Clisham

The highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides, on North Harris

Clisham, at 799 metres, is the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides — technically a Corbett, the classification for Scottish mountains between 762 and 914 metres. The summit is an achievable half-day walk from the A859 road between Tarbert and Stornoway. The terrain is steep but not technical, and the views on a clear day extend across the islands in all directions: the Harris hills, the moors of Lewis, the Atlantic to the west.

The North Harris hills in which Clisham sits are geologically among the most ancient landscapes in Europe. The estate surrounding it — North Harris Estate — is one of Scotland's largest community buyouts, purchased by the local community in 2003. Red deer roam the hills; golden eagles are sighted regularly. The walk is straightforward in good conditions but requires proper boots and navigation, as the ridge is exposed and cloud can descend quickly.

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A story
Clisham is made of Lewisian gneiss — some of the oldest rock on earth, dating back around 3 billion years, predating complex life. Walking on Clisham you are standing on the roots of ancient mountains that have been eroded down to their stumps over unimaginable timescales. The reddish-grey banding in the rock is characteristic of the metamorphic processes that formed it.

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