The Harris Walkway is a 25 mile route for walkers through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. It stretches from the foothills of the Cliseam - the highest hill in the Outer Hebrides at 799m - to the golden sands of Seilebost in South Harris. Plans are in hand to extend the walkway at both the north and south ends to create a path stretching for the length of Harris and which will one day form part of a long distance footpath stretching from the Butt of Lewis to Barra.

The Harris Walkway has been formed by rehabilitating a number of old paths and tracks commonly used before the advent of modern roads, linked together by short stretches on by-roads in Harris. The project started in November 1999 and should finish in May 2001. The work has involved repairing and replacing bridges and culverts, improving drainage and providing signage and way-markers.

Initial survey work for the walkway was carried out for HDL by local historian Bill Lawson and funding has come from the Millenium Festival Fund, Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage and a number of private trusts. All work has been carried out by members of the local community under the Community Employment Initiative which provides work and training for those who have been unemployed for longer than 6 months.

To read about the Official Opening of the walkways click here