HARRIS. Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. OS Account Number

DISCOVER

HARRIS Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. OS Account Number 0100046653

Guided Walks & Events in Harris 2017 Do you want to get more from your holiday? Would you like to explore the hidden corners of Harris that most visitors never find? Would you like to find 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 all walks KEY TO WALK LEVEL GRADE A Short walks on established paths or over even terrain. GRADE B GRADE C Walking over paths and rough ground, possibly including some steep sections. Reasonable level of fitness required. Longer distance routes on rough paths, boggy ground and hills. Good level of fitness required. Come prepared for the outdoors. In order to be prepared for the notoriously unpredictable Western Isles climate you should bring waterproofs and wear walking boots or other sturdy footwear on all walks. In poor weather conditions walks may be modified or cancelled. It is advisable to bring some food and drink.

North Harris Trust Guided Walks The following walks and events are led by the North Harris Ranger Service. Whether you are interested in learning about wildlife and wildflowers, or just want to get out and explore, 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 rich machair grassland 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 leaflet have been put together to raise awareness and encourage enjoyment of the unique island environment. Finding it difficult 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 of these walks are free of charge except the eagle walk. Donations are welcomed for the other walks. No booking is necessary, however if the weather is particularly poor on the day of the walk it is advisable to check if the walk is still going ahead. For more information contact the North Harris Ranger: ranger@north-harris.org 01859 502 222 Check out our webpage: www.north-harris.org NorthHarrisTrust

Wildlife Walks The Isle of Harris is blessed with an abundance of wildlife. In this series of walks we hope to show you the highlights of what Harris has to offer. As they are wild animals, we cannot guarantee sightings but experience has taught us the best places to view them from. Eagle Walk North Harris Trust & RSPB Scotland EVERY WEDNESDAY 5th April - 25th October 10am 1.30pm MEET: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) DISTANCE: 4.5 miles A guided walk in search of Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles in the North Harris hills. RSPB Scotland and the North Harris Trust are working in partnership to provide an Eagle Walk every Wednesday from 5th April right through to 25th October. The North Harris Hills hold one of the highest densities of golden eagles in Europe and the open landscape provides superb opportunities for viewing this iconic predator. There has been a 95% success rate of seeing eagles on previous eagle walks. The walks will be lead alternately by the North Harris Ranger Service and RSPB Scotland. RSPB members, Friends & members of NHT and children Free Non-members 5 For further information please contact the Ranger: ranger@north-harris.org 01859 502 222 or Robin Reid robin.reid@rspb.org.uk 07833 955 559

Whale and Dolphin Walk EVERY MONDAY 5th June - 28th August 10am 1.30pm MEET: Outend, Isle of Scalpay (NG 233 951) DISTANCE: 2.6 miles LEVEL: Grade A Eilean Glas lighthouse is an official WDC Shorewatch site and is one of the best places in Scotland to observe a wide range of whale and dolphin species from the shore. These amazing animals are abundant during the summer and as long as the sea state isn t too rough, sightings are nearly guaranteed. This is an easy walk to the lighthouse on well surfaced paths. The walk offers good opportunities to see sea eagles, otters and seals. We have a small number of binoculars available to borrow. Charlie Phillips Rutting and Roaring A chance to experience the incredible spectacle of the red deer rut, when the stags fight to defend their harem of hinds. Learn about the life of our largest land mammal and the management of the North Harris deer herd. Thursday 5th October 10am 3pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT LANGADALE MEET: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) DISTANCE: 6 miles Glen Langadale is a deep glen surrounded by Harris s bigger hills. Once at the bottom of the glen we will be surrounded by roaring stags!

Saturday 7th October 10am 3pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT CRAVADALE MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8.5 miles A walk to the stunning Glen Cravadale. This is a typical glen shaped by the actions of glaciers. Large herds of deer congregate here during autumn and winter and is an excellent place to watch the rut. Thursday 12th October 10am 3pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT ULLADALE MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8.5 miles The walk will take you into Glen Ulladale where the silhouette of Sron Ulladale, Britain s largest overhanging cliff, dominates the skyline. Saturday 14th October 10am 3pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT LANGADALE MEET: Bogha Glas car park (NB 186 115) DISTANCE: 6 miles A walk to Glen Langadale to experience the roars of red deer echoing around the glen.

Thursday 19th October 10am 4pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT CRAVADALE MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 6 miles A walk to the stunning Glen Cravadale. This is a typical glen shaped by the actions of glaciers. Large herds of deer congregate here during autumn and winter and is an excellent place to watch the rut. Saturday 21st October 10am 4pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT MODAIL MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 10.5 miles This walk takes you deep into the less explored areas of Harris. Large herds of deer gather in this area. Stunning views and abundant wildlife await. Thursday 26th October 10am 4pm ROARING AND RUTTING AT ULLADALE MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8.5 miles The walk will take you into Glen Ulladale where the silhouette of Sron Ulladale, Britain's largest overhanging cliff, dominates the skyline. GUIDED WALKS APRIL Tuesday 4th April 11am 3.30pm HUSHINISH TO LOCH NA CLEAVAIG MEET: Hushinish car park, by the public toilets (NA 992 121) DISTANCE: 4 miles This varied circular walk takes you across machair grassland, past white sand beaches, into the North Harris hills. A great walk for sea birds, cetaceans and occasionally sea eagles. The walk follows a rough coastal path with some steep sections. Bring lunch.

Tuesday 11th April 10am 3pm MOLINGINISH MEET: Lacasdail Lochs car park, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of footpath (NB 184 004) DISTANCE: 6 miles 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. Saturday 15th April 10am 4pm TODUN MEET: Car park on Rhenigidale Road above Maraig (NB 207 050) DISTANCE: 4 miles A walk to the summit of Todun (528m) for spectacular views across Loch Seaforth and the Pairc peninsula. This has a relatively easy ascent but the route is across rough hill terrain. Tuesday 18th April 10am 2pm ISLE OF SCALPAY EILEAN GLAS LIGHTHOUSE MEET: Outend Turning Circle, Scalpay (NG 232 948) DISTANCE: 3 miles A circular walk around the south-eastern corner of Scalpay, out to the lighthouse. Excellent views, and a good route for wildlife including seals, otters and seabirds. Some of the route is across rough, boggy ground so bring sturdy footwear. Tuesday 25th April 10am 2.30pm CLIASMOL BEEHIVE DWELLINGS MEET: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) DISTANCE: 4 miles 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.

MAY Thursday 4th May 10am 2pm EXPLORING THE ARDVOURLIE WOODLAND MEET: Car Park next to 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 in the Western Isles past, present and future! This walk follows a good path but includes some steep sections. Thursday 11th May 10am 4pm SRON ULADAIL MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8.5 miles 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. Thursday 18th May 10am 2pm ISLE OF SCALPAY EILEAN GLAS LIGHTHOUSE MEET: Outend Turning Circle, Scalpay (NG 232 948) DISTANCE: 3 MILES A circular walk around the south-eastern corner of Scalpay, out to the lighthouse. Excellent views, and a good route for wildlife including seals, otters and seabirds. Some of the route is across rough, boggy ground so bring sturdy footwear.

Thursday 25th May 10am 3pm COAST AND CROSS WALK MEET: Car par in front of the old Manse, Amhuinnsuide (NB 045 084) DISTANCE: 4 MILES A short circular walk from Amhuinnsuide to Millie's Cross, then along the coast past a tidal lagoon before summiting Sithean Mor. Fantastic views, plenty of wildlife and history and a wonderful place for a swim. This walk is over rough, boggy ground so walking boots or wellies required. Saturday 27th May 10am 5pm THE SKEAUDALE HORSESHOE MEET: Tarbert car park DISTANCE: 10 MILES This is a challenging but extremely rewarding route starting from Tarbert and heading into the hills. There are fantastic views from this route with the hills feeling much higher than they actually are. Some scrambling involved. Walking boots are essential. Bring lunch. JUNE Thursday 1st June 10am 12.30pm CLEIT ARD MEET: Large lay-by on the A859 by the Rhenigidale turn-off (NB 194 066) DISTANCE: 2.5 miles A short and fairly easy hill walk, with spectacular views up and down Loch Seaforth.

Thursday 8th June 10am 4pm SRON ULADAIL MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8.5 miles 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. Tuesday 15th June 10am 2.30pm CLIASMOL BEEHIVE DWELLINGS MEET: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) DISTANCE: 4 miles 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.

Saturday 17th June 9.30am 5pm BAG A BEINN TIORGA MOR MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 8 miles Tiorga Mòr (679m) gives spectacular views across some of Scotland s most remote and rugged terrain. This is our ranger s favourite North Harris hill! Much of the walk is across rough hill ground. Bring lunch. Thursday 22nd June 10am 3pm COAST AND CROSS WALK MEET: Car par in front of the old Manse, Amhuinnsuide (NB 045 084) DISTANCE: 4 miles A short circular walk from Amhuinnsuide to Millie's Cross, then along the coast past a tidal lagoon before summiting Sithean Mor. Fantastic views, plenty of wildlife and history and a wonderful place for a swim. This walk is over rough, boggy ground so walking boots or wellies required. Thursday 29th June 10am 2.30pm RHENIGIDALE TO LOCH TROLAMARAIG MEET: Rhenigidale start of footpath, just before the village (NB 225 017) DISTANCE: 3 miles The remote village of Rhenigidale was the last Scottish settlement to be connected by road in 1989. This is an easy walk along the Old Postman s Path, past a ruined settlement to the head of Loch Trolamaraig. Good for seals and porpoises and there is always the chance of a glimpse of an eagle above the skyline.

JULY TUESDAY MORNINGS (4th, 11th, 18th and 25th) 10am 12pm EAGLE WATCH AT THE NORTH HARRIS EAGLE OBSERVATORY PARKING: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) The North Harris Ranger will be at the Eagle Observatory every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12pm through July and August to help you spot eagles, and to answer any questions you may have about wildlife watching and walking on Harris. The Observatory is an easy 1.5 mile walk out along the Glen Miavaig track. Thursday 6th July 10am 3pm BAG A BEINN AN CLISHAM MEET: at the car park 6 miles north of Tarbert on the A859 (NB 173 057) DISTANCE: 5 miles Reach the summit of An Cliseam (799m), the highest peak in the Western Isles and our only Corbett. This is a steep but rewarding climb. Bring lunch.

Thursday 20th July 10am 3pm MOLINGINISH MEET: Lacasdail Lochs car park, 2 miles East of Tarbert, start of footpath (NB 184 004) DISTANCE: 6 miles 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. Friday 28th July 11am 4.30pm AMHUINNSUIDHE TO HUSHINISH MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 7 miles An amazing walk along ancient paths, through deep remote glens and deserted beaches. Plenty of wildlife and views. One not to miss! There is a bus back to the start of the walk so please have some change. Walking boots and lunch essential.

AUGUST TUESDAY MORNINGS (1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th) 10am 1pm EAGLE WATCH AT THE NORTH HARRIS EAGLE OBSERVATORY PARKING: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) The North Harris Ranger will be at the Eagle Observatory every Tuesday morning between 10am and 1zpm through July and August to help you spot eagles, and to answer any questions you may have about wildlife watching and walking on Harris. The Observatory is an easy 1.5 mile walk out along the Glen Miavaig track. Thursday 3rd August 10am 2.30pm RHENIGIDALE TO LOCH TROLAMARAIG MEET: Rhenigidale start of footpath, just before the village (NB 225 017) DISTANCE: 3 miles The remote village of Rhenigidale was the last Scottish settlement to be connected by road in 1989. This is an easy walk along the Old Postman s Path, past a ruined settlement to the head of Loch Trolamaraig. Good for seals and porpoises and there is always the chance of a glimpse of an eagle above the skyline. Thursday 10th August 10am 2.30pm Thursday 10th August 10am 2.30pm CLIASMOL BEEHIVE DWELLINGS MEET: Glen Miavaig Car Park (NB 101 063) DISTANCE: 4 miles 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.

Thursday 17th August 10am 3pm COAST AND CROSS WALK MEET: Car par in front of the old Manse, Amhuinnsuide (NB 045 084) DISTANCE: 4 miles A short circular walk from Amhuinnsuide to Millie's Cross then along the coast past a tidal lagoon before summiting Sithean Mor. Fantastic views, plenty of wildlife and history and a wonderful place for a swim. This walk is over rough, boggy ground so walking boots or wellies required. Friday 25th August 11am 4.30pm AMHUINNSUIDHE TO HUSHINISH MEET: Start of track just to the east of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (NB 052 077) DISTANCE: 7 miles An amazing walk along ancient paths, through deep remote glens and deserted beaches. Plenty of wildlife and views. One not to miss! There is a bus back to the start of the walk so please have some change. Walking boots and lunch essential. Thursday 31st August 11am 3.30pm HUSHINISH TO LOCH NA CLEAVAIG MEET: Hushinish car park, by the public toilets (NA 992 121) DISTANCE: 4 miles This varied circular walk takes you across machair grassland, past white sand beaches, into the North Harris hills. A great walk for sea birds, cetaceans and occasionally sea eagles. The walk follows a rough coastal path with some steep sections. Bring lunch.

www.iohmf.co.uk St Moulag 12th Century chapel (restored in 1912), Ness 9th - 16th September

RSPB GUIDED WALKS ON LEWIS LOCH NA MUILNE RESERVE Friday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th June PLUS Friday 7th July 10am 12pm MEET: Loch na Muilne Reserve viewing cairn (NB 314 495) DISTANCE: short walk from car park COST: Free Join RSPB staff and you may be treated with a sight of the rare Red-necked phalarope. This wader is unusual as the females are the more colourful of the two sexes and also perform most of the courtship. The females then leave the males to incubate eggs and rear the chicks, an interesting role reversal! In addition the reserve hosts an abundance of other flora and fauna with other breeding waders such as lapwing and dunlin and a stunning display of orchids and other flowering plants. Join us at the viewing cairn which is a short walk from the end of the road and overlooks the loch. For further Information on these walks please contact: Vicky Anderson victoria.anderson@rspb.org.uk 01851 610 715 or 07340 384 182 RSPB GUIDED WALKS ON UIST The RSPB runs a comprehensive programme of walks on Uist including otter walks, bird of prey walks, corncrake walks and guided walks at the Balranald Nature Reserve. For further Information on these walks please contact: Jamie Boyle Jamie.boyle@rspb.org.uk 07768 042 547 or visit www.rspb.org.uk for more information.

This programme has been compiled by The North Harris Trust and RSPB Scotland. The North Harris Trust - Managing, developing and conserving the assets of North Harris in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the community and the enjoyment of the wider public. 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. Just spending the week on the islands? Before you leave, help us reduce our printing costs by returning this brochure to the Tourist Information offices in Tarbert or Stornoway, or to the North Harris Trust office in Tarbert, for someone else to use again. Thanks very much! The North Harris Trust Scottish Charity No. SC033413 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 & North Harris Trust www.north-harris.org www.rspb.org.uk www.iohmf.co.uk produced by Strath Print, Isle of Skye 01471 822 555 www.strathprint.co.uk