Holidays - The Isle of Harris - Western Isles

Contrasting scenery is the main impression of the Isle of Harris – where the moonscape features of the ancient, glacier scoured mountains in the north, give way to the rich machair and stunning, golden sandy beaches of the Outer Hebrides.....

Tarbert is the main town of this part of the Outer Hebrides, with a few small shops, bank and ferry terminal for ferries between Tarbert and Uig on the Isle of Skye and Lochmaddy on North Uist. We offer two hotels in Tarbert, as well as other bed and breakfast accommodation nearby.

Harris Tweed is still woven by crofters here (as well as in Lewis), on traditional foot driven pedal looms and weaving demonstrations are available. In Tarbert, there's a long established Harris Tweed shop with plenty to interest those taking holidays in the Isle of Harris.

You can drive round Harris’s circular road in around three hours – but it’s sure to take you longer, as you won’t resist frequent stops to take in the stunning land and seascapes. It’s really worth visiting the delightful villages set amongst the rocky inlets of the Bays area of the east coast, such as Ardvey and Flodabay, then experiencing the deep contrast with Seilabost and Horgabost set among the sandy inlets and machair of the west coast. Don’t miss the sands at Luskentyre.

In the south of the Isle of Harris, near the small sheltered harbour of Rodel you can visit St. Clement’s church, where Clan Macleod chiefs worshipped since the 1500s.
The nine hole course at Scarista is a test for every golfer on holiday in the Western Isles, but the views will turn every round into an even greater pleasure.

To the west, a tortuous, 14 mile single track road reaches a magnificent conclusion at Hushinish, with its wonderful soft sand beach and views to neighbouring islands, including Taransay and Scarp (the setting for the highly acclaimed feature film, The Rocket Post).  The road actually passes through the grounds of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle, built in 1865 for the 7th Earl of Dunmore, and now used as a prestigious venue for house parties.

Also a little way along this road is the most remote tennis court in Britain. In a beautiful setting overlooking the Atlantic ocean on the road to Hushinish, in North Harris, the new court at Bunabhainneadar offers a top class artificial grass surface and a cosy wooden pavilion (in case it rains!).

At the southern tip of the Isle of Harris lies the small ferry port of Leverburgh, where a ferry weaves its way, several times a day (including Sundays)  around the reefs and shallow water of the Sound of Harris to the Island of Berneray.  We can offer bed and breakfast accommodation  in Leverburgh, convenient for the early morning ferry to Berneray and the Uists - the next part of your Outer Hebrides holidays.

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS - when contacting these providers, please mention Hebridean Hopscotch

Walking: Particularly recommended are various hill walks in the wild, rugged northern area of Harris, plus a number of valley walks off the road to Hushinish. 

Guided walks: If you are not used to hill-walking, you might enjoy the services of a local guide.   Mike Briggs will provide an informative day for your holiday, helping to identify flowers, wildlife and geological features.  You’ll get tips on navigation and map-reading, plus an insider's view on life on the islands.  He can also offer advice on wildflower photography.

Between them, Mike and Peggy Briggs are also qualified to teach Pilates, yoga, Swiss Ball and tennis (at the Bunabhainneadar court mentioned opposite).  They have an entertaining style of guidance and realise that visitors might not share their own level of super-fitness.  For rainy days they offer fitness sessions in a well-equipped studio.  Costs vary, e.g hill-walking £70 full day up to 6 people, Swiss Ball, Pilates and Yoga £25 per hour individual tuition, tennis £25 per hour coaching up to 8 people, or court hire for just £8 per hour. Prices shown are 2008.

www.mikeandpeggybriggs.co.uk.  01859 502376.

Organised walks: RSPB Summer programme - see www.rspb.org.uk or call 01851 703296.

Golf: Harris Golf Club has 9 holes overlooking the ocean at Scarista.  For the holiday visitor, £12 per person per day (2006 rate) Life membership £250!  Honesty box at most times. “Forget America's Augusta National, England's Swinley Forest and even Scotland's Old Course at St Andrews.  The most exclusive golf club in the world is on Harris. I squeaked in as a member after Nick Faldo told me that on a fine day it is Paradise” - Ian Wooldridge (Daily Mail 03.03.99).

www.harrisgolf.com

Seallam Visitor Centre:  You can browse among exhibits dealing with the history and natural environment of the Hebrides.  This centre houses a huge collection of resources for people wishing to research the family history of the islands.
£2.50 entrance. 

www.seallam.com. 01859 520258

Surfing:  Scarista beach produces an excellent left hand break for ‘goofy’ footed surfers.  Frequent, consistent surf - for intermediate to experienced surfers.

Off-road Mountain Biking:  Spectacular views and downhill mountain tracks.

Climbing:   Adventure Hebrides (see the Lewis page, opposite) with qualified instructors, offers an opportunity to try the sport on the  cliffs of the Isle of Harris.  With all the equipment and instruction for up to 4 people.  £45 per person (half day) £90 (full day). 

www.adventurehebrides.com. 01851 820726

Holiday Boat trips:  Angus Campbell (Kilda Cruises) and Seumas Morrison (Sea Harris) both provide day visits to the World Heritage site of St Kilda - including Hirta, the island that was evacuated in 1930.  From Leverburgh,  a full day trip to St Kilda allows time to explore the island at leisure. Each holiday visitor receives a map of Hirta and a suggested route to take for a tour on foot.  Price around £160 to  £180 per person.  Other destinations include     Shiant Isles (for Puffins), Taransay, Scarp and the Monachs (for grey seals).
www.kildacruises.co.uk.  01859 502060
www.seaharris.co.uk.  01859 502007