Scalpay is a compact island in the Outer Hebrides, connected to Harris by a road bridge, offering diverse landscapes for outdoor pursuits. The island features a rugged coastline, expansive moorland, and numerous small lochs, providing varied terrain for exploration. Its natural environment supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. This tranquil setting makes Scalpay a suitable destination for those seeking active engagement with nature.
Scalpay provides a selection of routes for various outdoor activities, with more than 2,000 visitors having shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hiking in Scalpay includes options from coastal paths to moorland trails, such as the Hiking around Scalpay guide, which covers routes like the Scalpay Heritage Trail. Cyclists can explore the island's single-track roads, which offer scenic views, with specific options detailed in Road Cycling Routes around Scalpay. For those interested in a gentler pace, Family-friendly hikes around Scalpay are available, alongside routes suitable for jogging across the island's varied terrain.
30
Routes
4.8
(99)
Average rating
1180
People visited

4.9
(26)
159
hikers
10.2km
02:45
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(28)
171
hikers
5.39km
01:27
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(6)
25
hikers
12.6km
04:20
670m
670m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
25
hikers
2.61km
00:42
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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22
riders
53.1km
03:32
840m
840m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

8
riders
49.3km
04:04
990m
980m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
48
riders
52.9km
03:25
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
41
riders
46.1km
02:55
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

3
runners
10.6km
01:15
210m
210m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(4)
294
riders
106km
04:47
1,170m
1,170m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
25
riders
35.2km
01:40
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
25
riders
34.0km
01:39
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.0
(2)
22
riders
18.8km
01:00
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Scalpay offers opportunities for hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, and jogging. The island's diverse landscapes provide varied terrain for these activities, with more than 2,000 visitors having shared their experiences.
Popular hiking routes include the circular walk around Scalpay Island, which is approximately 6.3 miles (10.2 km) long. Another notable route leads to the historic Eilean Glas Lighthouse, covering about 3.3 miles (5.4 km). The Scalpay Heritage Trail also offers well-marked paths. For more details, see Hiking around Scalpay.
Scalpay is suitable for both touring and road cycling, featuring single-track roads with scenic coastal views. Dedicated routes are available for cyclists. Information can be found in guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Scalpay and Cycling around Scalpay.
Scalpay offers routes suitable for families, including leisurely strolls through wild machair and moorland. These paths are generally less strenuous and provide an enjoyable experience for all ages. Specific options are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes around Scalpay guide.
Key attractions include the historic Eilean Glas Lighthouse, one of Scotland's earliest lighthouses. Beinn Scorabhaig, the island's highest point at 104 meters, offers expansive views. The rugged coastline and the North and South Harbours are also notable features.
Scalpay is connected to the Isle of Harris by a road bridge, which was built in 1998. This connection makes the island easily accessible for visitors. The island is part of the Outer Hebrides.
Scalpay provides options for less strenuous walks, suitable for beginners or those seeking a gentler experience. These routes often traverse coastal paths or well-maintained tracks. The Easy hikes around Scalpay guide offers specific suggestions.
The highest point on Scalpay is Beinn Scorabhaig, which rises to 104 meters. From its summit, expansive views across the Outer Hebrides and towards Skye and the mainland are available on clear days.
Komoot offers several guides for Scalpay, including Hiking around Scalpay, Cycling around Scalpay, and Family-friendly hikes around Scalpay. There are also guides for easy hikes, road cycling, and running trails.
Routes in Scalpay have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on contributions from more than 2,000 visitors who have explored the island's trails and roads.
Scalpay features a diverse range of landscapes, including a rugged coastline spanning 14 miles, heather-clad moorland, and numerous small freshwater lochs (lochans). The island's geology is predominantly Lewisian gneiss, one of the oldest rock formations globally.
Yes, Scalpay's circular walks through wild machair and moorland, as well as its well-maintained roads, are suitable for jogging. These routes allow for enjoyment of the fresh air and picturesque surroundings. The Running Trails around Scalpay guide provides specific options.

