Walking on Harris and Lewis

The islands of Harris and Lewis form the largest landmass in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, a place of vast skies, turquoise seas and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK. Here, white-sand beaches meet rugged Atlantic cliffs, inland moorland stretches towards distant hills, and ancient monuments stand in windswept landscapes shaped by geology and history. From the rocky Harris hills in the south to the sweeping peatlands and archaeological treasures of Lewis in the north, the islands offer a rich and varied walking environment.

This guidebook presents 30 graded walks exploring Harris and Lewis, ranging from shorter routes to historical, cultural and geological landmarks to more demanding hill days in the Harris hills. The walks range from 4 to 22km (3–14 miles) and take between 1 and 8 hours to complete, making them suitable for relaxed half-day outings or full-day adventures. Alongside classic highlights such as the Calanais Standing Stones, the guide also includes information on additional walking opportunities on nearby islands, including St Kilda, Berneray and the Shiant Islands, plus a full list of all the Marilyns on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda for peak-baggers.

30 graded walks across Harris and Lewis, carefully selected to showcase the best coastal scenery, inland landscapes and hill terrain on both islands, with options suitable for beginners through to experienced hillwalkers.
Clear, easy-to-follow route descriptions for every walk on Harris and Lewis, supported by 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps to aid navigation across moorland, cliffs, beaches and upland ground.
Routes ranging from 4 to 22km (3–14 miles), allowing you to choose between shorter coastal walks on Harris and Lewis or longer, more challenging hill routes in the Harris hills.
Refreshment information for each walk on Harris and Lewis, helping you plan café stops, local facilities and post-walk options in villages and settlements across the islands.
Highlights of historical, cultural and geological points of interest on Harris and Lewis, including the Calanais Standing Stones and other significant archaeological and natural landmarks.
A comprehensive list of all the Marilyns on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda, providing an invaluable resource for hill-baggers aiming to summit every qualifying peak in this part of the Outer Hebrides.


Compact enough to fit easily into a jacket pocket, this practical guidebook gives you everything you need to explore Harris and Lewis on foot, whether you’re visiting for a short break or planning a dedicated walking holiday in the Outer Hebrides.

Seasons

best visited from early spring through to early autumn, although even then the weather can be unpredictable

Centres

Tarbert on Harris and Stornoway on Lewis are the main centres, but reaching most walks will involve travel

Difficulty

maps of the area show few footpaths but this guide offers a selection of full days in the high hills with classic horseshoe routes, traverses and ridges, together with shorter, lower-level walks to world-famous heritage sites and antiquities

Must See

with stunning landscapes, spectacular wildlife and numerous antiquities, Harris and Lewis are one of the last refuges for walkers looking for memorable days out in a remote setting

Map key

Location of walks



Introduction

So what is an island?

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 Scholars' 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, T&##xe8;ileasbhal and Uisgneabhal Mòr

13 Muladal, Ulabhal, Oireabhal and Cleiseabhal

14 Tiorga Mòr

15 Huiseabhal Mòr, Oireabhal and Huiseabhal Beag



Lewis

Introduction

16 Ceann Loch R&##xe8;asort 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 Ch&##xe0;rlabhaigh 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 A Route Summary Table

Appendix B Gaelic Language

Appendix C Further Reading

Appendix D Marilyns on Harris, Lewis and St Kilda