Harris & Scalpay
Outer Hebrides (Western Isles)
Luskentyre and the hills of North Harris
TOP 7 THINGS TO DO ON THE ISLE OF HARRIS
Here are just some of the things to see and do on the Isle of Harris:
- Scenery - sandy beaches and rugged hills
- Food and Drink - lots of local produce including seafood and gin from the Isle of Harris distillery
- Outdoor Activities - such as hill walking, tennis, golf, watersports
- Wildlife - birds of prey, sea birds, seals and deer
- Boat trips - discover St Kilda or the Shiant islands
- Art and crafts - lots of art galleries, craft studios, plus Harris Tweed gifts & accessories made here on the islands
- History - standing stones & Rodel Church
Harris is a beautiful island of contrasts with spectacular scenery and a unique unspoilt atmosphere. In the west are vast expanses of white sand whilst the north and east are rugged, rocky places which make you think you have reached the moon. There are very few trees so look out for those in Tarbert, Borve, Horgabost and Luskentyre and make the most of them. In the Bays area, the lunar landscape is indented with hundreds of little lochs and on a clear day you can see over to the Isle of Skye.
Here in the Western Isles (also known as the Outer Hebrides) the landscape and history of Harris, together with the hospitality of its people provide a wonderful escape from the pressures of modern life. With luck you may even see otters, seals, eagles or dolphins. Deer tend to keep to the high ground during the summer, but sometimes you can see them near Ardhasaig and Ardvoulie along the main road from Tarbert to Stornoway. In the summer months there are many colourful wild flowers to be seen on the machair. My grandmother was born here in Tarbert, so for me it is a very special place.
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To enjoy Harris and neighbouring Lewis at the nice slow pace they deserve, you really need 3 or 4 days. After that you will have fallen in love with the islands and will probably want to return for a week or more on your next visit! Combined with the islands of the Uists and Barra to the south, you could easily spend 2 weeks here and still not want to go home. |
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You can often see what look like patterns on the hillsides of Harris. These are the so-called Lazy Beds (and yet life was hard!) where the crofters used to grow potatoes and a few vegetables. They managed to cut strips of land between the rocks and fertilise what little soil there was with enough seaweed to provide them with a bit of something to put with the fish they caught. Today you will still see them cutting peat for fuel.
The famous Harris tweed is made all over both Harris and Lewis. It can be bought in many of the islands' shops and also direct from the weavers (at Luskentyre for example or Plocrapool). Genuine Harris tweed bears the orb symbol, the mark of the Harris Tweed Association. The wool is Scottish in origin (often from the islands, although not always), but for it to be classed as Harris Tweed, it must be spun, dyed, finished and woven in the Hebrides.
The Isles of Lewis and Harris featured in the BBC Call the Midwife Christmas special (December 2019). Filming took place at Rodel church (Isle of Harris), Luskentyre beach (Harris) and Eilean Glas Lighthouse (Scalpay), as well as the Callanish / Calanais standing stones (Lewis) and Gearrannan black house village (Lewis). The cast stayed at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle (Harris).
Sightseeing - Accommodation - Books
How to get to Harris
Main vehicle ferry:
A ferry runs from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbert, the main village on Harris. It takes 1 hour 35 minutes to cross the Minch. Vehicle reservation required. Look out for dolphins.
The official Caledonian Macbrayne web site lists the current timetables in detail. There are fewer sailings in winter. Check with CalMac for alternative arrangements including a ferry from Ullapool to Lochmaddy, sailings on other routes and also shuttle bus services.Vehicle ferry between Harris and North Uist / Berneray:
A ferry sails from Leverburgh on the southern coast of Harris across to the island of Berneray which is now joined by a causeway to North Uist. Numerous trips a day during the summer, but less in winter (October to Easter). Journey time: 1 hour.
The official Caledonian Macbrayne web site lists the current timetables in detail.Although treated as two separate islands with distinct characteristics, Harris and Lewis form a single landmass. This means you can drive from one to the other. The main road between Stornoway (Lewis) and Tarbert (Harris) is 37 miles which takes about an hour by car or bus. See How to get to Lewis by air and ferry.
Non-landing cruises from Uig (Isle of Skye) to North Uist and/or the Isle of Harris are available on certain days from April to October. Book your tickets at the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry office in Uig (tel: 01470 542219). View Calmac cruises brochure.
Buses:
There are lots of different bus routes on Harris and Lewis. Visit the local council web site for the bus timetables.
You can generally pick up free sheets with timetables for each local route from the tourist office. Buses generally run in time with the ferries and there are less in winter than in summer.Outdoor Activities:
You can walk or cycle across the Outer Hebrides from Vatersay/Barra to Harris/Lewis on the Hebridean Way. Read more about the route for Cycling (180 miles) or Walking (156 miles). Dowload PDF leaflets from VisitOuterHebrides.
The Isle of Harris Marina Hub has pontoons at Tarbert and Scalpay to accommodation small vessels such as yachts and cruise ship tenders. Tel: 01859 502216.
The landing pontoon at Horgabost is operated by the West Harris Trust and is available April to mid-September.
In South Harris, a landing pontoon is sited close to the pier and the lifeboat station at Leverburgh.The Hebridean Whale Trail website shows you maps of the best places to spot whales including Huisinis (Isle of Harris) and Eilean Glas (Isle of Scalpay).
- Hidden Hebrides specialises in island walking holidays and tours of Lewis, Harris, the Uists and Barra, as well as guided walking day tours on Lewis and Harris. Contact Mick Blunt on 07724 150015.
- Guided walks in Harris are available from April to October. See golden eagles, whales, seals, otters, deer. Contact the Ranger service - tel: 01859 502 222
- Hebridean Fishing Experience is based at Borrisdale on Harris, and offers rock fishing, saltwater fly fishing, angling with a local guide, etc. Tackle hire also available. Telephone 07890484260.
- Mike Briggs offers a professional hill walking guide service for visitors to Harris. Tel: 01859 502376.
- North-West Frontiers offer trips to the Highlands and Hebrides with various departure dates enabling you to visit Harris & Lewis plus Skye and the Ullapool area. Ideal to get a real taste of the west coast. They also have trips concentrating exclusively on Harris.
- Wilderness Scotland offer a wide range of guided walking holidays, wilderness expeditions and historical journeys in Skye and the Western Isles, plus other areas of the Scottish Highlands.
Special self-guided walking or cycling holidays along the length of the Outer Hebrides, from the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis to the southern-most point on the Island of Barra. All transport, accommodation and bike hire are arranged for you, including optional luggage transfer.
Also combined sailing/walking holidays with accommodation and meals onboard a yacht. Can include St Kilda.- C-N-Do Scotland organises 7-day guided walking holidays in the Hebrides, covering Harris, Lewis and the Uists.
Snorkel Trail:
In 2017, The North Harris Trust launched the North Harris Snorkel Trail which includes 6 sites where you can explore marine life in clear waters from beautiful beaches including Huisinish. North Harris Snorkel Trail leaflet download (PDF).Fishing:
Harris has 8 fisheries throughout the island - click here for list.
Obbe Fishing near Leverburgh offers salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing from mid April to late October. Boats and ghillies (guides) are available. Contact Tim Armstrong - tel: 01859 520466.
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Boat Trips:
Info: Shiant Isles
- St Kilda
Boat trips and kayaking are also available on Lewis. |
 Shiants copyright the Internet Guide to Scotland 2006
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Car Hire
Isle of Harris Car Hire is the only company based in Harris (Main Street, Tarbert). Tel: 07825222020.Bike Hire
Sorrel Cottage B&B which is 1.5 miles from the ferry point in Leverburgh. Tel: 01859 520319.Tours:
- Love Hebrides offers day tours (5-6 hours) to Harris and/or Lewis by 8-seater minibus from Stornoway. The Isle of Harris Day Tour departs from Stornoway at 10.30am and includes Tarbert, Luskentyre beach, Leverburgh, Rodel Church, plus a visit to a Harris Tweed weaver (admission fee not included in tour price). The Isle of Lewis day tour starts at 10.30am from Stornoway and includes visits to the Arnol Black house, Dalbeg and Bosta beach, Callanish Stones, Carloway Broch. There's also a combined Harris and Lewis tour so you can see both islands on the same day. Contact 07803808229.
- Based on Lewis, Albannach Guided Tours can offer private tours and tour planning (including accommodation) throughout the Hebrides, Scotland and other Celtic countries. Les McInulty is a 'Blue Badge' Gaelic-speaking driver-guide available for hire from 1 hour to 2 weeks. Either for private car, minibus, coach or for guided walks. Lewis & Harris taxi service available. Specialises in day trips to places on the islands which are not accessible by public transport. Tel/Fax: 01851 830433. Mobile: 0774 711 7870.
- Out And About Tours can offer personal guided tours of Harris & Lewis (half day, full day or longer), as well as 4-night walking and sightseeing packages with hotel accommodation for individuals and/or small groups. Contact Chris Ryan. Tel: 01851 612288.
Rabbie's offer award-winning 5 Star tours in a 16 seat Mercedes minicoach. TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2018, British Travel Awards 2017 and 2018. Options include:
- 3-day trip to the Outer Hebrides from Inverness
- 5-day tour to the Outer Hebrides & Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh
- 6-day tour to the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides from Edinburgh
Travellers' Tips
Petrol (gasoline) is available Monday to Saturday only at Tarbert (from the garage at the back of the Harris Hotel), at Ardhasaig (just a couple of miles north of there) and at Leverburgh. Petrol is also available on Lewis at Stornoway.
Harris Taxi - mobile: 07500450387.The people of the Western Isles are well known for the warm welcome they give visitors. They will often go out of their way to help visitors. Many of the locals will pick up hitch-hikers.
Please note that the people of Lewis and Harris have strong religious beliefs and visitors should respect this during their stay. This means that Sunday is a day of rest for them and shops are usually closed. The road signs are in Gaelic here and the language is still spoken by the islanders.
Events
Visit Outer Hebrides offers a regular weekly update with local events listings in the islands.
Local events include the Harris Mod (early June), Harris half marathon (late July / early August), South Harris Agricultural Show at Leverburgh (late July), Harris Arts Festival (June / July), plus other festivals too.
Craft markets take place fortnightly during the summer at the Tarbert Community Centre and monthly at Leverburgh Village Hall.
The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Festival will take place in the islands this year from 24 June - 1 July 2023.For more local events listings on Harris & Lewis, visit welovestornoway.com
Sightseeing
TARBERT
With a population over 500, Tarbert is the capital of Harris. The village only dates back to 1779 when it was established as a fishing settlement. Gradually it took over from Rodel which had always been the historical capital of Harris.
Here you will find a branch of the Bank of Scotland, two grocery stores, hardware store, post office, hairdressers, 2 hotels with bars, an inn, and a filling station. One of the island's Asian families runs a shop in the main street which sells clothes, shoes, gifts, toiletries, household goods and just about everything you can think of. Mobile shops selling bakery products, fish and groceries tour the island and make regular stops in Tarbert. A mobile Royal Bank of Scotland also visits the village and other parts of Harris.
Buth Bheag Candle Co is a small shop on Main Street which sells hand-made soy wax candles and diffusers.First Fruits Tearoom on the road leading down to the pier is usually open in the daytime from Monday to Saturday from April - September. Tel: 01859 50 24 39.
For lunch and dinner, you have a choice of the Harris Hotel (bar meals and restaurant), the Harris Inn (adjacent to the hotel) which serves bar meals including a takeaway menu, and the Hotel Hebrides (lounge bar and restaurant, plus a takeaway menu).
There's also the take-away shop called AD's in Main Street (Tel: 01859 502700).Harris Tweed Isle-of-Harris is a shop and warehouse offering clothing, gifts and lengths of tweed to buy at the head of East Loch in Tarbert (tel: 01859 502 040). Open Monday-Saturday. Just look for the cream coloured building with red roof by the road junction. This is a family business with another outlet in Drinshader.
The Isle of Harris Distillery in Tarbert produces a single malt called The Hearach (Gaelic for an inhabitant of the island) and gin. Guided tours with tastings are available. Booking is highly recommended - telephone 01859502212 The shop is open Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm. The cafe bar is open in the summer season.
Tarbert has a sports centre including swimming pool, spa, sauna and fitness suite at the school.
Public telephones can be found in various locations: where vehicles queue for the ferry, opposite the post office and near the school. Public toilets, luggage lockers and a cash machine (ATM) are available in the Essence of Harris building near the car park in the centre of the village near the pier. Essence of Harris is one of the tourist information Welcome Points in the Hebrides.
Buses run from the car park here to other parts of Harris and up to Stornoway on Lewis. On certain days, guided coach tours are made to Lewis and also South Harris - contact Hebridean Transport (tel: 01851 705050) or ask at the tourist office.
North-West Harris
A day or half-day excursion can be made by heading out of Tarbert on the main road to Stornoway. After 3 miles, you will reach Ardhasaig with its combined grocers and petrol station.
The Hebscape Gallery & Tearoom is open Tuesday to Saturday 11am - 5.30pm from April to October (tel: 01859 502363).
Ardhasaig House is a small hotel with a highly recommended restuarant focusing on local produce and seafood (open for evening meals but not lunches). Booking essential (tel: 01859 50 2500).
The Hebridean Design Company features embroidered art and handmade glass by Doug and Kate. Toilets, free WiFi, tea/coffee and home baking. Open Monday to Saturday. Tel: 01859 502644.Near Ardhasaig the B887 road branches off to the west. This narrow road twists and turns up and down through the hills along a very scenic route. Here are the main sights:
BUNAVONEADAR
Here stand the remains of the old whaling station which was built by the Norwegians in the early part of the 20th century. Closed during the First World War, it re-opened afterwards and was bought by Lord Leverhulme 1922. One of his ideas was to turn whale meat into sausages for people in Africa, but this scheme (like most of his others) was a failure. By 1925 Leverhulme was dead and a few years later the whaling station was abandoned. In 1950 it was taken over by another Norwegian who operated it for two years before it was finally closed down. Today its huge chimney stands as a reminder of more prosperous times and there is now talk that it might be turned into a visitors' attraction to explain the history of whaling in the islands. The station was mentioned by 'Peter Pan' author Sir James Barrie in the play 'Mary Rose' that he wrote in 1920 whilst staying at Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. My great-uncle, Captain Henry MacKenzie, used to tow the whale catching boats with his ocean-going tug 'Forager'.Not far from here the island's only tennis court (built in 1998) sits on a base of 2,000 tons of rock taken from Clisham. Quite a unique location!
EAGLE OBSERVATORY
The North Harris Eagle Observatory is near Mevaig (about 4 miles along the road after the whaling station). At the head of the loch, there is a car park surrounded by a stone wall and from here you take a gated track for 2 km leading north up Glen Mevaig. The Observatory is open to the public all year round.
This is just one of the places to visit on the Outer Hebrides Birds of Prey Trail.
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AMHUINNSUIDHE CASTLE
(pronounced 'avin-suey')
The road runs past the front door, so you can't miss it, but unfortunately you
can't stop to admire the view because of the 'No parking' sign.
However there is nothing to stop you parking your car before you reach the gates and having a stroll down the road. It is not open to the public but offers accommodation mainly for fishing and shooting on the estate. Please respect the owners' privacy.
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Built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1868, it was recently owned by the Bulmer family of cider fame until its purchase by Ian Scarr-Hall in 2003 as part of a joint bid with the islanders who now own the North Harris estate.
Visit the official web site: Amhuinnsuidhe.com. You can get married here or rent the castle for a week for your own house party with fishing and shooting included. 12 bedrooms. Corporate events are also catered for. Short Breaks available for individuals on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (minimum stay 2 nights).
Their new estate shop is located in The Stables (just beyond the castle) with a range of local produce, books, confectionary, ice creams and soft drinks. Honesty box when not staffed.
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HUSHINISH BAY AND THE ISLE OF SCARP
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Small deposits of asbestos were once found on Scarp. There is a great coastal walk from Hushinish which will lead you to some of the bird colonies on Harris. You do need a head for heights to get through one of the sections though. I haven't tried it myself....
The Huisinis Gateway opened in 2017 and provides toilets and showers, as well as indoor picnic benches. An ideal shelter for those stormy days, there is also an interpretation area with information on the local landscape and history.
A new camper-van site has been built 400 metres before you reach the village, offering electric hook-up points. Payment by donation box. Water and chemical disposal available at the main Huisinis Gateway car park.
Copyright The Internet Guide to ScotlandColin Palmer took a series of photos of Scarp.
North Harris
If you continue on the main Tarbert to Stornoway road, you will pass Clisham which at 799 metres is the highest mountain on Harris. On the right is the turn to Maaruig and Rhenigidale. The road drops steeply, then rises again to give you a roller-coaster ride by car. With the hairpin bend and blind summit, it's not the easiest road for nervous drivers. It follows the route of the old track that was used up until recently to access the village. In the days before the road, the only way to reach Rhenigidale was by boat or by one of two tracks. By this route, the village is 13 miles from Tarbert.
Just before the road finally descends to Rhenigidale (where there's a youth hostel and a few houses), you will see a small sign indicating the start of a track to Tarbert. It descends to a group of deserted old houses and winds its way up, down and around the inlet until you have a steep climb zig-zagging up the hill on the other side. Before the summit, another track branches off to the left to the deserted village of Molinginish. Don't take this track unless you want the extra walk there and back. Continue upwards to the cairn at the top of the hill. You then start to head down to Laxadale Lochs which are at the end of this 4-mile track from Rhenigidale. The picturesque Laxadale Lochs are about 2 miles south of Tarbert.
Further up the Tarbert to Stornoway road is white-washed Ardvourlie Castle (not open to the public). Just north of Ardvourlie you pass through Bowglas. The river here marks the boundary between Harris and Lewis. If you look up Loch Seaforth, you will see Seaforth Island which is half in Harris and half in Lewis. Sometimes dolphins can be seen in this sea loch.
The Scaladale Centre is a newly built residential centre near Ardvourlie Castle. Run by Lewis and Harris Youth Clubs Association (LHYCA), it offers self catering accommodation for up to 28 people in dorms of 4 to 6 people (some with en-suite facilities). It can be used by youth groups, schools or businesses and also provides outdoor activities such as kayaking, archery, guided walks and abseiling for groups. Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01859 502 502.
Just by here there is a 1000 metre track up the hillside with spectacular views over Loch Seaforth. Car park at Scaladale Centre or just along the road. This is the start of the 'Harris Walkway' which is a series of paths leading all the way to south Harris.
In 2003, the people of Harris were proud to purchase the land which is now run by them as the North Harris Trust.
South Harris Here are some of the sights that can be found on the 50-mile circular trip around the south part of the island. If you are driving, please note that even though the west coast road is quite good, the east coast road is narrow and twisting, so it will take a couple of hours to get all the way around even if you don't stop to admire the scenery. Start by driving down the east coast with its rugged landscape and miniature fjords, then come back up the west coast and marvel at the beaches.
Take the main road heading south from Tarbert. After a few miles, it branches off to the left on what is called the Golden Road. Explanations vary as to the origin of its name. It was said at the time that it cost so much to build, it must be made of gold. I prefer the more romantic version given in a French guide book which tells of travellers seeing the way ahead paved with gold when it was just the sun shining on the scattered lochs.
| The east coast of Harris is known as The Bays for its miniature fjiords. Otters and seals can often be seen here. The road seems to go on forever up and down, round and round through a dozen townships betraying a mixture of Norse and Gaelic origins: Likisto, Geocrab, Beacravik, Manish. Mile after mile of rugged, windswept terrain surrounds you on every side. |  |
Look out for the sign to Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery at Drinishader. Run by Willie Fulton whose magnificently dramatic paintings can be seen at the Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert. Open from 12 - 5pm, Monday - Saturday, April to October. You may also see his wife Moira who also paints. Tel: 01859 511218. The gallery has been awarded 5 stars by VisitScotland.
The shop for Harris Tweed and Knitwear is located in the Old School at Drinishader (tel: 01859 511189). They also have a dedicated exhibition about Harris Tweed and sometimes you can see weaving demonstrations. The owner is Catherine Campbell, daughter of Katie who used to give weaving demonstrations at her home and shop in Plocrapool.
The Bays Community Centre is worth a stop - home baking, toilets and Internet access. It is situated at Leac a' Li near the road junction where you can cut across to the west coast (along what was the old coffin route). Open summer only Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. Tel: 01859 530444.
Just a few miles to the south, Skoon Art Cafe at Geocrab offers cakes, coffees & teas, and is a showcase for oil paintings by Andrew John Craig and other artists. Scottish music CDs are also available to buy. Opening times March - October: Tuesday - Saturday (10am-5pm), and November - February Friday - Saturday (11am-4pm). Tel: 01859 530268
Holmasaig Gallery at Quidinish has paintings by Margarita Williams. Tel: 01859 530401.
The Mission House Studio (photography and ceramics) at Finsbay is open Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm from March to October. Tel: 01859 530 227.
The Finsbay Gallery shows work from many local artists. Tel: 01859 530244.
The Mission House Studio showcases ceramics and photography by Beka and Nicholai Globe. Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm during the summer. Tel: 01859 530 227.Before finally reaching Lingarabay, you can take a detour which cuts across the south-east corner of Harris from Finsbay to Leverburgh. Here you will pass Loch Langavat which is the island's largest stretch of fresh water. In the summer you can see evidence of a lot of peat-cutting. From the road you can see peats that have been stacked up in pyramids to dry.
RODEL
If you continue on the Golden Road right to the very end, just before you turn the corner and start to head west, take a walk over to the remains of a broch about 150 metres from the road (map grid reference NG 050831). Shortly afterwards you will arrive at the village of Rodel at the south-eastern tip of Harris.Rodel was once the historic capital, religious centre and the main port of Harris. Today it is hard to realise the importance of this windswept place, but fortunately Saint Clement's Church enables us to understand something of its former significance.
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Cruciform in shape, the church was built around 1500 by the Macleods of Dunvegan
and Harris. In 1784 the church was rebuilt by Captain Alexander MacLeod. Three
years later there was a fire and he had to repair his work. In 1873 it was
restored under the orders of the Countess of Dunmore. Today it is in the care of
Historic Environment Scotland. It is thought that the sandstone used inside and around the
windows might have been imported from Carsaig on Mull.
In days gone by the key used to be held at the local hotel where visitors had to go and fetch it. Nowadays, with so many visitors coming here, the key is kept attached to the door. Inside to the right of the entrance is a marble plaque noting the restoration by the Countess of Dunmore. |
Today, at 20 metres long and 5 metres wide, the nave runs directly into the choir, but these might originally have been divided by a timber structure. In the north transept four graveslabs are displayed against the wall. These were moved from their original position in the choir floor to protect them. A fifth graveslab came from a caibeal outside near the tower.
The church's main point of interest are the three tombs carved in black gneiss depicting knights in armour. One of these is the tomb of Alisdair Crotach, the 8th Chief of the MacLeods of Dunvegan, who had it sculpted for himself 19 years before his death in 1547. It is decorated with well-preserved panels containing carvings of the 12 Apostles, angels, the Holy Trinity, the 4 Evangelists, a 12-rayed sun, the Virgin and Child, bishops (one is probably Saint Clement), a hunting scene (possibly representing Crotach himself) with dogs and deer, a castle and galley (MacLeod emblems) and Saint Michael and the Devil at the weighing of souls.
The square tower of the church is a unique architectural feature in these parts. Rising 20 metres above the floor of the nave, it was built on a crop of rock which makes it stand at a higher level than the rest of the church. This soon becomes apparent when you climb the dark staircase and see that the first chamber has a door leading to the outside. Continuing up the dark staircase of the tower you reach the second chamber where a wooden ladder takes you into the third chamber where yet another ladder takes you to the top.
When you go into the graveyard, take a look at this door from the outside. Above it is the carving of a bishop (possibly Saint Clement himself) who is supported by a bull's head. Panels to the left and right show various figures. One of these is the earliest known representation of a man in kilt and plaid. The graveyard contains several 'cabeil' (private burial enclosures). Many of these are for prominent local families.
Due to the large number of visitors and bus trips that come here, toilets have been built near the church. If you approach from the east, you will see them easily enough. The outside is decorated with flowers in the summer (enclosed by a fence to keep the sheep out).
Down at the harbour the Rodel Hotel is currently closed.
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LEVERBURGH
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If you wish to walk between Leverburgh and Rodel, there is a route off the main road. It is signposted and part of the way it takes you along the road through the township of Strond with views across the Sound of Harris to North Uist.
You might spot the Blacksheep House with its turf roof - this is an architect designed renovation of a traditional Hebridean Blackhouse, now used for 5 star self catering accommodation.Harris Cycle Hire can be found at Sorrel Cottage B&B which is at Glen Kyles about a mile and a half from the ferry point in Leverburgh. Tel: 01859 520319
Obbe Fishing near Leverburgh offers salmon, sea trout and brown trout fishing from mid April to late October. Boats and ghillies (guides) are available.
ISLE OF SGARABHAIGH (Scaravay)
This tiny uninhabited island in the Sound of Harris can be visited by charter boat. The owner is offering Associate Ownership of the island as a gift package complete with certificate, rights of access, maps, passport, DVD and even a sample of sand and peat. Visit Scaravay.com for full details about this unique gift scheme ('An Island In A Box') and the island itself.NORTHTON
A few miles up the road from Leverburgh, you reach the turn-off to the village of Northton where the white and red painted building on the corner is Seallam!
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It is home to an exhibition on the vast genealogical resources founded by Bill Lawson who lives next door in The Old Schoolhouse. Bill is THE expert on the families of the Western Isles and will research your Hebridean ancestors for a fee. The centre sells various useful data source books specific to the Western Isles, including croft histories, books on local churches and other historical sites, the Isle of Taransay, Hebridean tales, etc. These can also be purchased online via the web site. You can also view some of the resources online via Bill's new site HebridesPeople.com |
The Seallam! visitor centre also contains displays about local wildlife and the formation of the landscape, the way of life of the islanders, peat, Harris Tweed, etc. There is a TV with headphones where you can sit and choose a video. Currently they have 2 special exhibitions about emigration from the Hebrides and about the island of St Kilda.
The centre also sells a selection of local books, music, videos, postcards and photos, and there is a small corner with tea, coffee and biscuits. Disabled access and toilet facilities. Admission fee for the exhibition. In summer it is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. The winter opening hours are Wednesday to Friday (10am - 5pm). Telephone: 01859 520 258.
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Look out for the sign at 13 Northton for the Harris Art Gallery by Dutch artist Suzan Visser-Offereins.
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The village of Northton is basically a group of houses strung out along a single road. Halfway along you will find Croft 36 run by Julie and Steve Olley. This catering shack is open Monday to Friday with fresh bread, cakes, quiches, hot pies, pastries and soup. Using local seasonal produce, they also produce ready to eat meals to take away (menus vary depending on what seafood, meat, game and vegetables are available). They can also deliver meals to holiday homes, campervans and tents if you book in advance. Telephone 01859 520779 / 07500 341888.
At the far end of the village, The Temple Cafe (originally built as a wildlife info centre) has good food, plus a picnic area and toilets. Contact 07876 340416.
You can park here and follow the track from the end of the road for a walk to Rudh'an Teampull and the Toe Head peninsula. Neolithic pottery and bone tools were discovered here in the 1960s. In front of you, the hill called Chaipaval rises 1000 feet out of the sea.
Northton beach photo copyright Beach View Cottages |
If you follow one of the central or left-hand tracks over the grassy machair from Chapaival, you will see a nice little beach. Continue northwards along the coast, past another beach and you can visit the ruins of what is thought to be a 12th century chapel (Rudh'an Teampull) which may have been constructed by the builders of the church at Rodel. It is 6.4 metres long and 3.4 metres wide. Its location is about 2.5 km north-west of Northton. When I was here I saw seals just off the coast. |
After you rejoin the main road, look for the hill called Maodal (250 metres high) which was where an RAF Shackleton aircraft crashed in April 1990, killing all 10 people onboard.
Self catering accommodation in Northton includes Beach View Cottages (4 and 5 star cottages renovated to a high standard).
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SCARISTA
One of the houses in this township is the birthplace of Finlay J. MacDonald who wrote the trilogy of books including "Crowdie and Cream" about growing up on Harris in the 1930s. The Scarista Golf Course has 9 holes overlooking the sea (no play on Sundays). |
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From the road you can see the remains of a standing stone arrangement (map grid reference NG 021939) - check out the guide by Robert Pollock.
Accommodation in Scarista includes Borvemor Cottages (including a traditional thatched black house which you can photograph from the road), and Scarista House (a highly acclaimed hotel with self-catering cottages).
Look out for the award-winning, turf-roofed cottages called Blue Reef Cottages (5 star luxury accommodation, each with 1 bedroom).DUN BUIRGH
Broch, rock carvings and later shielings and corn kiln. 700 metre walk from the main road, mostly along a track (map grid reference NG 033940).BORVE LODGE
The former home of Lord Leverhulme who built the circular walled garden. Not open to visitors.
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NISABOST AND MACLEOD'S STONE - My photos
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Talla na Mara (opened 2017) is a new Community Enterprise Centre owned and managed by the West Harris Trust (tel: 01859 503900). The facility includes an art gallery, design studios, meeting rooms, performance spaces for music, theatre and film. Available for weddings. Over the winter, a takeaway meals menu is available in conjunction with Hotel Hebrides.
There are 3 campervan pitches with electric hook-ups and facilities, plus an outlet electric vehicle chargepoint. .ISLE OF TARANSAY - My photos
Named after Saint Tarran, this island is home to the remains of two chapels. Ancient tradition is that if women were buried in the graveyard of St. Keith's chapel or men in St. Tarran's, the bodies would be disinterred overnight. From the west coast of Harris you can see that the island has a nice-looking stretch of golden sand at its middle.At the turn of the century, 70 people lived here, but by 1961 this had dwindled to 5 members of the Macrae family, and later the island became uninhabited. The BBC used the island as the home for a 'social experiment' by getting 32 people to live as a community on Taransay for a year. Only 25 lasted the whole 12 months.
The genealogy centre at Northton sells a book about the island of Taransay by Bill Lawson Publications.
HORGABOST
Situated in a private garden at number 6 Horgabost is a Neolithic chambered burial cairn of which only the central setting remains. It is clearly visible from the main road at the junction with the road to Glen Horgabost (map grid reference NG 047966).
A little way inland you will see a cluster of trees - make the most of them, they are a welcome sight on Harris. From the township you can go down to Horgabost beach or walk over to Nisabost beach.
Camping (caravans and tents) is permitted based on a honesty box system. Showers, toilets and small kitchen area with fridge/freezer.
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SEILEBOST & LUSKENTYRE
There's a marvellous viewpoint from the road at the top of the hill where you can look across the Seilebost sand dunes to the sands of Luskentyre, with the hills of North Harris in the background. If you take the track signposted to Seilebost school, you can park and walk on the beach. Based in the old school grounds, there are now 4 campervan pitches (but no toilet / shower facilities). |
Luskentyre is signposted off the main road a little further along and a single track road leads you through the village itself. Camping (caravans and tents) is permitted - look for the sign near the first house. Donations to the West Harris Trust are welcome. The road through Luskentyre village goes past the old cemetery. Families often had to bring their own soil from elsewhere on the island before they could lay their dead to rest. You will see the Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company run by weaver Donald John Mackay, MBE (who made the material for the Harris Tweed Nike shoes). Pop in and see him in action (tel: 01859 550 261).
Keep driving to the end of the road and you will find the new cemetery which has a large car park. From here you can walk into the dunes and often walk a mile along the sand before you even see anyone else.
Accommodation in Luskentyre includes Luskentyre Beach Holidays - Atlantic Cottage (5 star self catering) and the Attic Suite B&B.
Accommodation at Seilebost includes:
Sandville self catering cottage and caravan, Beul na Mara B&B and Cottages.Local artists Lesley and Alisdair Wiseman have their Hebrides Art gallery and cafe at Seilebost. Great cakes and gifts. This 5-star visitor attraction is open 10.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday (April to September), except Mondays in April and September. Other times by appointment. Contact mobile: 07500117832.
Walks on Harris
Harris is an excellent island for a variety of walks - hills, beaches, machair, rocky moonscape. However, this is a wild, windswept island where the weather can change very quickly. Make sure you know exactly where you are going before you set off. Warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a map are essential. Ask the locals for their advice or if you want an organised trip of guided hiking.
Halfway between the old whaling station and Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is the village of Meavaig. Just after you cross the bridge, park by the roadside near the estate hut. This is the start of the track to Loch Voshimid where J.M. Barrie got some of his inspiration for 'Mary Rose'. The track runs all the way past Loch Scourst which sits at the bottom of Sron Scourst (491 metres) to Loch Voshimid. You can walk there and back quite easily (8 km return). If you prefer tougher walking and have the necessary experience on the hills then you can continue on from Loch Voshimid to Vigidale. From Meavaig to Vigidale it is a total of 15 km (5-6 hours).
Another walk can be taken just before you reach Amhuinnsuidhe where a path leads to Loch Chliostair (4 km return). Just before the castle, you will see a salmon farm in the loch. A private road on the right of the main road leads through a locked gate and up eventually to the hydro-electric power station. You may wish to cycle this part instead of walk. From the power station, the track climbs to Chliostair dam and from there you will see the loch spread out before you surrounded by hills. A rocky path runs along its right shore and this stretches for some miles into the interior of the island.
From Tarbert take the road to Scalpay. After a couple of miles you reach Laxadale Lochs. A path leads down to the left along the side of the loch. It continues northwards for 7 km to Maaruig (which is just off the main Tarbert to Stornoway road).
Alternatively near the car park at the bottom of the Laxadale Lochs valley, just before the road bends to the right, you can take the path to Rhenigidale over the hills. It will take you about 2 hours to get there. The return journey is 13 km in total.
You can also walk from Maaruig to Rhenigidale to Tarbert which is 9 km one way.
In South Harris, there are several old roads in the east of the island. You can walk from Drinishader to Grosebay to Stockinish or between Plocrapool and Scadabay. There's also a 7-mile track over the hills from Stockinish to Seilebost on the west coast which is signposted from the road. This follows the ancient 'Coffin Track' used by islanders living on the east coast who had to carry their dead to the cemetery at Luskentyre.
Excursions
ISLE OF SCALPAY
This little island (about 2 miles long and 1 mile wide with a population of 300 people) was reached by ferry from Kyles Scalpay (5 miles east of Tarbert) up until December 1997. Now a bridge has been built there providing a permanent link with Harris. This was officially opened in 1998 by Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife. It was the first visit of a serving Prime Minister to the Western Isles.A much earlier famous visitor was Bonnie Prince Charlie who landed on Scalpay on 29 April 1746 when he was looking for a boat to take him over to France.
Be sure to eat at the North Harbour Bistro - winner of the Good Food Award 2019.
On the eastern tip of the island is Eilean Glas where you can still see one of the original lighthouses that was constructed in 1788/9. The new tower was built in 1824. There are footpaths to reach the lighthouse with coloured waymarkers so you can do a circuit (however it is prudent to take a proper map, compass and good boots). The views over to Skye and along the coast are nice on a good day. You can also see the Shiant Isles from here.
Accommodation on Scalpay includes Hirta House B&B and Roineabhal self catering cottage.
NORTH UIST
Why not take the ferry from Leverburgh over to the Isle of North Uist for the day? See the Vehicle ferry from Harris to Uist paragraph at the top of this page for details.
Featured Accommodation
Hotels and Bed & Breakfast |
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Hotel Hebrides
Self catering also available |
Hotel Hebrides
A boutique style hotel offering high quality accommodation.
Pierhouse Cafe Restaurant is open to residents & non residents
Choice of 21 elegant bedrooms
B&B prices from £75 per night (2 sharing).
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Contact Mrs Isobel MacKay
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Attic Suite B&B
New B&B accommodation overlooking the sands of Luskentyre on the west coast of Harris.
Private suite sleeping up to 3 people
Extensive Continental breakfast
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Contact: Alan and Panch Ross
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Comfortable and welcoming B&B accommodation in a
Choice of 2 ensuite twin bedrooms.
Evening meals are made with locally sourced produce
B&B price £50 per person per night (based on 2 sharing).
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Contact Mrs Margaret Morrison
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High quality B&B on the island of Scalpay.
Choice of 2 double bedrooms
B&B prices £60 per person.
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Contact Mrs. Catherine Morrison
Self catering also available |
Beul na Mara B&B
Panoramic views across the sands of Seilebost & Luskentyre
VisitScotland 4 Star B&B.
B&B prices from £55 per person per night
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Self Catering in Tarbert & North Harris
( Self Catering in South Harris - click here | Scalpay - click here)
Contact: Hotel Hebrides Pier Road Tarbert Isle of Harris HS3 3DG Tel: 01859 502578 Email: kirkleaislandsuites@hotel-hebrides.com |
Choice of four 5 star luxury suites in Tarbert
Each suite sleeps 2 - 4 people in 2 bedrooms.
Available by the night.
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Creagach Chalet
Beautiful self catering chalet overlooking Hushinish Beach.
Sleeps 4 people.
Rental prices from £650 per week.
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Self Catering in South Harris |
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Borvemor Cottages
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Borvemor Cottages
Choice of properties just a short walk from sandy beaches
Traditional thatched Black House (Tigh Dubh)
Vallay House (sleeps 5-6 people)
2 adjoining steading cottages.
Beach House (sleeps 8):
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Contact Jan and Suzan Visser
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Beach View Cottages
5 Star luxury stone cottages overlooking Scarista beach and the ocean beyond.
2 bedrooms (1 super king & 1 with 3 single beds),
Bikes and kayaks to rent nearby.
Rental prices from £1350 per week
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Contact Jan and Suzan Visser
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Kilda House
4 star luxury self catering house at Leverburgh overlooking sea loch.
3 bedrooms (1 super king, 1 king double, 1 with 3 single beds),
Rental prices from £1350 - £1700 per week
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Contact Mrs. Catherine Morrison
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Beul na Mara Cottages
Choice of 2 cottages on the magnificent west coast. Panoramic views across the sands of Seilebost & Luskentyre to the Isle of Taransay and the North Harris hills. Ideal for touring Harris or just relaxing. 10 miles south of Tarbert. 2007 finalist in 'Who Cares Wins' awards. 1 Cottage (sleeps 5 people):
1 Cottage (sleeps 7 people):
Both cottages have microwave, dish washer,
The Beach House
2 very spacious king size bedrooms (one en-suite)
Prices from £850 per week
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Contact:
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Sandview Cottage
Bungalow overlooking Scarista golf course
Sleeps 6: 3 bedrooms (1 twin & 2 double),
Rental prices £600 per week
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Contact Mrs Isobel MacKay
B&B also available. |
Atlantic Cottage
VisitScotland 5 Stars.
1 double bedroom with ensuite shower room and sleigh bed.
Spacious and very well equipped for the comfort of guests in mind.
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There is a range of hotels, B&B and self-catering accommodation available on Harris and Lewis. The ones in the tourist brochure are now listed on the official Western Isles Tourist Board web site.
Hotel / Guest House / B&B accommodation includes:
- Avalon overlooks West Loch Tarbert and is the first/last house in Tarbert on the road to Stornoway. 3 bedrooms (double/twin/family). STB 4 Stars. Dinner available. Disabled facilities. Contact John & Arlene Morrison. Tel: 01859 502334.
- Ben View B&B near the pier in Leverburgh has 1 twin room and 1 family room (kingsize double bed & single bed). Contact Mike & Siane Green. Tel: 01859 520316.
- Carminish House is a 4 star B&B on the Strond road near the Leverburgh ferry in South Harris. 3 bedrooms: 1 double and 2 twin. Contact Pete and Val Prince. Tel: 01859 520400.
- Ceol na Mara Guest House at Diracleit, 1 mile from Tarbert ferry terminal, overlooks Loch Kindebig. Award-winning with 4 Star Gold rating from VisitScotland. 4 bedrooms (3 double & 1 twin), 3 lounges, dining room. Contact John and Marlene Mitchell. Tel: 01859 502 464
- Flodabay Farm offers B&B in 1 kingsize double bedroom on the east coast of Harris in the Bays area. Self catering options available. Set in 30 acres of peaceful croft land with 2 secluded fresh water lochs (wild brown trout). Free range hens and pigs. 11 miles from Tarbert, 8 miles from Leverburgh. Contact Tony & Sharon Marrow. Tel: 01859 530353.
- Grimisdale Guest House at Leverburgh has 2 ensuite double rooms, 1 ensuite family room (sleeps four) with whirlpool bath and 1 family room (sleeps 3). STB 4 Stars. Open March - November. Evening meals available (must be booked in advance). Contact Farquhar MacLeod. Telephone: 01859 520460.
- Harris Hotel in Tarbert. Food and accommodation. 24 bedrooms. Tel: 01859 502154.
- Loch Seaforth House offers B&B in 2 rooms (1 single room and 1 family room with double bed & bunkbeds). Situated at Bowglass on the border of Harris and Lewis overlooking Loch Seaforth and beyond to the Isle of Skye. 30 minutes drive north of Tarbert. 40 minutes south of Stornoway. Evening meals by prior arrangement. WiFi. Contact Irene and Alasdair Morrison. Tel: 01859 502383.
- New Haven is a 4 star B&B on Scalpay with 2 ensuite double rooms. Contact Mrs Mairi MacLennan at 15 Ardinashaig, Isle of Scalpay. Tel: 01859 540325.
- Pairc an t-Srath Guest House at Borve on the west coast of Harris. 4 ensuite bedrooms and excellent food. Evening meals available. Contact Lena Maclennan - tel: 01859 550 386.
- Scarista House on the west coast of the island is an excellent hotel and also has two self-catering cottages in its grounds. The hotel is open to non-residents for evening dinner throughout the year. Contact Tim and Patricia Martin. Tel: 01859 550238.
Self catering:
- No. 5 - large, spacious villa at Drinishader (5 miles south of Tarbert on the east coast Golden Road). 4 bedrooms (1 double en-suite, 1 standard double, 1 standard twin and 1 room 2 bunk beds sleeping 4), very large open plan lounge/kitchen/dining space, 2 shower/WC rooms, 1 separate WC. There is also 1 studio bedroom with shower/WC and TV (sleeping 2/3 persons) Maximum capacity 13 people. Large patio area for barbecues. Cycle, kayak and canoe hire available. Contact Roddy Campbell. Tel 01859 511255 or 07720 597 760.
- àilean is a luxurious new 5 star house at Borve on the west coast of South Harris close to sandy beaches. 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms.
- Bayhead is a modern bungalow in Lingerbay, about 3 miles from Rodel. This 5-bedroom house can be let as a whole for up to 8 people, or as separate self contained units (with 3 and 2 bedrooms).
- Beach Cottage at Seilebost overlooking Luskentyre is a spacious new house for 6 people with 3 bedrooms (2 double & 1 twin), wireless broadband, Sky TV, DVD, ipod dock, etc.
- Cartwheel Bothy on the Isle of Scalpay offers self catering for 2 people.
- Clisham Cottage at Ardhasaig (just outside Tarbert) overlooks the old whaling station and North Harris hills. 4 stars. Modern and fully equipped, it sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.
- The Croft House overlooking Loch Stockinish on the east coast (Bays area). Tarbert 10 minutes. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children in 3 bedrooms plus sofa bed for 2. WiFi.
- Culrain Cottage at Kyles Scalpay sleeps 2 in 1 bedroom. 4 miles from Tarbert.
- The Fisherman's Cottage on the shore of Loch Seaforth is in the village of Bowglass on the border between Lewis and Harris. Sleeps 4: 1 kingsize double bedroom, 1 twin bedroom, bathroom, kitchen with dining area, lounge.
- Fraser Cottage overlooking the sea at Grosebay on the east coast. Fully equipped including 1 double and 1 twin bedroom. VisitScotland 3 stars. Telephone: 01859 530251.
- Hamarsay House sleeps up to 6 people and is a 4-bedroom bungalow on a 9-acre croft on the isle of Scalpay. Tel: 01463 236049.
- Kyles House sleeps 6 and has 3 ensuite bedrooms (2 double & 1 twin), kitchen, dining room/map room, lounge. Situated near Leverburgh overlooking the Sound of Harris.
- Lochhouse Cottage at Geocrab in the Bays district of east Harris, sleeps 6.
- Luskentyre Holidays offers 4 star accommodation for 2 people.
- Mol Bàn is a traditional Hebridean croft house near Tarbert, with 3 bedrooms (2 double & 1 twin).
- Mol Bàn is a new house, sleeping 6 in 3 bedrooms (2 double & 1 twin). Situated at Lingerbay on the east coast of Harris.
- No. 5 Drinishader on the east coast Golden Road, 5 miles south of Tarbert. Croft house with 5 bedrooms. Maximum 16 people. Kayak and canoe hire available. Sea angling can be arranged.
- Seaside Cottage at Ardhasaig (just outside Tarbert) is a former black house with 1 bedroom (ideal for a couple). STB 5 Stars.
- Sonas Cottage is a new, luxurious house with 1 double bedroom, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, sauna, cinema room. Located in Bunavoneader, 4 miles north of Tarbert.
- Strathview is 2-bedroom cottage (sleeps 6) with sea views. Approx 5 minutes drive from Tarbert along the road towards Scalpay. Sofabed in lounge. Pets by arrangement.
- The White Cottage at Rodel has 2 twin bedrooms. VisitScotland 4 stars. Loch and sea views. See St Clements church from the lounge.
- Tamana Cottage sleeps up to 5 people in 2 bedrooms. Situated at Govig in North Harris not far from Huishnish beach.
- Tigh Na Mara is a spacious traditional house with 2 self-contained properties. The main house sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms and the End House sleeps 2. Both cottages can be rented together for larger groups. Situated on the shore of Carrigrich Bay, 4 miles east of Tarbert.
- Tigh Mo Sheanair is a 1-bedroom cottage which can sleep 2 - 4 people at Luskentyre. A 6-berth caravan is also available for holiday lets.
Hostel Accommodation:
- Hostel at No. 5 Drinishader on the east coast Golden Road. 5 miles south of Tarbert. 2 twin rooms with shared bathroom, one 4 person en-suite dorm with 2 bunk beds, 1 open plan lounge/dining space. Kayak and canoe hire available. Contact Roddy Campbell. Tel: 01859 511 255 / 07720 597 760.
- The Backpackers Stop is conveniently situated in Main Street, Tarbert. Renovated two-storey building with kitchen, lounge, showers and 4 dorms. Tel: 07436798620 / 01859 530485.
- Just 500 metres from the ferry terminal at Leverburgh is Am Bothan Bunkhouse (Tel/Fax: 01859 520251) offering budget self-catering accommodation in imaginatively-designed surrounds. Prices around 12 - 14 pounds per person per night. Credit cards accepted. Accommodation includes three cabins each of four bunks, one cabin of six bunks (ideal for families), a loft with futons, a communal room with an open fire, TV and kitchen facilities, full disabled facilities, toilets, showers, laundry and drying room, camping space, a wigwam and ample parking.
- The Gatliff hostel at Rhenigidale is open all year round, but is not easy to reach. It is 13 miles from Tarbert by road. If you can get a lift to the Maaruig turn on the main Tarbert to Stornoway road, it's about 5 miles walk (up and down hill) from there. You can also approach from the south, by walking out of Tarbert on the Scalpay road, then going over the hills at Laxadale Lochs (6 miles in total). The nearest shops are a long way away. Map reference NB 229018. No advance bookings accepted. 2 dormitories with 5 beds and 1 dormitory with 2 beds. 2 Stars.
- The Scaladale Centre in Ardvourlie offers self catering accommodation for up to 28 people in dorms of 4 to 6 people (some with en-suite facilities). Tel: 01859 502 502.
Camping:
Caravans and tents are permitted on grasslands at Horgabost (toilet block) and Luskentyre.There's a free car park with toilet block in Tarbert near the ferry and at the ferry car park at Leverburgh. Huishnish beach has a toilet block and so does Luskentyre beach (the toilets are at the very end of the road in the new car park). Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
At Seilebost in the old school grounds (West Harris), there are 4 electric hook ups for campervans/motorhomes only. These are managed by the West Harris Trust. Tel: 01859 550457.
Lickisto Blackhouse Camping (featured on TV in 'Build a New Life in the Country') is a small campsite in the Bays area (7 miles south of Tarbert). Tent pitches, campervan hook-up, showers, toilets, kitchen, tent hire. Yurts for hire with woodburner, running water, futons (with duvets and linen), gas stove, carpets and candles. Tel: 01859 530 485.
Flodabay Farm has a family-run caravan park on the east coast of Harris in the Bays area. Small site for up to 5 campervans or caravans provides a hard standing base with electricity and water. Set in 30 acres of peaceful croft land with 2 secluded fresh water lochs (wild brown trout). 11 miles from Tarbert, 8 miles from Leverburgh. Contact Tony & Sharon Marrow. Tel: 01859 530353. B&B also available.
Books & Maps
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The Outer Hebrides Leisure and Tourist Map is ideal for most holidays.
If you intend to go hiking, particularly in the hills, you will need the scale of maps provided by the Landranger series. Harris and Lewis are covered by several slightly overlapping maps in this series, all produced by the Ordnance Survey which is the official map agency of the UK: Tarbert & Loch Seaforth - West Lewis & North Harris - Stornoway & North Lewis.
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Lewis and Harris
Lovely colour guide book (second edition published in 2007) with over 100 pages of photos. Written by Francis Thompson, covering the local heritage and culture of the islands, nature, the landscape, place names, history, crofting, Gaelic, places to visit, etc. Even if you don't get chance to buy it before you go, you will certainly want a copy for a souvenir when you have visited! Available from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
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Seasons on Harris: A Year in Scotland's Outer Hebrides
David Yeadon's lyrical account of his time on Harris featuring insights into island life. The book also includes Yeadon's trips to Barra, the Shiants and St Kilda. Evocative line drawings. Hardback. 384 pages. Available from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) or Amazon.com (commission link) |
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Finlay J. Macdonald Omnibus
An omnibus edition of Finlay J. Macdonald's nostalgic and often comic accounts of growing up on the Hebridean island of Harris between the wars. They were first published individually in the 1980s as 'Crowdie and Cream', 'Crotal and White' and 'The Corncrake and the Lysander'. As a child I remember hearing these stories narrated on the radio and would highly recommend them for a flavour of the islands. Paperback. 544 pages. Order your copy from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
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Hebridean Island: Memories of Scarp
The author, Angus Duncan, born in South Harris in 1888, was brought up in Scarp, where his grandfather was an influential schoolmaster. Having written of his boyhood on the island, he describes an island community and a way of life now all but forgotten. One of his sons has now edited the completed manuscript and added, as an appendix, notes on a number of the chapters, some being contributed by distinguished experts on their own fields. Order your copy from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
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A House by the Shore & Scarista Style
Two books in one. The first book documents Alison and Andrew Johnson's retreat from urban life to the beautiful rugged landscape of the island of Harris. They make their home in the old manse at Scarista, turning a rat-infested near-ruin into a major hotel boasting the Prince of Wales among its guests and consistent listing in good food guides. The second book is a collection of Alison's recipes, with asides on the Good Food scene. Containing an assortment of vegetarian, fish and meat dishes, this is a guide for transforming natural ingredients into award-winning cuisine.' Scarista House is now in new hands (see accommodation section above). Order your copy from Amazon.co.uk (commission link) |
The Islands Book Trust has numerous publications about the Hebridean islands.
The genealogy centre at Northon has a variety of Hebridean historical books for sale - click here to purchase online.
Tourist Information Centres
Pier Road - Tarbert - Isle of Harris
Telephone: 01859 502011
26 Cromwell Street - Stornoway - Isle of Lewis HS1 2DD
Telephone: 01851 703088 / Fax: 01851 705244
Open all year.
Click here to request the Western Isles official tourist brochure
Dowload PDFs from
VisitOuterHebrides (walking/cycling trails, nature, food & drink)
Pages on the islands:
Isle of Lewis
- St Kilda
- Isle of Skye
Uist Introduction - Uist Travel Tips
South Uist - Benbecula
- Isle of Barra
Links to External sites:
The Virtual Hebrides
Official tourist board web site: www.VisitHebrides.com
Explore Harris
West Harris Trust
North Harris Trust
Winter in Harris by the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association
Hebrides People (C̣ Leis Thu?) featuring Bill Lawson's books and genealogy archive for family tree research in the Western Isles.
Hebridean Connections (online archives, genealogy, heritage)
Photos of the Hebrides by Colin Palmer - includes Harris, Lewis, Berneray, Scarp, St Kilda
James Smith - photos for sale
Charles Tait - photos/postcards/calendars for sale
Essence of Harris - candles and home fragrances
Virtual Hebrides - photos of Harris & Lewis
Made in the Outer Hebrides: Visual Arts and Crafts Guide (PDF)
Scotland on Film - archive clips of video and radio broadcasts to download
The Islands Book Trust (local books, archives, lectures, conferences)
Heb Magazine
Harris Tweed Authority
scottish elements - contemporary cushions and gifts using Harris Tweed
Hebrides Art - Harris artists Alisdair and Lesley Wiseman
Hillcraft of Harris - tweed gifts made on the island
Harris Disability Access Panel
Cycle routes in the Hebrides
Western Isles Wildlife (sightings, photos and guided tours)
Outer Hebrides Biological Recording Project
Curracag: Outer Hebrides Natural History Society