Clisham Mountain
Highest mountain of the Outer Hebrides with rugged ridges
On the Isle of Harris, Clisham is the Outer Hebrides' highest peak; hillwalkers tackle steep ridges for wide views over Lewis, sea lochs and heather moor.
Clisham is the highest mountain of the Outer Hebrides, located on the Isle of Harris in Scotland, with a summit at 799 metres. It is the island’s most prominent upland feature and a frequent objective for hillwalkers.
The mountain does not have a significant built history; it has long been used for grazing and local hillwalking and features in modern recreational mapping and guidebooks.
Situated in North Harris, Clisham rises above the surrounding moorland and loch-filled terrain of the Outer Hebrides, accessible from the island’s road network and near the settlement of Tarbert.
- Height: Summit elevation is 799 metres, making it the highest point in the Outer Hebrides.
- Access: Common ascent routes start from the A859 road and from the village of Tarbert, with steep, path-exposed sections on the climb.
How to Get to Clisham#
Trailheads are accessed from Harris roads; the common approach begins near the village of Tarbert. The island is served by ferry and local flights to Stornoway; from there drive or use local transport to Harris.
Tips for Visiting Clisham#
- Start early to avoid afternoon cloud banks that can roll in and spoil summit views.
- Check tide and ferry schedules for outer-Hebridean crossings if combining the climb with island travel.
- Wear windproof layers; the mountain's exposed ridges magnify sea-swept weather.
Best Time to Visit Clisham#
Summit attempts are safest in summer when routes are least affected by winter snow and storms.
Weather & Climate near Clisham#
Clisham's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1768 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (167 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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September
September is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (199 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (201 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
