Isle of Harris Vacations
Scotland has a number of world class tourist destinations which range from the likes of Edinburgh Castle & the Edinburgh Festivals to the golf courses of St Andrews. Scotland has so much to offer that a suitable vacation can be found for almost anyone but besides the great many well known vacation destinations there is a multitude of lesser known but equally thrilling and enjoyable vacations to be had in places such as the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles.
Found off the west coast of Scotland, in the Atlantic ocean, the Hebrides are made up of a great many islands of different sizes (the vast majority unpopulated). There are two groups the Inner Hebrides which are separated from the Outer Hebrides by a stretch of water known as the Minch. The Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides is the most well known and most popular vacation destination.
The largest and most populated island in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles is the Isle of Lewis which has some incredible scenery around the coast but the vast majority of the interior is moorland. Adjoining Lewis to the south is the Isle of Harris which is dramatic in the North, which is dominated by mountains of up to 3,000 ft, but rather more gentle to the South.
Tarbert is the main village on Harris which is found at the point where North Harris becomes South Harris. It is here where you will arrive/depart to or from the Isle of Skye if traveling by ferry. Always take great care to book your ferry as early as possible and get to it as early as possible as it does not wait for anybody. Tarbert can get a little congested at ferry times so take care.
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a variety of sports on the Isle of Harris. Many folk enjoy fly fishing and sea fishing and there are a number of wonderful places where you can enjoy fishing for trout, salmon and Atlantic char as well as cod and other sea fish. Golfers will be pleased to know that Harris has it's own superb golf course with truly awesome views and there is a further course in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
Cycling vacations are extremely popular on Harris and large numbers of individuals and groups of friends enjoy the often unique experience. Great care should always be taken by both the cyclists and others on the road. It is sometimes too easy to become distracted by the sights and cycling alongside each other is not advised. If cycling on Harris is not for you then maybe you would enjoy walking. Many hill walkers and climbers visit the island in the summer but again you should take great care and be suitably equipped at all times.
For those looking for something a little more relaxing then I should mention the most amazing beaches found along the west coast of Harris, especially in South Harris. No visit to the Isle of Harris would be complete without spending some time on at least one of the beaches. Lovely expanses of silvery gold shell sand beaches appear around each corner as you drive along. Remember, if you want to take in the sights pull over and park your vehicle.
If you are planning a vacation to the Hebrides this year and are thinking of spending some time on the Isle of Harris then you need to consider what type of accommodation you will be staying in and where on the island you will base your vacation. If you plan to spend most of your time taking in the scenery and relaxing on the beach then self catering in South Harris might just be the perfect solution. However if you would not like to be bothered by such things as cooking and you would like to spend some time visiting Harris then a hotel or guest house in Tarbert may be more suitable. Whichever you choose you will find the accommodation to be of the highest quality.
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If you are considering a vacation to Harris please take a look at Harris Self Catering and Harris Bed & Breakfast
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