Welcome to

Harris

Renowned for its world-famous tweed, Harris is an island with an abundance of riches on its doorstep. A must-see destination.

Nature & wildlife

Food & drink

Culture

History & heritage

A hiker admiring the view down the rocky hillside to the golden sandy beaches and rolling hills in the distance

A wealth of beauty and adventures

Harris is an island rich in tradition and natural wealth. It hosts a great variety of wildlife waiting to be discovered by the intrepid, including basking sharks, killer whales and otters. It also boasts a collection of beautiful beaches bracketing the island.

However, its perhaps the island’s multitude of walking routes that sets it apart – from local daunders through beautiful countryside to epic hikes to the top of An Cliseam (the highest mountain in the Outer Hebrides) – Harris is a great island to explore on foot.

A view from a rock hill across a road to a golden beach with vibrant blue sea and sky

St Clements church building sitting just off a road

Two people enjoying an hot drink on a beach in Harris

Cyclist on a high trail looking down at the green and rocky coastline.

A seal resting on a rock above the water line

Famous exports

Known for its famous exports as much as its natural beauty, why not take the opportunity to see Harris' superstar brands in their natural habitat? Harris Gin and Whisky is created in the village of Tarbert using the island's natural ingredients. Discover the process on a distillery tour and treat yourself to a tasting, plus a bottle or two for the rest of your trip. Harris tweed is in plentiful supply around the island. The ubiquitous cloth is handwoven by residents and renowned worldwide for its quality – so much so that it’s enshrined in UK law! The Harris Tweed Act of 1993 states that Harris Tweed is hand-spun, hand-woven and dyed by crofters and cottars. Accept no imitations!

A selction of products from Isle of Harris Distillers set up on a beach next to a fire. Products include Harris Gin, and three glasses with a garnish.

Shimmering sands

Visitors to Harris who long to hear the gentle rhythm of the waves and feel the sand beneath their feet are spoiled for choice. The island’s beaches are as numerous as they are beautiful, creating unique scenic vistas to be savoured. Check out Traigh Seilebost with its natural sand dunes and dramatic evening light, Traigh Iar with its historic standing stone and Traigh Scarista with its golden sands looking out on the vast expanse of the Atlantic ocean. And then there’s Luskentyre, the most well regarded of Harris’ beaches – creating a heady mix of colour between its white sands and turquoise waves, it holds its charm even on the dullest day.

A view of the long golden sandy beach of Luskentyre, with blue sky and clear water rolling in.

Invigorating wanders

Harris is full of walks to accommodate all levels of experience, with generally great accessibility and stunning scenery framing your hikes throughout.

Why not take the leisurely Traigh an Iar Beach Walk or challenge yourself with a hike up An Cliseam, which at 799m tall is the highest mountain in all of the Outer Hebrides and the archipelago's only Corbett. You may even want to take a trip to the adjacent Isle of Scalpay for its 13k circular walk that takes in all manner of plants and wildlife.

A hiker admiring the view down to the golden sandy beaches and rolling hills in the distance

A colourful sea and sandy beach on Harris, with hills and greying clouds

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activies

Tourist information

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Be a great visitor

Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland’s #RespectProtectEnjoy

VisitScotland | Responsible tourism

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Safety tips

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs.

RLNI | Safety tips

Harris

Harris can be reached from two of our regular ferry routes. The main approach is from Uig in Skye, reaching the village of Tarbert on the island. Alternatively, you can take the short journey from North Uist to Leverburgh as part of a larger island itinerary.

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A picture montage of a train, bus and ferry

Getting here by public transport

Looking for the best way to get to Harris by public transport? The Traveline Scotland Public Transport Journey Planner can help you plot your journey from anywhere in the UK, using a wide range of public transport options.

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Travel information

Bus

The most direct route by bus is to travel from Glasgow, via Fort William to Uig. The journey takes around 7 hours from the city and 3 hours 40 minutes, on average, from Fort William. It features some of the most beautiful views in Scotland.

From Inverness, there’s a direct bus service to Portree, where you can then travel onward to Uig. Then, from Uig, you can take the ferry direct to Tarbert on Harris.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Campervans and motorhomes

If you’re travelling by campervan or motorhome – or with a caravan, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) ask that visitors stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots only. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on the fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on the communities.

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.
Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.
In addition, motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at certain ports. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.

Car

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, you can be in Uig in around 5 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re travelling from the north, Inverness to Uig takes around 3 hours by car. You can also travel to Harris via Lewis, taking the ferry to Stornoway from Ullapool.

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
You can check the exact location of the ferry terminal on our port page.

Alternative Routes

Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?

With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

Whether you are looking to explore on an Island Hopping holiday or find a different route home we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides:

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

For full details on the location of our ferry ports and the facilities around them, visit our port section .

Bus

From Inverness, there’s a direct bus service to Portree, where you can then travel onward to Uig. Then, from Uig, you can take the ferry direct to Tarbert on Harris.

Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Campervans and motorhomes

Please follow the P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special.
Find out more in this guide on taking Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides.
In addition, motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at certain ports. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.

Car

If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, you can find charging points via ChargePlace Scotland.
We strongly advise to always book ahead on our bookable routes to ensure your space onboard.
You can check the exact location of the ferry terminal on our port page.

Alternative Routes

Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?

With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

Whether you are looking to explore on an Island Hopping holiday or find a different route home we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides:

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (South Uist) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (North Uist) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

For full details on the location of our ferry ports and the facilities around them, visit our port section .

Getting around Harris

Bike

The Isle of Harris leg of the Hebridean Way Cycling Route is possibly one of the most challenging. The mountains to the north of the island will certainly test your legs. Harris is a fantastic place for mountain bikers, with challenging routes throughout the mountain range in the North.

If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Bikes are available to hire. Details can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.
Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

On foot

The Isle of Harris has a spectacular and diverse landscape which is especially suited to those looking for an active holiday. Harris has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is the perfect place to see the unique coastal machair.

For more information about walks on Harris, visit the Harris section of Walk Highlands or Outer Hebrides walking routes.

Bike

If you’re a foot passenger travelling with a bike, remember to add your bike to your ticket when you book.
Groups of cyclists should contact us in advance advising of preferred sailings, as space on some ferries may be limited.
Bikes are available to hire. Details can be found at Visit Outer Hebrides.
Plan your cycling route at CycleStreets.

Bus

If you’re travelling by bus in the Outer Hebrides, bus services operate regularly (Monday to Saturday)

Buses on Harris are operated on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Sia r.
Take time to review the timetables for outward and return journeys.
Plan your journey with the Traveline Scotland Journey Planner.

Car

Many visitors to the Outer Hebrides like to take a vehicle. A car is a must if you want to explore the more isolated areas.

Travelling in an Electric Vehicle? Use ChargePlace Scotland to find EV charging points.
You can check the exact location of the ferry terminal on our port page.

See below for more tips on driving on Harris.

On foot

For more information about walks on Harris, visit the Harris section of Walk Highlands or Outer Hebrides walking routes.

Car driving on single track island road next to a coastal view.

Helpful tips for driving on Harris

When travelling with a vehicle we want to make sure you’re feeling informed and confident to take on Scotland’s roads. From passing places to parking etiquette, we’ve created a guide to driving on the (occasionally) challenging roads of Scotland.

Driving on Scotland's islands

Harris

A wealth of beauty and adventures

Famous exports

Shimmering sands

Invigorating wanders

Looking for inspiration?

Outdoor activities

Indoor activies

Tourist information

Be a great visitor

Safety tips

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