Cicerone Guides: Walking the Hebridean Way Long-Distance Walking Route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides

About this book

Officially launched in 2017, the Hebridean Way offers walkers the opportunity to experience the magic of Scotland's Outer Hebrides in one inspirational journey. The waymarked route stretches 247 km (155 miles) from Vatersay to Stornaway, linking ten major islands of the archipelago by means of causeways and two ferry crossings: Vatersay, Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. Suitable for most walkers with a moderate level of fitness, it can be completed in 8–14 days and is rich in natural, historical and cultural interest.

This guidebook presents the Hebridean Way in 10 stages of 16–35 km (10–22 miles), plus two additional stages to extend the route to the Butt of Lewis in line with future plans. Detailed route description is accompanied by 1:50,000 OS mapping, stunning photography to whet your appetite and a wealth of information about local points of interest. The introduction offers an overview of the islands' geology, history, plants and wildlife as well as comprehensive practical advice for walking the route, such as when to go, how to get there (and back) and what to take. Accommodation listings can be found in the appendices.

The route is a celebration of the diverse landscapes of the Hebrides, from dazzling white shell beaches to wild moorland and flower-strewn machair. It visits Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, ruined forts and castles and monuments commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Highland Land Struggle. The islands are also a great location to spot seabirds, raptors and a number of migratory species. Informative and inspiring, Richard Barrett's guidebook is an ideal companion to discovering this captivating route.

Contents

Introduction
      How the Hebridean Way came into being
      Planning your trip
      Selecting a schedule
      When to walk
      Getting there
      First and last nights
      Accommodation
      Facilities
      Money matters
      Baggage transfer
      What to take
      Planning day by day
      Using this guide
      Maps
      Waymarking
      Weather forecasts
      Phones and Wi-Fi
      Emergencies
      All about the Outer Hebrides
      Geology
      Plants and flowers
      Wildlife
      The history of the Outer Hebrides
      Economy
The Hebridean Way
      Stage 1 Vatersay to Ardmhor
      Stage 2 Eriskay to Howmore
      Stage 3 Howmore to Baile nan Cailleach
      Stage 4 Baile nan Cailleach to Lochmaddy
      Stage 5 Lochmaddy to Berneray
      Stage 6 Leverburgh to Horgabost Township
      Stage 7 Horgabost Township to Tarbert
      Stage 8 Tarbert to Aline
      Stage 9 Aline to Laxay
      Stage 10 Laxay to Stornoway
      Additional stages to the Butt of Lewis
      Stage 11 Stornoway to New Tolsta
      Stage 12 New Tolsta to the Butt of Lewis

Appendix A Useful contacts
Appendix B Accommodation
Appendix C Common Gaelic and Norse name elements
Appendix D Further reading

Customer Reviews

Biography

Richard Barrett spent his working life as a professional marketer, but still found time for climbing, winter mountaineering and sea kayaking. He first visited the Harris hills as a teenager and became a regular visitor. He lived in North Harris for a number of years, where he and his wife ran a guest house and, although now a city-dweller, he still makes frequent forays to the Hebrides, reconnecting with the wilderness and catching up with old friends.