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.