The Hebridean Way

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Guidebook to walking the Hebridean Way, a 155 mile (247km) walking route along the length of the Outer Hebrides. From the island of Vatersay to Stornoway on Lewis, the waymarked route can be walked in 8 to 13 days and crosses a variety of terrain including shell beaches, rugged hills and wild moor. Also includes an extension to the Butt of Lewis.

Cicerone says

Launching 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 247km (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 16–35km (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.

Our Verdict

For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers.

We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too.

If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Seasons: Best walked between April and October, when the days are longer; the weather is at its best and the ground underfoot is likely to be drier
• Centres: Starting at Vatersay, the routes crosses Barra, Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, Grimsay, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis to its current end in Stornoway
• Difficulty: The Hebridean Way is mostly a low-level, waymarked route that never ventures far from a road. However it requires careful planning as it crosses stretches of wild moor where there is no clear path and there are limited facilities near the route. As yet there is no baggage transfer provider.
• Must See: 247km (155 mile) waymarked trail over rugged hills and along dazzling white shell beaches the length of the Outer Hebrides, from Vatersay in the south to Stornoway in the north, passing through 10 islands linked by causeways and ferries

Specifications

• Edition: First
• Number of pages: 192
• Size: 17.2 x 11.6 1.2cm
• Weighs 240g

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