The Isle of Scalpay, Harris

This Outer Hebrides walk is a pleasant circular route around the Isle of Scalpay. Do be aware of rapidly changing weather conditions in this part of Scotland.

Details

293009
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.43 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 106 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 104 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 79 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3 m

Description of the walk

(S)Having crossed on the bridge from Harris, turn first left, and park opposite the storage area in the tarmac bay off the road (grid ref.NG216972). Walk eastwards towards the stone quarry building and at the road junction turn right and continue past the track that leads to the house called Woodstock. At the next 3 houses turn left through the metal farm gate to follow the surfaced lane towards the fourth house. Turn right in front of it and go through a gate onto a track which heads left to Loch an Duin. Go left over a stile and footbridge and follow the path around the north of the loch.

(1)From this point there are marker posts and it is possible to see the next one where the path is difficult to see in the boggy ground. They are numbered in reverse order. When you reach a fence pass through the gates and continue following the posts to the far end of Loch an Duin. Climb uphill from the stream and follow the posts which pass to the south of Loch Cuilceach.

(2)The route leads up to Beinn Scorabhaig from which, in good weather, there are good views over the mountains of Harris. The Eilean Glas lighthouse is directly ahead and the path aims for it. At this point you can also see the new stone track on your right that leads to the lighthouse from Kennavay and it is at this point that I left the way-marked path and headed for the new stone track.

(3)The track heads into Kennavay where it joins the road where you turn left and follow it, ignoring the side roads and continue northwards until you reach the main settlement on Scalpay. There is a community shop and café here, that is well worth the stop. Continue over the bridge at the head of Ceann a Bhaigh and follow the signs back to the Scalpay bridge and the car parking.(E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 13 m - Parking area near Scalpay bridge
  2. 1 : km 0.92 - alt. 14 m - Loch an Duin
  3. 2 : km 2.24 - alt. 34 m - Loch Cuilceach
  4. 3 : km 4.37 - alt. 33 m - Kennavay
  5. S/E : km 8.43 - alt. 14 m - Parking area near Scalpay bridge

Notes

A longer version of this five mile walk is available at Walk Highlands at http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/outer-heb... . There are also other versions that shorten the walk in the reviews. The weather can alter so quickly in Harris it is good to have ways of getting back to the start point before visibility goes and/or you are completely soaked.

Reviews and comments

3.7 / 5
Based on 1 review

Reliability of the description
3 / 5
Ease of following the route
3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 27509639

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike far from tourist spots with breathtaking views
PLEASE NOTE:
- the route does not follow the "official" trail, and the start of the trail passes through private areas that are off-limits. Be sure to start from the clearly marked authorised area, where there is a car park in front.
The start of the walk is clearly marked with yellow posts. However, the Visorando route deviates from this, so make sure your phone is fully charged to follow the Visorando route!
The entire return journey is on the road
DIFFICULT HIKE: more than three hours of uphill, downhill, and especially through bogs! I regularly sank up to my ankles

In any case, I don't regret it. It wore me out, but it was worth it

Machine-translated

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