Hebridean Vacations The Isle of Harris
Having Scottish ancestors and relatives I still long for the day I can travel there and have a good look around. I know I will make it one day and reading articles like the one written here by John Macleod makes me want to get there even faster.
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 Isle of Lewis is the largest, both in size and population, island in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles. The centre of the island is mainly barren moorland but the coast is often dramatic and always incredibly beautiful. Lewis is in the very north and to the south of Lewis is the Isle of Harris which is part of the same land mass. In the North, Harris is dramatically dominated by imposing mountains which soften to rocky hills to the south.
North Harris is separated from South Harris by a very small isthmus where you will find the main village of Tarbert. The main ferry to and from the Isle of Skye arrives/departs to/from Tarbert. The generally quiet village comes alive at ferry times when the roads become rather congested. During the summer months you should always book your ferry well in advance as they are often full. Also allow plenty of time to arrive there early as the ferry will not wait for late arrivals.

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.
Cycling vacations are extremely popular on Harris and large numbers of individuals and groups of friends enjoy the often unique experience. Great care should always be taken by both the cyclists and others on the road. It is sometimes too easy to become distracted by the sights and cycling alongside each other is not advised. If cycling on Harris is not for you then maybe you would enjoy walking. Many hill walkers and climbers visit the island in the summer but again you should take great care and be suitably equipped at all times.
Until you visit the Isle of Harris it is difficult for you to fully understand the outstanding beauty of the island. Yes you may have seen some photographs of the many spectacular beaches, you may have seen them on the television. However, until you have stood, on a hot summers day with your bare feet in the soft warm shell sand, looking out to sea, you have no idea what a genuinely moving experience it can be.
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.
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For the last few weeks the United Kingdom has suffered rainy weather while the Isle of Harris and the rest of the Hebrides have been bathed in glorious sunshine.
While many think the weather is poor here nothing could be further from the truth and, at times, the area can be the sunniest and warmest place in Europe!