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Clisham

Mountain

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.

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In this guide

Clisham essentials

Country: United Kingdom
Driest months: Apr-Jun
Pay in: Pound (£)
Language: English

Clisham at a Glance

About Clisham

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Clisham

Summit attempts are safest in summer when routes are least affected by winter snow and storms.

Summer
June-August · 8-15°C
Best weather window for clear views and lower winds.
Late spring-early autumn
May & September · 5-12°C
Quieter on paths but more variable weather; long daylight hours in summer aid summit bids.

Weather & Climate near Clisham

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 20 Good
Best Time to Visit
MayJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
23°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor 1° - 5° -3° 189 mm overcast 85% 9.9 m/s 0.0 low 7.1h
February Poor 1° - 5° -3° 142 mm overcast 84% 9.7 m/s 0.1 low 9.2h
March Poor 2° - 6° -2° 167 mm overcast 84% 9.3 m/s 0.3 low 11.6h
April Poor 3° - 8° 0° 103 mm overcast 83% 7.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.1h
May Acceptable 5° - 11° 4° 85 mm overcast 83% 7.2 m/s 1.0 moderate 16.4h
June Acceptable 8° - 13° 10° 92 mm overcast 84% 7.1 m/s 1.2 high 17.6h
July Poor 10° - 15° 12° 108 mm overcast 85% 6.6 m/s 1.1 high 17.0h
August Poor 10° - 14° 12° 123 mm overcast 85% 6.5 m/s 0.8 moderate 15.0h
September Poor 8° - 12° 7° 169 mm overcast 85% 7.7 m/s 0.5 low 12.6h
October Poor 6° - 10° 3° 199 mm overcast 85% 8.8 m/s 0.2 low 10.1h
November Poor 3° - 7° 0° 201 mm overcast 84% 8.9 m/s 0.0 low 7.8h
December Poor 2° - 6° -2° 190 mm overcast 84% 9.0 m/s 0.0 low 6.4h
Getting There & Around

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.