Harris is one of the most glorious of Scotland’s islands boasting beautiful beaches offset by wilder landscapes and a very special array of plant and bird life. It is a fantastic place to just enjoy the amazing scenery and relax completely but there are also many things to do. Here are only a few.
Explore the fabulous and quiet beaches, walk the beautiful sands or potter amongst the rock pools. The island has a wealth of bird and animal life for the watching including golden eagles, otters, seals, porpoises and sometimes other species like Minke whales.
The beautiful and exceptional Isle of Harris golf course is only a few minutes drive from the house and the island boasts some of the best fishing anywhere. There are many walks and hills to climb from guided machair walks in summer to the majestic An Clisham. Hire a bike and take in the landscape at a slightly slower speed, surf, kite, kayak…
Explore a totally different side to the island on the East (known as the Bays). Soak up the history with a visit to some ancient monuments like the ruined chapel on the south side of Chaipaval, MacLeod’s Stone or Rodel Church. Marvel at the powerful and evocative standing stones at Callanish or walk inside the walls of Carloway Broch. There are many boat trips available to St Kilda, the Shiants or any one of several other islands. The island is a dream for photographers and artists with unique light and colours, stupendous sunsets and majestic mountains. The night skies above àilean can be truly mesmerizing with the full effect of thousands of heavenly bodies.
If you are interested in art there are a number of galleries on the island and some with artists in residence like Ardbhuidde in Drinishader. Of course, no trip to Harris would be complete without the superlative Harris Tweed so don’t forget to visit a tweed weaver or two!
Remember that shops are not open on a Sunday. There is a mini-market at Leverburgh and also some small shops in Tarbert including a butcher. A larger range of shops and some larger supermarkets can be found in Stornoway. It is also often possible to obtain locally caught fresh seafood at Leverburgh pier and there are contact numbers for sourcing shellfish at the house.
- Scarista House: Scarista. Fixed menu, open to non-residents, booking essential. 01859 550238
- Pairc an t-Strath: Borve. Dining for a limited number of non-residents, booking essential. www.paircant-srath.co.uk 01859 550386
- Temple Café: Northton. Fresh healthy food, good coffee and lovely cakes with beautiful views. Perfect for lunch or coffee.
- Croft 36: Northton. Croft produce, home made bread, fish and meals to eat at home. Look for the shed! www.croft36.com 01859 520779
- Hotel Hebrides: Tarbert. Modern style, restaurant, bar food and take away menu. www.hotel-hebrides.com 01859 502364
- First Fruits: tea room, Tarbert. Excellent coffee and cakes. 01859 502439
- Harris Hotel: Tarbert. Restaurant and bar food. www.harrishotel.com 01859 502154
- Isle of Harris Inn: Tarbert. Pub food also have a take away menu. www.isleofharrisinn.co.uk 01859 502566
- Ardhasaig Hotel: near Tarbert. Excellent food, fixed menu and local produce, booking essential. www.ardhasaig.co.uk 01859 502500
- Skoon Art Café: Tea shop and gallery, Geocrab on the East side. 01859 530268
- The Anchorage: Next to the ferry terminal in Leverburgh. 01859 520225
Gallery of Harris
