Clisham (An Cliseam) — Place photograph (1 of 3)

Clisham (An Cliseam) — Place photograph (2 of 3)

Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS3 3AL

Clisham (An Cliseam)

Viewpoint

Place photograph

7.3

Wildland

Half day

Time

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Cost

Dramatic

Feel

HillsRemote countrysideWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.3

Harris’s highest summit rises to 799 m, with a boggy moorland approach that gives way to rockier ground and far-reaching island and sea views.

Clisham earns its place for the contrast between a rough, boggy approach and a high, exposed summit with wide views across Harris, Lewis and the surrounding sea. It is a substantial hillwalk, not a roadside viewpoint.

Dramatic · Wild · Big-sky

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Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland, HS3 3AL

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The experience

Climb to the 799 m summit on a challenging out-and-back hillwalk. The described direct route is around 5 km return, with approximately 629 m of ascent and a typical walking time of about three hours. Boggy ground, poor visibility and wind can make progress slower.

Things to do

Climb to the summit trig point

Ascend from the A859 approach over open, boggy moorland and then steeper, rockier ground to Clisham’s summit at 799 m.

About 3 hours return, according to one route account

Watch the landscape open up on the climb

Pause on the ascent to look back across Harris and towards the surrounding islands and sea. Views depend on visibility and weather.

Look across from the summit

On a clear day, take in the summit panorama over Harris and Lewis, with the surrounding islands and sea in view.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 3 hours return

Quick Escape: climb to Clisham’s summit

01
Start from the parking area on the A859 described in the route source, before the Maraig turn-off when heading north.
02
Cross the boggy lower moorland, following the burn and the best available ground towards the hill.
03
Continue uphill as the terrain steepens and becomes rockier, taking care with route-finding.
04
Reach the summit trig point and take in the views when visibility allows.
05
Return by the same route.

Half day · Allow at least half a day, including time for changing conditions

Make a half day of the climb

01
Set aside time for the described roughly 5 km return ascent, rather than treating Clisham as a brief viewpoint stop.
02
Pause where the ground becomes rockier to look back over Harris as the views open.
03
Spend time at the summit trig point taking in the surrounding islands and sea if conditions are clear.
04
Return carefully by the ascent route, allowing extra time for boggy or wet ground.

Hidden details

A sheltered summit trig point — A video account notes that the summit trig point is enclosed by a shelter, a useful detail on an exposed and windy summit.

The lower approach can be the wettest part — The ascent account describes boggy ground near the start, with firmer, rockier terrain higher up. Recent rain can make the lower section particularly wet.

When to go

November · Choose a settled-weather window with enough daylight for a slow, careful ascent and descent.

One account describes a crisp November climb with vivid late-autumn colours and rainbows. The source also reports boggy ground and strong winds, so seasonal appeal should not outweigh the need to check conditions.

The summit is exposed and can be very windy; cloud, showers and recent rain affect visibility and ground conditions. The lower approach may be boggy, and route-finding can be difficult. Check the mountain forecast and carry suitable hillwalking equipment.

The route

ascent: Approximately 629 m in one route account
surface: Boggy open moorland lower down, becoming rougher and rockier higher up; an eroded, indistinct path is described.
distance: About 5 km return for the described direct ascent
duration: About 3 hours return in one route account
difficulty: Challenging; steep, exposed and potentially boggy, with route-finding required
waymarking: No signposting is reported for the described ascent.
route shape: Out and back, returning by the ascent route
start point: A parking area on the A859, before the Maraig turn-off when heading north, as described by one source.
parking start: The route account describes a large parking area on the A859. Check current arrangements before travelling.

The 799 m summit, described as the highest point in the Outer Hebrides
Summit trig point and shelter
Views over Harris, Lewis, surrounding islands and sea when visibility allows
A transition from boggy moorland to rockier upper slopes

What to look for

01
As the route climbs above the boggy lower ground, look for the change to rougher, rockier terrain. From the summit, look across the Harris hills, Lewis and the surrounding islands and sea
02
the summit has a trig point and shelter.

Best time to go

Late autumn and winter can bring striking colours and clear views, but weather is changeable year-round. Choose a settled forecast and check conditions before going.

A clear, settled day offers the best chance of summit views. One account describes a crisp November outing with rainbows and vivid autumn colours; mountain weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and be prepared to turn back.

How long to spend

Half day

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Isle of Harris HS3 3AL

Google rating

4.3 · 26 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

A steep hillwalk to the 799 m summit. One described direct ascent starts from a parking area on the A859, before the Maraig turn-off when travelling north. The lower ground can be boggy, the route is not signposted and conditions can be exposed and windy. Check current access and conditions before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

A source describes a large parking area on the A859, before the Maraig turn-off when heading north. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.

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Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

A demanding mountain walk with steep ground, boggy sections, rough terrain and exposure to strong winds. Not suitable for visitors seeking an easy or step-free route.

Cost

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