The Clisham (Scottish Gaelic: An Cliseam) is a mountain on North Harris, Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.[4] At 799 metres (2,621 ft), it is the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides and the archipelago's only Corbett.[1] Climbers often encounter light rain and boggy and muddy terrain.[7][8]

Clisham
Scottish Gaelic: An Cliseam
View of the Clisham from Ardhasaig
Highest point
Elevation799 m (2,621 ft)[1]
Prominence799 m (2,621 ft)[2]
Isolation82.62 km (271,100 ft)[3]
Coordinates57°57′49.32″N 6°48′45″W / 57.9637000°N 6.81250°W / 57.9637000; -6.81250[4]
Dimensions
Length4.9 km (3.0 mi)[5]
Naming
Native nameAn Cliseam (Scottish Gaelic)
English translationRocky cliff[6]
PronunciationScottish Gaelic: [əŋ ˈkʰliʃəm]
Defining authorityNa h-Eileanan an Iar
Geography
LocationIsle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
CountryScotland, United Kingdom
OS gridNB154073

There are a number of paths up to the Clisham's peak. The fastest way to the summit begins at the car park at the bridge along the A859 road between Stornoway and Tarbert and southeast of the mountain.[8][5] When the visibility is clear, the view from the summit shows all of the Clisham horseshoe peaks: An t-Isean, Mulla bho Dheas, Mulla bho Thuath, and Mullach an Langa.[8] From the southwest side of the peak, Coire Dubh Slabs is visible, and from the north is Aonaig Mhòr.[9]

A more advanced hike traverses the Clisham horseshoe beginning at the northern part of the Abhainn Scaladail and moving upstream to the foot of the Mullach an Langa ridge.[10] The distance of the Horseshoe is about 12.5 km.[8] Another advanced path along the horseshoe starts at the northwest along the ridge made by the Mullach an Langa, Mulla-Fo-Thuath and Mulla-Fo-Dheas.[11]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Walks on Harris". Explore Scotland. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  2. ^ "An Cliseam". Guide to Scotland's Hills and Mountains. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  3. ^ "Isolation for Clisham". Peak Bagger. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Clisham". The Editors of the Gazetteer for Scotland. 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Andy (n.d.). "Outer Hebrides Walk: An Cliseam, Isle of Harris". Walking Britain. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  6. ^ Bailey, Dan. Great Mountain Days in Scotland: 50 Classic Hillwalking Challenges. p. 250.
  7. ^ "An Cliseam [Clisham]". Hill Bagging. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d Laing, Katie (6 November 2019). "Explore the outdoors: View from the top of Clisham horseshoe on Lewis is worth the climb". The Press and Journal. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  9. ^ "An Cliseam". UK Climbing. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  10. ^ "Clisham (An Cliseam) horseshoe". WalkHighlands. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  11. ^ "Clisham Horseshoe". Visit Outer Hebrides. n.d. Retrieved 13 February 2022.