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If you are thinking of taking a walking holiday in the Outer Hebrides you will really be spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking trails in the Western Isles.
Fans of the outdoors will find that Outer Hebrides walking breaks offer great opportunities to explore the unique identity of these Scottish islands, with walks in the Western Isles providing visitors with the chance to get close to the nature, environment, history and heritage of our islands.
Travellers choosing to go hiking in the Outer Hebrides can choose from a wide range of walking routes in the Western Isles – each of which offers its own insight in the isles.
For those who take their walking seriously, there is the option of walking the length of the Western Isles along the Hebridean Way, the long distance-walking route which stretches from Vatersay to Stornoway in Lewis.
Choose coastal walks around the Outer Hebrides to understand the isolation of these island communities, climb to the summit of the highest-point on any of the islands or opt for Western Isles wildlife walks, such as hiking through the Hebrides nature reserves or walks to spot eagles, deer and other exciting island inhabitants.
Whether you are looking for leisurely strolls along island beaches, or challenging hikes through rugged mountain terrain, walking on Lewis, Harris, Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist, Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay offers a chance to really connect with the spirit of the islands.
Choose to plan an independent walking trip to the Western Isles, or make use of one of the Outer Hebrides walking guides at Hidden Hebrides offering accompanied walks and tours on our islands.
Ticks and Midges
Infected ticks can cause Lymes disease so it is important that you check for ticks following a trip outdoors. Ticks are often found in the heather or long grass. Dress appropriately to avoid them hitching a lift!
Do:
Further advice can be found here.
Midges are more prevalent in summer and come out when there is warm still weather. However as we often have a breeze, they are not so widespread as some areas of Scotland. Wear repellent and they will be less likely to bother you!
Downloadable Leaflets
We have a range of free walking leaflets you can download, They include short day walks and the Hebridean Way long distance walking route. Please note, you will need Adobe Reader (free PDF software) installed to download the leaflets.
The Ranger Service works with the local community and visitors to increase awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of North Harris. It does this through a regular guided…
Number of results: 39
, currently showing 19 to 36.
Isle Of Lewis
A waymarked route of 18km (10 miles) along the Atlantic coast of West Lewis - allow 6 hours.
Isle Of South Uist
Easy to moderate circular walk from Bornish over moorland and along main road.
Isle of South Uist
This walk has been written by a regular visitor to these islands, Martin Margulies. The articles first appeared in Am Paipear, and extracts are reproduced here with his permission. In 2011, the walks were collected together in a book, called Mhor and More.
Start at the Mingarry footpath. When the path peters out near Loch nan Caorach, keep…
Isle Of Harris
Undoubtedly the finest mountain walk in the Outer Hebrides. It is challenging with short stretches of scrambling and although only 14km will take 6-7 hours. It starts and finishes on the main A859 road near Scaladale.
Isle of North Uist
A 10 mile hike up North Lee - around 4-5 hours
Isle Of Harris
A short walk up 2km of gravelled track to the North Harris Eagle Observatory, which is consider to be the best location for viewing these magnificent birds - allow 30 minutes each way for the walk.
Isle of Lewis
Great walks, cycle paths, mountain bike trail and stunning scenery overlooking Stornoway Harbour.
Isle of Barra
© Copyright Becky Williamson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The short walk round the bay has excellent displays, telling the story of the herring industry on Barra. The bay was once filled with so many fishing boats that it was possible to walk across the bay, boat to boat, without getting your feet wet.
Isle of Lewis
A circular walk of 11km (7 miles) around part of Great Bernera including a visit to the Bronze age dwelling at Bosta beach - 3 - 4 hours.
Isle Of Lewis
A waymarked route of 22km (14 miles) along the dramatic North East coast of Lewis with lots of antiquites, wildlife and distant views of the mainland mountains across The Minch - 7-8 hours.
Isle of Lewis
Discover the iconic Callanish Standing Stones (Calanais I), Cnoc Ceann a’ Gharraidh standing stones (Calanais II) and Cnoc Fhillibhir standing stones (Calanais III). A short 2 mile walk - allow a couple of hours.
Isle Of Harris
A short, but strenuous, walk of 8km (5 miles) up and over 'The Stiamar', - an old path that connects the once isolated villages of Cravadale and Hushinish on the west side of North Harris - allow 3-4 hours.
Isle Of Harris
A circular walk of 14km (8 miles) on good paths from the east coast of South Harris over to the west coast and back with good cafes to enjoy nearby - 4 - 5 hours
Isle Of Lewis
An easy walk of 6km (4 miles) around Tolsta Head with lots of opportunity for wildlife watching - allow 3 hours.
Isle Of Lewis
A short walk of 4km (2 miles) across rough ground to an abandoned village on the north shore of Loch Sealg - allow 2 hours.
Isle of South UIst
A difficult walk requiring a good level of fitness
Isle of South Uist
A moderate walk - 3hrs total - to the deserted village of Bagh Hartabhagh.
Isle of South Uist
A circular 5 mile walk - around 2 hours with stops.
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