Things to See & Do

The crystal clear waters of the Hebrides are often compared to the Caribbean, the turquoise hues and beautiful golden sandy beaches are increasingly popular with gliders, surfers and Kayakers. Although not as warm as the Caribbean the scenery and location is certainly comparable.

The Outer Hebrides are located on the edge of the North Atlantic where there are incredibly consistent swells crashing onto the cliffs and rocks of our shores producing ideal surf conditions. The excitement of body boarding or kite surfing in these locations is an awesome experience.

For more information on up to date activities available on Lewis and Harris please visit: www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/activities

Beaches

The beaches at Horgabost, Nisabost, Luskentyre and Scarista are popular with surfers and the scenery is hard to beat.  Equally if you wish to go at a more sedate pace, pick anyone of them for a leisurely stroll.

Scaladale Centre

Archery, Abseiling, Kayaking and nature or guided walks can be arranged from the centre.

Surfing

With empty breaks, crystal clear waters and beautiful clean beaches, some of the world’s best are beating a track to Harris.

Golfing

The Isle of Harris Golf Club is located opposite the cottages in Scarista.  You are required to book your slot in advance  details are on their website (see link down below).

Lewis Karting Centre

Add an extra bit of excitement to your winter holiday. Whether it is a short session, or a day spent improving your racing techniques on a challenging, twisty, predominantly blind track, 650m long by 6m wide. Tel: 01851 700222.

Boat Trips

Boat trips to St Kilda and some of the other fascinating islands around Harris are a must for any visitor. The wildlife and sea cliffs that surround these islands are staggering.

St Kilda is 40 miles west of the Hebrides and is Britain’s remotest inhabited island and Scotland’s first World Heritage Site. These islands are made of 4 smaller islands; Boreray, Soay, Dun and Hirta (being the main island). St Kilda has the highest sea cliffs in the UK and is home to the largest colony of Guillemots in the world and the biggest colony of Puffins in Britain, with over one million birds in total.

A boat trip to the Shiants is every bit as spectacular with 250,000 seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags and great skuas, arriving there in the summer to breed. The Shiant Islands are located 11 miles east of Scalpay and their display of Basalt rock columns are the most spectacular in Britain (better than the giants causeway). There are hundreds of offshore islands in the Hebridean chain; many were inhabited at one time but have been deserted over the last two centuries, leaving behind empty villages and crofts. Some, though, are still thriving, now linked by causeways and bridges to the mainland islands.

Walking/Cycling

Also dotted along the coastline on Harris are deserted villages where the inhabitants have long gone and left are the ruins of a bygone day. As well as being wildlife havens, these special places offer total solitude and escape from the modern world.

Most of these villages and beaches are accessible by foot, the nearest beaches can be seen from the cottages and are approximately a 10 minute walk away.  Road bikes in the cottages are available to use during your stay which will enable you to make the most of this spectacular scenery at a more leisurely pace.  You can also use electric bikes which we can provide with advanced notice.

Fishing

There are plenty of opportunities, during your holiday, to fish for Brown/ Sea Trout and Salmon. It is advisable to contact the estate in advance of your stay .

Isle of Harris Distillery

The Isle of Harris distillery is the first distillery on Harris.  As well as producing their award winning Gin they have now launched their whisky, Na Hearadh.