The first dedicated long-distance walking route connecting the islands of the Outer Hebrides will officially open this week.
The 156-mile Hebridean Way crosses 10 islands, six causeways and two ferry routes from Vatersay in the south to Lewis in the north.
The project’s backers hope it will soon be considered one of Scotland’s “iconic” long distance routes and help boost the vital tourism sector on the isles.
The route, which was developed by Western Isles Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage, is the only dedicated walking trail to traverse the archipelago.
It complements the separate 185-mile cycling route, which was launched last year with the help of endurance cyclist and adventurer Mark Beaumont.
By joining existing tracks, newly created paths and stretches of quiet country road, visitors to the islands and local residents will be offered the chance to enjoy the wildlife, ancient castles, stone circles, freshwater lochs, and distilleries along the way.
The Coffin Road on Harris, which provided a vital link between the settlements in the east and the burial grounds of the west, can also be experienced, with the Lews Castle Museum acting as a starting or finishing point on the journey.
The Hebridean Way will be officially launched at the Visit Scotland Expo in Glasgow this week, where the team behind it will be encouraging walking enthusiasts to become “pioneers” of the route.
They will be asked to provide feedback on their experiences along the way to help refine both route and its resources in the months to come.
Ian Fordham, of Outer Hebrides Tourism, said: “We are delighted to be launching the Hebridean Way Walking Route this week, and looking forward to hearing about the experiences of the walkers who are the first to tackle it.
“Members of the Hebridean Way Project Team will listen to all feedback as we continue to develop the infrastructure and information provision so that we can ensure the Hebridean Way routes go from strength to strength to secure a place alongside other iconic long distance routes in Scotland.”