The east coast of Harris is very different from the unspoilt sandy bays of the west coast. It is rough and rocky, deeply indented by sea lochs, with crofting townships scattered along the shore linked by a narrow winding road.
We stayed there in early April, in a croft house in Lackalee (Leacli), about seven miles south of Tarbert. This walking story pulls together material from several outings on the ancient path that was once used by youngsters going to school, and climbs up to the low hilltops which give great views over the coastal area and out to sea.
You can vary your route - anything from an hour to half a day - sticking to the line of the old track or climbing higher. It's great terrain for walking or running over big rocks and hopping across boggy ground (even on a morning of fierce showers of hail and snow!).
Along with the photos, it should give a reasonable idea of what it's like walking (or running) over this rugged but scenic landscape.
- I'll remember most running along the line of the historic old track
- The best bit was jumping from rock to rock, up and down the hill
- The worst bit was the biting wind, but it made it feel more of a challenge!
- I was surprised by the neat cairn and stone hut on the way up the hillside
- A word of warning is to take care not to slip on the patches of very wet mossy ground
- Also be aware that the line of the old track is broken and boggy in places so good boots are required.
Story by Andrew Llanwarne
< Back to Outer Hebrides: Harris and Lewis page with links to other stories
Key Facts
| Location | Lackalee, Kyles Stockinish and Grosebay, East Harris |
| Date walked | April 2008 |
| Walk type | Countryside and easy hill walks |
| Difficulty | Requires some fitness and care. Difficult underfoot in places. |
| Distance | 5 miles / 8 km for full circuit |
| Height climbed | 200m |
| Time taken | 3 hrs |
| Map used | OS Landranger 1:50,000 Sheet 14 - Tarbert and Loch Seaforth |
| Walk source info | Studying the map, and a leaflet on "The Harris Walkway" from Tourist Information Centre, 50p. |
| Getting there | By car ferry from Uig on Skye, then driving south from Tarbert |
| Places to stay | Many hotels, guest houses and self-catering, including Crowlin at Lackalee |
| Disabled access | No |
