Harr is & Lewis Guided Walks & Events Discover

2013 Lewis & Harr is

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. OS Account number 0100046653 Guided Walks & Events in Harr is & Lewis 2013

Do you want to get more from your holiday? Would you like to explore the hidden corners of Harris and Lewis that most visitors never fi nd? Would you like to fi nd out about the island’s spectacular landscapes, stunning wildlife and unique Gaelic culture, from friendly and knowledgeable guides? If so, this programme is for you.

General Information for walks

KEY TO WALK LEVEL Grade A walk – walking on established path or over even terrain Grade B walk – walking over paths and rough ground, possibly including some steep sections. Reasonable level of fi tness required Grade C walk – walking along rough paths, boggy ground and hills. Good level of fi tness required Come prepared for the outdoors. In order to be prepared for the notoriously unpredictable Scottish climate you should bring waterproofs and wear walking boots or other sturdy footwear on all walks. In poor weather conditions walks may be modifi ed or cancelled. Harr is Development Ltd Weekly Guided Walks in South Harr is & Scalpay

Get off the beaten track and see some of the most spectacular areas of Harris from to Scalpay.

Local guides are leading daily walks (Monday-Friday) exploring various locations. Let them give you a greater appreciation of the landscape, wildlife and historical culture of Harris. Your Guides Gavin Scott-Forest: Local crofter based in Northton. Jean Mills: Retired teacher with a keen interest in the local culture and wildlife. Jeff Edwards: Retired ex-policeman from Wales with a keen interest in the Harris fl ora and fauna. Jezz Wheeler: Works on the mink eradication project and has a keen interest in wildlife. Cost Walks up to 3hrs = £3 Walks over 3 hrs = £5 Children up to the age of 16 go free of charge

Note: All persons take part in the guided walks at their own risk. All dogs must be kept under strict control.

No booking is required for any of the walks – just turn up on the day. For further information about a particular walk, contact the relevant Guide. Northton Machair Mondays 2pm (Gavin Scott Forest- Tel 01859 520244) From 15th April to 9th September (no walks in May) Meet: Northton road end, by beach. Parking nearby Duration: 2 to 3hrs (Weather dependant) Level: Grade A A walk across traditional croft land and machair to the site of a medieval chapel on the headland at the foot of Ceapabhal. Discover how history and crofting have shaped life in this beautiful area with its profusion, in season, of wild fl owers and birds.

Leverburgh Eagle/ Waterfall Walk Wednesdays 1pm (Jeff Edwards- Tel 01859 520362 or Mobile 07909 439 149) 10th April to 11th September Meet: Guide’s house at 4 Kintulavig, Tower Road, – parking nearby Distance/Duration: 3.5 miles/ 3 hrs Level: Grade B This walk comprises views of nearby lochs, two moderate hill climbs which overlook the village of Leverburgh and the , culminating at a natural waterfall with a deep channel nearby, which in spring contains primroses. There is a strong possibility of seeing an eagle, before returning along the small river and back to the start point. Walking boots essential. Eilean Glas Lighthouse & Beinn Scorabaig, Isle of Scalpay 1st & 3rd Wednesday evenings of the month, 6.30pm (Jezz Wheeler- Tel 07917264408) 1st May to 14th August Meet: Cean a Muigh (outend) turning circle, Scalpay, (far end of road going south). Distance/ Duration: 3-4 miles/ 3 hours Level: Grade B An evening walk specifi cally for wildlife watching and photography. The eastern tip of Scalpay has a wealth of wildlife including seals, otters and seabirds with the chance of an eagle and cetaceans. The walk takes in views of the Shiants and surrounding North Harris hills. Eilean Glas Lighthouse, Isle of Scalpay 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 2pm (Jean Mills- Tel 01859 540 319) 10th April to 11th September Meet: Cean a Muigh (Outend) turning circle, Scalpay, (far end of road going south). Bus leaves from Tarbert at 11.50, returning from Outend at 15.10 Distance/ Duration: 3-4 miles/ 3 hours Level: Grade B A circular walk taking in coast and moor, reaching the remote lighthouse on the eastern tip of Scalpay. On clear days there are views of Skye and the Shiant Islands with possibilities of seeing whales, otters, and both sea and moorland birds. Bring lunch or snack. Refreshments may be available in Scalpay before or after the walk. Golden Eagle Walk – North Harr is Trust & RSPB Scot land Every Wednesday (3rd April – 18th September) 10am-1.30pm Meet: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) Distance: 4.5 miles Level: Grade B North Harris has one of the highest densities of breeding Golden Eagles in Europe. With its large expanses of open terrain this is a fantastic place to watch these spectacular birds. This year RSPB and the North Harris Trust are working in partnership to provide a Golden Eagle walk every Wednesday from 3rd April right through to 18th September. The walk takes you up the track through Glen Vigidale, and on to the small summit of Tom Ruisg, with superb views down . In 2012 there was a 100% success rate of seeing eagles on these walks. The walks will be lead alternately by the North Harris Ranger Service and RSPB Scotland and are free of charge, although donations are accepted. For further information please contact Matt Watts, [email protected] t: 01859 502222 or Robin Reid, [email protected] 01859 511136 / 07920587321 Guided Walks

The following walks and events are led by the North Harris Ranger Service. Whether you are interested in learning about wildlife, family walks, or want to get out on a longer walk into the hills, there should be something for you.

Harris is an important place for wildlife and the open landscape provides excellent opportunities for viewing many birds, animals and plants. The island hosts spectacular scenery, ranging from rugged mountain tops and rocky shores to fl ower covered machair and sandy beaches. These habitats are home to some of Scotland’s most iconic species including red deer, otter, and golden eagle. The walks and events in this leafl et have been put together to raise awareness and encourage enjoyment of the unique island environment.

Finding it diffi cult to get to the start of our walks? Give us a call. If you contact us in good time lifts will usually be available for up to four from Tarbert to walks in North Harris.

Charges and booking – All Ranger walks are free of charge, although donations are welcome. Booking is only required for the NHT Anniversary Walk on 27th April. For all other walks just turn up. However, if the weather is poor on the day of the walk it is advisable to check if the walk is still going ahead.

As we will be searching for shy, secretive, and easily frightened birds and animals, we ask that people do not bring dogs with them on these walks.

For more information contact Matt Watts, the North Harris Ranger: [email protected], 01859 502222

Check out our webpage: www.north-harris.org

NorthHarrisTrust APRIL Thursday 18th April 11am-3pm to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B This varied circular walk takes you across machair grassland, past white sand beaches, into the North Harris hills. As well as learning about the fl ora of the machair there are good chances of seeing some of the Western Isles most iconic species including golden eagles and red deer. The walk follows a rough coastal path with some steep sections. Bring lunch.

Thursday 25th April 1-4pm Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles Level: Grade B The remote village of Rhenigidale was the last Scottish settlement to be connected by road in 1989, and the whole area is steeped in history. This is an easy walk along the shoreline path past evocative ruins to the head of Loch Trolamaraig, where the rugged hills meet a sheltered sea loch. It is a good place to see seals and porpoises and there is always the chance of a glimpse of an eagle soaring above the skyline.

Saturday 27th April 10am – 2.30pm North Harris Trust 10th Anniversary Walk - to Hushinish Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of (NB 052 077) Distance: 7 miles Level: Grade B Part of the celebrations for NHT’s 10th Anniversary, this diverse walk follows the footpath out to Glen Cravadale, and along the coastline around to Hushinish, with a stop for lunch on a remote beach. A bus will take us back to Amhuinnsuidhe, in time for a tour around the castle starting at 3pm. For more information and to book a place contact Matt Watts – ranger@north-harris. org or call 01859 502222 Advance booking for the Castle Tour is required. There is a nominal charge of £2 per person (proceeds donated to Harris Voluntary Service and MacMillan Nurses). For booking, contact Gail on [email protected] or call 01859 560200. MAY Thurs 2nd May 10am – 2.30pm Molinginish Meet: Urgha, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of path (NB 184 004), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B An opportunity to visit the remote village of Molinginish on the shore of Loch Trolamaraig. This is a sheltered sea loch with plenty of wildlife and a wealth of cultural heritage. Bring lunch.

Thurs 9th May 11am – 3pm Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B As 18th April

Thurs 16th May 10.30am – 3pm Sron Uladail Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B A chance to visit Sron Uladail, the largest overhanging cliff in the UK. This awe-inspiring cliff holds some of the hardest climbing routes in Scotland and was the location of ‘The Great Climb’ a live 5 hour climb broadcast on the BBC in August 2010. As well as spectacular scenery the area also offers great opportunities for seeing eagles, deer and moorland plants. Bring lunch.

Thurs 23rd May, 1-4pm Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles Level: Grade B As 25th April Tuesday 28th May – 11am to 5pm Bag a Beinn – An Meet: at the car park 6 miles north of Tarbert on the A859 at NB 173 057, Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade C Reach the summit of An Cliseam (799m), the highest peak in the Western Isles and the Island’s only Corbett. This is a steep but rewarding climb. Bring lunch. JUNE Tues 4th June 1-4pm Cliasmol Beehive Dwellings Meet: Cliasmol School on the Hushinish road (NB 085 061), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade B This is a short walk across the moor to a well preserved bee-hive dwelling. This unique igloo-shaped structure was once used as accommodation through the summer months by people taking cattle to graze the hill ground. Although a very short walk, this is a route across rough boggy ground so sturdy footwear is essential.

Thurs 6th June 10am – 2.30pm Molinginish Meet: Urgha, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of path (NB 184 004), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 2nd May

Tues 11th June 1-3pm Exploring the Ardvourlie Woodland Meet: Car Park by the Scaladale Centre (NB 187 105) Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A A short guided walk around the developing native woodland at Ardvourlie. Learn all about woodland on the Western Isles past, present and future, and brush up on your tree ID!

Thurs 13th June 11am – 3pm Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B As 18th April

Tues 18th June 10.30am – 3pm Sron Uladail Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 16th May Thurs 20th June 1-4pm Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles Level: Grade B As 25th April

Sat 22nd June – 2-4pm Hushinish Machair Flowers – Curracag Event Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A The are home to the fi nest machair in the world. This is a chance to take a short walk around Hushinish, and learn about the beautiful plants of this special habitat. This walk is part of the Curracag (Outer Hebrides Natural History Society) programme of spring events, and there is a charge of £4 for non members/£2 for members For more details and the full Curracag programme visit www.curracag.org.uk

Tues 25th June 1-4pm Cliasmol Beehive Dwellings Meet: Cliasmol School on the Hushinish road (NB 085 061), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade B As 4th June

Thurs 27th June 11am-5pm Bag a Beinn - Tiorga Mor Meet: the end of the track just to the East of Amhuinnsuidhe (NB 052 078), Distance: 8 miles Level: Grade C An ascent of Tiorga Mor (679m) for spectacular views across some of Scotland’s most remote and rugged terrain. Much of the walk is across rough hill ground. Bring Lunch JULY Tues 2nd July 1-3pm Hushinish Machair Flowers Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A An easy walk across the Hushinish machair to investigate its unique fl ora as well as learning some of the traditional uses for its plants. Views from Hushinish are spectacular and there will be an opportunity to learn about the history of the adjacent island of Scarp.

Thurs 4th July 10am – 2.30pm Molinginish Meet: Urgha, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of path (NB 184 004), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 2nd May

Tues 9th July 11am – 3pm Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B As 18th April

Thurs 11th July 1-3pm Exploring the Ardvourlie Woodland Meet: Car Park by the Scaladale Centre (NB 187 105) Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A As 11th June

Tues 16th July 1-3pm Hushinish Machair Flowers Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A As 2nd July

Thurs 18th July 10.30am – 3pm Sron Uladail Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 16th May Tues 23rd July 1-3pm Hushinish Machair Flowers Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A As 2nd July

Thurs 25th July 11am–4pm Bag a Beinn – Giolabal Glas Meet: Tarbert Tourist Information Centre Distance: 6 Miles Level: Grade C An ascent of Giolabhal Glas (475m), one of the larger hills to the north of Tarbert, for views across east and west Loch Tarbert. The walk takes a route across rough ground so sturdy footwear is essential. Bring lunch.

Tues 30th July 1-4pm Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles Level: Grade B As 25th April

AUGUST Thurs 1st August 11am – 3pm Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B As 18th April

Tues 6th August 1-3pm Hushinish Machair Flowers Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A As 2nd July

Thurs 8th August 10.30am – 3pm Sron Uladail Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 16th May

Tues 13th August 1-4pm Rhenigidale to Loch Trolamaraig Meet: Rhenigidale (NB 223 016), Distance: 3 miles Level: Grade B As 25th April

Thurs 15th August 11am – 3pm Hushinish to Loch na Cleavaig Meet: Hushinish car park (NA 992 120), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade B As 18th April Tues 20th August 1-3pm Exploring the Ardvourlie Woodland Meet: Car Park by the Scaladale Centre (NB 187 105) Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade A As 11th June

Thurs 22nd August 11am-3pm Bag a Beinn - Toddun Meet: Car park on the Rhenigidale road above Maraig (NB 207 050), Distance: 5 miles Level: Grade C This walk will take you to the summit of Toddun (528m) for spectacular views across Loch Seaforth and the Pairc peninsula. This is a relatively easy ascent but the walk follows a route across rough hill terrain. Bring lunch.

Tues 27th August 10am – 2.30pm Molinginish Meet: Urgha, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of path (NB 184 004), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B As 2nd May

Thurs 29th August 1-4pm Cliasmol Beehive Dwellings Meet: Cliasmol School on the Hushinish road (NB 085 061), Distance: 2 miles Level: Grade B As 4th June SEPTEMBER

The Isle of Harris Mountain Festival 14th – 21st September

The Isle of Harris Mountain Festival is a week-long celebration of the mountains of Harris, and will feature an exciting program of guided walks, talks, outdoor sports taster sessions, photography workshops, fi lm nights, live music, a raft race, and much more! Throughout the week there will be numerous guided walks lead by the North Harris Ranger Service. For up- to-date information about the programme for this year’s festival, be sure to check out: www.harrismountainfestival.com, email [email protected], or contact the North Harris Trust on 01859 502222. OCTOBER

Thurs 17th October 10am-3pm Roaring and Rutting at Ulladale Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B A chance to experience the incredible spectacle of the red deer rut, each stag fi ghting to defend its harem of hinds. The walk will take you into Glen Ulladale where the silhouette of Sron Ulladale, Britain’s largest overhanging cliff, dominates the skyline.

Sat 26th October 10am-2pm Roaring and Rutting at Langadale Meet: at Bogha Glas car park (NB 185 115), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B A walk to Glen Langadale to experience the roars of red deer echoing around the Glen. This is a chance to learn about the life of our largest land mammal and the management of the North Harris deer herd.

Tues 29th October 10am-2.30pm Roaring and Rutting at Cravadale Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe castle (NB 052 077), Distance: 6 miles Level: Grade B A chance to experience the incredible spectacle of the red deer rut, each stag fi ghting to defend its harem of hinds. The walk will take you into Glen Cravadale, a spectacular glen that has been shaped by the scouring action of glaciers.

RSPB Guided Walks on Lewis & Harr is

During 2013 the RSPB will be leading two regular walks in Lewis, at , and at the RSPB reserve at Loch na Muilne, . An additional weekly Eagle walk will also take place in Harris, led in partnership with the North Harris Trust. The cost for the walks at Tolsta and Loch na Muilne is £5 for non members, £2 for RSPB members. The Eagle walks in Harris are free of charge but donations are welcome. For further Information please contact Robin Reid, [email protected] 01859 511 136 or 07920587321

Tolsta Coastal Walk Every Monday 10 am – 12.30 pm during June & July Meeting point: Garry Beach carpark, North Tolsta, Lewis (NB 532 499) Distance: 2-3 miles Level: Grade B Join the RSPB on a walk following the coast to the North of Tolsta. This spectacular coastline is where the vast Lewis peatlands and the rich marine environment meet. The area holds a great variety of Hebridean wildlife including moorland birds such as Golden Plover, Dunlin, Greenshank, Golden Eagle, Merlin and Red-throated Diver as well as Seabirds and Arctic Skuas on the coast. On calm days there is also the chance of spotting Porpoises, Dolphins and Whales that regularly frequent these inshore waters.

Loch na Muilne RSPB Reserve Walk Every Friday at 10 am – mid day (31st May to 5th July) Meeting point: Arnol parking on Lewis (NB 310 492) Distance: 2-3 miles Level: Grade B This is a chance to explore the unique fl ora & fauna of the Loch na Muilne RSPB reserve and nearby coastline. This small wetland reserve hosts an abundance of life during the spring and summer when spring migrants arrive to breed. Lucky visitors may be treated with a sight of the rare Red-necked Phalarope that breeds here in some years.

RSPB Guided Walks on Uist Balrald Nature Reserve – 10am on Tuesdays, May – August Otter Walk at Loch Langass – 10 am on Wednesdays, May – August Bird of Prey Walk, – 8pm on Thursdays May-July Corncrake walks – Monday evenings at various locations, May-July

Please contact Stuart Taylor 07825357191 or Jamie Boyle 07768042547 for further information on Uist guided walks This programme has been compiled by The North Harris Trust, Harris Development Limited and RSPB Scotland. Urrain na Hearadh is a charitable company working for the benefi t of the people of Harris. The specialist walks around Harris have been devised and managed by Harris Development Ltd on behalf of Urrais na Hearadh. The North Harris Trust - The 25,000 hectares of North Harris make up one of the largest community owned estates in Scotland. One of the main aims of the Trust is to enhance the wild landscape and to enable more people to experience our environment and its natural history. RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB which speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing – help us keep it that way.

The organisers of this programme of guided walks gratefully acknowledge the support of Scottish Natural Heritage in the production of this booklet.

Harris Development Ltd. Urras na Hearadh. Scottish Charity No. SCO30154

The North Harris Trust – Scottish Charity No. SCO33413. A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, No 235889

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

Photographs: Laurie Campbell, Cliff Reddick, Aidan MacCormick

Shore Print & Design Ltd. Tel: 01851 702993