Isle of Harris

Routes

Uig - Tarbert

Berneray - Leverburgh

Almost separated from Lewis by the deep incisions of Loch Seaforth and Loch Resort, the landscape of Harris is mountainous. An Clisham, at 2,622 feet, is the highest mountain in the Western Isles.

These hills offer excellent challenges for climbers and hill walkers alike. The rocky east coast contrasts sharply with the more fertile west coast that has many superb beaches, some of which literally stretch for miles.

Harris has ferry ports at Tarbert and Leverburgh, with connections to Skye and North Uist. A trip across the Sound of Harris is a must for anyone who loves the sea. The ferry runs from Leverburgh at the south end of Harris and makes its way amongst the islands and sandbanks to Berneray, which is joined by a causeway to North Uist.

Harris has a genealogy and exhibition centre at Co Leis Thu? at Northton (Taobh Tuath) in Harris. Records have been compiled here of families in the Western Isles dating back 200 years.

The Island of Taransay, made famous by the BBC documentary set there, lies off the western coast of the Harris. The distance between them is about two miles at the shortest crossing, but the Sound of Harris is open to the full swell of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is frequently impossible to cross to Taransay, especially in the short days of the winter and spring. There are no harbours for large boats on either side, so calm weather and sea are necessary to make the crossing.