Doing nothing

This has to come top of anyone’s list. Just spend the day idling on a beach; have a fine dinner at one of the excellent local restaurants; sleep soundly – and then do it all over again the next day. There’s no need to feel guilty; it’s what the Hebrides are for!

Tourist Attractions

There are simply too many to mention, but how about the Callanish standing stones, Gearranan Blackhouse Village,  Seallam Visitor Centre  and St Clements Church, Rodel to get you started?

Isle of Harris Distillery

October 2015 saw the opening of the new Isle of Harris Distillery which produces whisky and gin. It is open for tours (see website for tour information) and has a shop where you can buy the famous Harris Gin and a host of other delights.

Sea Trips

Boat trips to St Kilda and some of the other fascinating islands such as the Shiant Isles or the Flannan Isles are a must for any visitor. As long as the weather’s good, you can take a sea trip every day but Sunday during the summer months.

Kilda Cruises and Sea Harris operate out of Tarbert, Eilean Glas Rib Tours operates out of Scalpay and Sea Trek operates out of Uig in West Lewis. You may also be able to book a trip to the Castaway island of Taransay with Borve Lodge Estate

Bird watching and wildlife

Golden and White-tailed (Sea) eagles, puffins, otters, seals, mountain hare, corncrakes, red deer, dolphins and whales can all be seen locally at the appropriate time of year. Some are fairly predictable and turn up routinely at known locations while seeing others requires patience and a certain amount of luck.  Alternatively you can join in one of the many walks led by the North Harris Trust Ranger.

Don’t ignore the winter months either. October gives the chance of seeing the spectacle of the red deer roaring and rutting in the valleys and there are always over-wintering sea birds to watch in the bleakest months.

 Arts and Crafts

There are a large number of studios, potteries and galleries to visit; some of them providing light lunches and snacks. Visit their web sites to check their opening hours:

In Harris: Finsbay Gallery, Hebscape Gallery, Mission House Studio, Skoon Art, Holmasaig Gallery Ardhasaig Glass and Arts and Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery.

In Lewis: An Lanntair, Blue Pig Gallery, Harbour View Gallery and Morven Gallery.

Shopping

Donald John Mackay – a hand weaver at Luskentyre is a must, but also try  Harris Tweed and Knitwear and the Harris Tweed Company Grosebay who are just two of the many outlets on the island.