
30 Beinn Mhòr |
Walks on St Kilda and Other Islands |
|
Appendix 1 Route Summary Table |
Appendix 2 Gaelic Language |
Appendix 3 Further Reading |
Appendix 4 Marilyns on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda |