Vacations on the Isle of Harris
Scotland has a number of world class tourist destinations which range from the likes of Edinburgh Castle & the Edinburgh Festivals to the golf courses of St Andrews. Scotland has so much to offer that a suitable vacation can be found for almost anyone but besides the great many well known vacation destinations there is a multitude of lesser known but equally thrilling and enjoyable vacations to be had in places such as the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles.
The Hebrides are a collection of hundreds of islands which are found off the west coast of Scotland. The Hebrides are split into two distinct groups, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides (which are also known as the Western Isles). The main, and the largest, island in the Inner Hebrides is the Isle of Skye which also attracts the largest number of visitors.
The Outer Hebrides are very different from the Inner Isles and there is a great deal of diversity amongst the islands of the Western Isles. The Isle of Lewis, to the north, is the largest and most populated island to which the Isle of Harris is attached, to the south. Lewis consists of mainly boggy moorland (except around the coast which is spectacular) whereas Harris is mountainous to the North and rocky to the South.
North Harris meets South Harris at a narrow isthmus where, in a steep valley, you will find the main village on Harris, Tarbert. Tarbert is also the ferry port for the main ferry to/from the Isle of Skye and, at ferry times, the village can suddenly become congested and very busy. If you plan to travel to Harris by ferry make sure that you book and arrive well in advance as at the peak of the season the ferry is often full.
There are a number of sports which can be enjoyed on the Isle of Harris. Golfers will be pleased to hear that Harris has it’s own golf course with absolutely astounding views and some unique challenges. Please note there is no golfing on Sundays. If one course isn’t enough there is another over in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Of course anglers are catered for extremely well with a number of excellent places to try a spot of fly fishing and sea fishing is to be believed.
Driving around Harris you will notice how popular cycling is on the island. You have to take care as they can sometimes be oblivious to others on the road. Many folk travel in groups to Harris just to cycle together. Other energetic sports to be enjoyed on Harris is the most obvious, walking and climbing. The Harris countryside is all over spectacular, wherever you walk you will be surrounded by the incredible.
Nobody should ever visit the Isle of Harris without spending some of their time on one of the many fantastic beaches found along the west coast of this most beautiful island. Soft silver to gold shell sand can be seen stretching off into the distance, often without a sole to be seen.
Choosing how and where to stay on the Isle of Harris depends greatly on how you plan to spend your time. If you like to be independent then Harris self catering could be the perfect solution. If you like to experience luxury then a Harris hotel is the more likely option. The most affordable accommodation is B&B or guest house accommodation. If you plan to visit some places on the Isle of Lewis then it may be best to base your vacation towards the north of Harris, in Tarbert maybe.
Last 5 posts by John Angus Macleod
- The Isle of Harris, An Introduction - April 10th, 2008
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