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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 Rodel 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, Leverburgh – 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 Sound of Harris, 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 Scotland 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 Loch Langavat. 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 Hushinish 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 - Amhuinnsuidhe to Hushinish Meet: Start of track on right just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (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.