With a week to go until the start of the inaugural Harris Mountain Festival, the North Harris Trust is today throwing down the gauntlet to keen hillwalkers everywhere – come to Harris and see if you are fit enough to complete our spectacular 5 Peaks Challenge. Taking in five of the most prominent and spectacular peaks on the island, the Challenge is part of a campaign by the Trust to promote the area’s unrivalled hillwalking attractions.
Long famed for its beautiful beaches and intricate, rocky coastline, Harris has some of the finest but least visited mountains in Britain. Wild, remote glens, stunning, island dotted seascapes and more golden eagles than just about anywhere in the UK, the island remains surprisingly unknown to the majority of hillwalkers in Scotland and beyond.
The 5 Peaks Challenge aims to change this, by highlighting some of the area’s finest peaks. Taking in An Cliseam, Tiorgha Mhòr, Toddun, Beinn Dhubh & Roineabhal, the Challenge is a great test of mountain fitness, as well as a chance to visit some beautiful and rarely visited Hebridean summits.
And as a special incentive for thirsty climbers, anyone climbing at least three of the five peaks during the week of the Harris Mountain Festival (24 September – 1 October) will be able to claim a dram of a specially blended Festival Whisky from the Harris Hotel in Tarbert. Challenge leaflets – which will need to be stamped at each summit visited – are available from the Tarbert Tourist Information Centre and outlets throughout the village.
After enjoying their dram, visitors will be able to enjoy the wealth of entertainment taking place during Festival Week. Events and activities include presentations by well known broadcaster Cameron McNeish and leading wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell, guided walks, top mountain films, sea kayaking taster sessions, a community hike and a special Festival Finale Ceilidh. Visit the website for full details.