The Harris Mountains
Rocky northern ridges
Clisham, Tiorga Mor, Uisgneabhal Mor and Oireabhal form the wild mountain heart of the islands, with rough approaches and uninterrupted Atlantic views.
Region guide
Outer Hebrides
“In spite of hail and snow and the furious whirlwinds, I made my way to the summit, where I enjoyed a very sublime spectacle”
— William MacGillivray, Scottish naturalist and explorer
Highest Peak
Clisham — 799mCorbett Count
OneClassic Mountain Circuit
Clisham Horseshoe — 14kmLong-Distance Trail
Hebridean Way — 252kmMost Westerly British Mountain
Beinn Mhor — 620mOldest Bedrock
Lewisian Gneiss — Up to 3 Billion YearsAbout the region
Discover the Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides form a 200km chain of mountains, moorland, lochs and Atlantic coastline. Although the summits are lower than those on the mainland, many begin close to sea level and stand completely exposed to the weather. A modest height here rarely guarantees a modest day.
North Harris contains the highest and most rugged mountains. Clisham reaches 799m, but the complete horseshoe reveals far more of its character, crossing rocky ridges above an intricate landscape of sea lochs and islands. Nearby, Tiorga Mor, Uisgneabhal Mor and Oireabhal offer quieter routes through some of Scotland’s wildest coastal mountain country.
Farther south, the Uists present a striking divide. White beaches, dunes and flower-rich machair line the west, while rough hills rise along the eastern coast. Beinn Mhor, Thacla and Beinn Corradail form South Uist’s finest mountain traverse. On North Uist, isolated Eaval rises from a maze of water and bog, appearing considerably larger than its 347m height suggests.
The Hebridean Way links the islands from Vatersay to Lewis using old paths, moorland tracks, causeways and ferries. Wherever you walk, the Atlantic remains part of the landscape: shaping the weather, opening immense views and ensuring that no summit feels entirely separated from the sea.
Regional signature
The Long Island Legacy
The Hebridean Way
252km across ten islands
Running from Vatersay to Lewis, the route joins beaches, machair, moorland and settlements through a mixture of paths, roads, causeways and ferries.
The Uist Divide
Machair west, mountains east
The Uists place broad Atlantic beaches and fertile machair on one side of the islands, with rugged hills and deeply indented sea lochs on the other.
When to visit
Spring
March – MayLengthening days and cooler temperatures suit the longer Harris routes. Conditions are often clearer, while midges have yet to reach their summer numbers.
Best for: Mountain walking and quieter trailsSummer
June – AugustVery long daylight allows flexible walking days and ferry connections are more frequent. Expect busier accommodation and midges on calm, sheltered ground.
Best for: The Hebridean Way and island-hoppingAutumn
September – NovemberEarly autumn can bring crisp visibility and fewer visitors. Stronger winds, shorter days and reduced transport services become increasingly likely later in the season.
Best for: Clear Atlantic views and quieter islandsWinter
December – FebruaryAtlantic storms, saturated ground and limited daylight can make even lower hills demanding. Snow and ice may affect the Harris mountains.
Best for: Experienced walkers and shorter coastal routesTrailTrack Favourites
Ten hills chosen by TrailTrack
Continue exploring
Ready to Explore the Outer Hebrides?
From the ridges of Harris to the water-bound hills of Uist, every Outer Hebridean summit begins and ends with the Atlantic.