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Hebridean Way

By Tryfan Williams   

on August 10, 2017    5/5 (1)

Posted as a walk in – Europe, National Trails and Long Distance Footpaths, Scotland

Hebridean Way

Route Essentials

Route Summary

See the end of the article for local information about parking, public transport facilities, pubs and cafes.

Distance

317.74 km

Ascent

3951 m

Time

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Start Location

Difficulty

LDP

Hazards

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?
Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need. 

Hebridean Way Ordnance Survey Map and GPX File Download

View the full route map

Download file for GPS

Hebridean Way

When it was opened by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2017, the Hebridean Way became the fifth official long-distance route in Scotland, stretching 247km (155 miles) along the length of the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay (Bhatarsaigh) in the south to Stornoway (Steornabhagh) in the north. The route crosses 10 islands linked by six causeways and two ferries – and if these numbers do not appear to add up it is because the so-called ‘Isles’ of Harris (Na Hearadh) and Lewis (Leòdhas) share the same landmass. The route traverses a variety of different terrains, passing over rugged hills, along dazzling white shell beaches and across seemingly empty moorland.

The stunning landscape, varied geology, exceptional wildlife and numerous antiquities of the Outer Hebrides are truly awe-inspiring. The Outer Hebrides retain a distinctive culture too, with Gaelic often spoken as a first language in many communities.

Unlike many other long-distance paths, there is considerable variety along the way. The terrain can change rapidly. In the morning you can be walking across a wild moor, then in the afternoon along a blindingly white beach beside turquoise seas. There are also cultural differences. The islands at the southern end of the chain are predominantly Catholic and their communities are considerably more relaxed about religious observance on Sundays. Their leisure centres and supermarkets open on Sundays, which is in total contrast with the mainly Presbyterian islands of Harris and Lewis, where communities are far stricter in observing the Sabbath.

Getting there and getting about means that the Hebridean Way is not the easiest long-distance path in terms of logistics, although there are plenty of tips and advice packed into this guidebook. But it is a jewel that you will remember every time you see a map of the UK.

At the moment, the Hebridean Way is a work in progress. The route currently finishes at Lews Castle in Stornoway. However, once further funding becomes available, there are plans to extend the route all the way up to the Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais), with options running up both the west and east coasts of Lewis. Once they are constructed, these extensions will be incorporated into future editions of this book. But for the moment, two additional stages are included between Stornoway and the Butt of Lewis, making best use of existing paths.

Hebridean Way

Start planning your own Hebridean Way adventure by downloading the free gpx above from Mud and Routes.

You’ll also need the appropriate OS Maps, which are:

OS Explorer 452

OS Explorer 453

OS Explorer 454

OS Explorer 455

OS Explorer 456

OS Explorer 457

OS Explorer 459

And why not buy the accompanying Cicerone The Hebridean Way Guidebook – or read the interview with author Richard Barrett if you want a taster.

 

Local Information and Recommended Maps and Guidebooks

Route Summary:

Route Start Location:

Distance
 Ascent
 Time
317.74 km 3951 m

Calculate the time using Naismith’s Rule and factor in your own pace.

Activivity Type: LDP

Summits and Places on this Route

Facilities

none noted

Hazards

Remember that we cannot outline every single hazard on a walk – it’s up to you to be safe and competent. Read up on Mountain Safety , Navigation and what equipment you’ll need.

Parking :

Public Transport:

Traveline for UK Public Transport

Weather Forecast:

Met Office Mountain Weather

Check out our Best Mountain Weather Forecast?

Recommended Maps: 

OS Explorer 452, OS Explorer 453, OS Explorer 454, OS Explorer 455, OS Explorer 456, OS Explorer 457, OS Explorer 459

Guidebooks:

The Hebridean Way Guidebook

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Tryfan Williams

I’m a Welshman born and raised in the shadow of Snowdonia, and you could say the Mountains are in my blood with a name like Tryfan! I would class myself as a relative newcomer to the outdoor pursuits arena, and so my articles will be my attempt to chronicle my adventures, hopefully learning as I go and giving those that are in a similar boat an insight / forum to share and learn.

More Posts by Tryfan Williams

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