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Isle of Harris Accommodation

The Isle of Harris is famous for its sandy beaches

Romantic walks with views over to Taransay

North Harris has some of the most challenging hillwalking in Scotland

Machair and beaches typify the Isle of Harris

Isle of Harris Tourist Information Outer Hebrides Western Isles

Harris is the southern half of the biggest island of the Outer Hebrides sharing it with Lewis to the north. Harris is different in character with a large area being taken up by the wildest and most continuous range of mountains in the country - fantastic for challenging hill walking - contrasting with some fantastic sandy beaches with clear blue seas and mountainous backdrops.

Fishing in the many lochs is also popular as are watersports including surfing and cycling. Tarbert is Harris' main town and the ferry port for ferries from Skye.

Isle of Harris Outer Hebrides Scotland

If you thought it was remote on Lewis you'll find Harris even less bogged down with the modern conveniences of civilisation. Most of the population on Harris lives either in Tarbert or in the south of Harris around Leverburgh in the southeast of the island.

North Harris - Hillwalking Hebrides Scotland

Travelling into Harris from Lewis you go through some spectacular mountain scenery. The pointed peaks of Lewisian gneiss tower over Loch Shiphoirt to heights between 1,000-2,000 feet. This is a stark and unique landscape created from the oldest rock on earth and shaped by glaciers that appears little changed from the ice age. It is excellent hillwalking and climbing country and there are several routes from Maraig to Reingeadal. The Walk Hebrides site has a list of suggested walks rated by difficulty under the "Pick a Walk" option, link right. This area is likely to become much easier to access since the North Harris community bought the Loch Seaforth estate in 2004. There are plans afoot to improve tracks and paths in the North Harris area.

Ardvourlie is one of the first settlements nestling beneath the mountains and the Scaledale Centre here offers accommodation and activities for groups of young people. They can also organise archery, abseiling, kayaking, guided walks and team building activities.

Scaledale Centre, Ardvourlie, Isle of Harris, Western Isles HS3 3AB. Tel/Fax: 01859 502502. Email: www.scaladale.co.uk scaladale@ukonline.co.uk

Tim Pickering at Sgr also offers climbing and abseiling on Harris. Sgor, 20a Coll, Back, Isle of Lewis HS2 0JR. Tel: 01851 820 726. Email: tim@sgor.co.uk

Isle of Scalpay

Just off the coast from North Harris is the Isle of Scalpay. It is joined to the mainland by a single track bridge. This is a large community for these parts of around 400 people mostly involved in its fishing fleet or fish processing industry.

There's a three mile walk to the red and white Eilean Glas lighthouse along the north coast. This was the first lighthouse to be built in Scotland in 1789.

The Scalpay community are very much into their history and their website, link right, has lots of photographs and information about the inhabitants and the island.

West Coast Harris - Taransay

Once you've passed through the mountains of North Harris and then again a stretch on the other side of Tarbert you're greeted with stunning views of Traigh Losgaintir - a huge stretch of sandy beach lapped by clear blue sea. It everything you expect when you hear about the beaches of Harris. The views over to Taransay are surreal and you really feel you're in a different country.

Taransay is the location where the BBC programme "Castaway" was filmed. Day trips run to Taransay from Horgabost beach leaving at 9.30am and returning at 5pm. There is some self-catering accommodation on Taransay whic is essentially managed as a working farm.

The whole of the west coast is studded with bays and beaches. Scarista is a particular favourite for surfing. Bordering the beaches is the flower-rich machair that is gorgeous through May-June when the flowers are in full bloom.

South Harris - Seallam Visitor Centre

Seventeen miles south of Tarbert on the south coast is the Seallam Centre. This is an excellent information centre with various displays about the island, its history and natural environment. They also keep genealogy records here for those wanting to trace family trees.

Guided walks can also be arranged from the visitor centre. There is also a cafe and shop. Check their website for up-to-date information on their exhibitions.

Open all year round Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Seallam! Visitor Centre, An Taobh Tuath (Northton), Western Isles, Scotland HS3 3JA. Tel: 01859520258. Email: seallam@aol.com

Leverburgh South Harris

Leverburgh is the main settlement in South Harris. This was greatly influenced by Lord Leverhulme during this spell as owner of the island. His efforts at modernisation were welcomed more warmly on Harris than they were on Lewis which he also owned in the early 20th century. In fact the village is named after him. His plan was to develop the village into the largest fishing port on the west coast of Scotland. Unfortunately after his death these plans were not supported and the industry declined.

Today Leverburgh is a good base for exploring the Hebrides. The village has shops, cafe and post office.

There are lots of freshwater lochs on South Harris that are good for trout and salmon fishing between April and October. It is recommended that you book in advance. Check the Obbe Fishings website for more information on booking day tickets.

Leverburgh to Berneray North Uist Ferry

Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries run a service from Leverburgh to the Isle of Berneray which is connected to North Uist by a causeway.

The journey takes an hour across the Sound of Harris and it is renowned as one of Scotland's most tortuous routes as the ferry has to dodge all the skerries and rocks that lie in the channel. There are around 3 or 4 crossings every day during the summer with fewer in the winter. The ferry can take 200 passengers and 32 vehicles.

Check the CalMac website for up to date timetables and prices, weblink right or contact CalMac direct on tel: 08705 650000. Fax: 01475 635235. Email: reservations@calmac.co.uk.

Strond Wildlife Charters run boat trips around the Sound of Harris so you can get close-up to seabirds, seals and otters. Tel: 01859 520251.

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