ISLE OF LEWIS & HARRIS TRAVEL GUIDE
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Crossing the Minch from Skye to the Outer Hebridean Island of Lewis and Harris is a magical experience and should be part of any Scotland itinerary.
Located off the west coast of Scotland and often thought to be two separate Islands. They are in fact the same island but divided into two distinct areas known as Lewis and Harris. Lewis is the northern area and Harris the southern area.
We have included some of our favourite places in this guide for you to visit during your time on this incredible beautiful remote island.
Be sure to read our Isle of Lewis & Harris travel blog here.
Top Tip - Hire a campervan or motorhome to explore the island, there are some amazing facilities that only require an honesty box payment for overnight parking, water and toilet emptying.
KEY TRAVEL FACTS
HOW TO GET THERE | The most common route is from Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris.
WHEN TO VISIT | October, it is out of season and there are no midges.
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY | There is so much to do and see but we suggest anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks.
FERRY COST | As little as £13 return per adult but vehicle cost is extra and depends on the size.
LUSKENTYRE BAY
The main draw of the Isle of Harris is Luskentyre Bay. Famous for its large white sand beach and turquoise waters. One of the largest beaches on the island and certainly one of the most spectacular with views out to the Isle of Taransay. When the sun is out the water glows and the white sand lights up making Luskentyre not just a fantastic location on Harris but a top destination for the entire UK.
Top Tip - Walk along the sand dunes at the back of the beach to get a great view across the bay.
LUSKENTYRE BAY INFO
WHERE TO PARK | There is a car park at the beach that has a smaller overnight parking section and a gated day only section.
CALLANISH STONE CIRCLE
Older than the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge. Whilst not as dramatic as either of them they are impressive for their age. At more than 5000 years old this is a mind boggling old stone circle that is a must visit on the Isle of Lewis. Make sure you swing by the visitor centre and gift shop to learn more about the history of the Callanish stones.
Top Tip - Wear wellies or boots as the ground around the stones can become very wet and bog like.
CALLANISH INFO
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL | Unlike Stonehenge you are allowed to touch the stones and walk amongst them. Make sure to peep into the burial chamber by the centre stone.
NORTHTON BEACHES
A string of beautiful beaches with each one getting more beautiful the further you walk from the small community of Northton. White sands and turquoise water with a mountain backdrop. Often very quiet with very few visitors, the abandoned jeep in the dunes reminds you how remote this island and some of these beaches really are.
Top Tip - Walk along the headland from Northton to explore several other beaches that will make you gasp at their individual beauty.
NORTHTON BEACH INFO
WHERE TO PARK | There is little to no parking at Northton Beach. Be respectful of the locals as you will need to park along the road. Park away from houses and leave enough space for other vehicles to get past.
RUBH’ AN TEAMPAILL
While in the Northton beach area why not visit a ruined medieval church. It is a place where you wonder why they chose this location. Apart from the obvious beauty of the area it is very remote, perhaps the solitude brought the medieval christians closer to heaven?
Top tip - Explore this area on a clear day at sunset and you will be in awe of the golden sky as the day comes to an end.
RUBH’ AN TEAMPAILL INFO
BE RESPECTFUL | This is an ancient site, respect the area, enjoy the views and history and remember to leave no trace.
NORTHTON SALT MARSHES
An area of special scientific interest where the tide comes in twice a day. The plants here have to live in very difficult conditions. The salt marshes create a unique landscape that is very rare and is a nice easy stop to visit that doesn’t have to take up too much time.
Top Tip - There are stepping stones at low tide, but be careful they are very very slippery.
NORTHTON SALT MARSHES
WHEN TO VISIT | Visit at low tide, and when the water is at its calmest. You can then get a beautiful reflection of the sky and surrounding area.
TRAIGH LAR
This beach is a must as it is easy access and the sweeping golden sand overlooked by green hills makes it very pretty. parking lay-by above and nearby camping areas makes it a very convenient stop.
Top Tip - This beach looks very dramatic on a windy day with the waves crashing against the rocks, perfect for photography.
TRAIGH LAR INFO
LOCAL ARTS | In the building above the beach there are local boutique shops. We loved the handmade chocolate and every purchase supports a local creator and their families.
MACLEOD’S STONE
Above Traigh Lar Beach is MacLeods Stone and a clan gathering place. It commands a fantastic view across the beach and the surrounding area and is more than worth the short hike across the beach and up the hill to visit.
Top Tip - Have your outlander at this stone that looks very similar to the Outlander series stones.
MACLEODS STONE INFO
ANCIENT STANDING STONES | This standing stone is thought to have been erected some 5000 years ago. It’s original purpose is not fully known.
GOLDEN ROAD
In 1897 the golden road was constructed linking communities together that had only previously been accessible by the sea. The name is thought to come from the high cost of construction, this is due to the very difficult rocky terrain which the road passes through.
Top Tip - Take it in turns to drive if you can allowing everyone to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
GOLDEN ROAD INFO
WHATS IT LIKE TO DRIVE | The road itself is very narrow with many passing places. Take your time and allow other drivers to overtake by pulling into passing places.
HUISINIS
After turning off of the main road a 40 minute drive through rugged terrain on a very narrow road awaits you. You will pass by incredible scenery and a privatley owned catsle. At the end of the road you will be greeted by beautiful golden and white sand beaches. There are several to explore in the area, our favourite was after an hours hike along a coastal path an unnamed beach with fantastic turquoise water.
Top Tip - Watch out for the Highland Cows that are in the area, we were even lucky enough to see a baby in the group.
HUISINIS INFO
PARKING | There is a small car park that is free of charge, There is also an overnight camping area for campervans with an honesty box system. The site comes with two larger bays for motorhomes.
ARDROIL BEACH
Located in the Uig Sands area of Lewis, a large expanse of beach which is great for walking. When the tide is out the beach is vast and the puddles left behind create reflections of the sky that can look similar to salt flats.
Top Tip - Wear appropriate footwear (or go barefoot) as the beach can be very wet from the puddles left over from high tide.
ARDROIL BEACH
PARKING | The beach has a very generous car park, one of the largest we saw on the island. It also has an honesty box overnight parking area with facilities.
CLIFF AND REEF BEACHES
A remote location that is perfect for surfing, strolling along the beaches or hill walking. Cliff beach has a fantastic overnight honesty box parking area right above the beach. With names like Cliff and Reef you know these two beaches need to be explored.
Top Tip - Spend the night at Cliff beach if you are travelling by campervan, it was one of our favourite places to camp and a donation of £5 is what is asked for.
CLIFF & REEF BEACH INFO
THE LOCAL SHEEP DOG | When we visited there was a dog which after a while we assumed was the local dog watching over the sheep. He is very friendly and will even guide you up the hill. Say hi to him for us.
GARRY BEACH
Apart from a local dog walker and a fisherman we were the only ones visiting this remote area of Lewis. The beach stacks make this place special and we enjoyed the setting sun over the beach as it cast dramatic shadows over the beach. There is a good parking area as well which can be used for overnight parking if using a campervan.
Top Tip - Get there for sunset as the beach stacks cast beautiful shadows across the golden sand.
GARRY BEACH INFO
THE BRIDGE | The Bridge to nowhere was part of a 1920’s road building project that never saw completion, a fun place to walk and explore whilst visiting Garry beach.
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