Top 5 things to do in Harris

1. All of the beaches on the West Coast of Harris are amazing! Luskentyre is rated number one on Trip Advisor and is well worth a stroll. One of our favourites is Huisinis beach, which involves a stunning drive through the foothills of the North Harris mountains and then through the front garden of Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. The sand beach is at the end of the road facing the Atlantic to the right. Take a short connecting path over the isthmus to the left which takes you to a rocky beach and the jetty for Scarp. Glimpses of St. Kilda can be seen from some of the high points of this road and the North Harris Eagle Observatory is well worth a visit - it’s a 30-minute walk off the road. Northton Beach is another good call, which must include popping into Temple Cafe for some of their delicious home cooking, especially if you have walked out to the ruins of the temple, a medieval chapel overlooking the Sound of Harris.

2. Take a boat trip to the Islands of St Kilda which is one of only 38 locations in the world, and the only one in the UK that has been recognised as a UNESCO double World Heritage site due to the islands historical and ecological significance. One of our hosts runs Sea Harris who offer regular trips during the summer season. Please mention your Dalhanna stay for preferential rates!

3. A drive down the East coats of Harris is another must. There are several galleries on the way, and I recommend stopping at Ardbuidhe Cottage Gallery or Skoon Café. You will also pass Harris Tweed & Knitwear and the Harris Tweed Company. St Clements Church in Rodel is at the south end of this road and is another visitor favourite.

4. Take in some shopping in the village of Tarbert, which includes the Isle of Harris Distillery and Visitor Centre, the main shop and store of Harris Tweed, with possibly the largest collection of tweeds in the Hebrides, the local artist Hope Blamire's beautiful shop & the new Essence of Harris store. As well as the cafe in the distillery, Tarbert has plenty of choices for something to eat within a short distance. The Harris Hotel, Hotel Hebrides & First Fruits Tearoom are all available for teas, coffees, light snacks and main meals.

5. Cross the bridge to Scalpay, which until recently was the longest single-span bridge in Europe. Take a stroll out to Scalpay Lighthouse, and call into the North Harbour Bistro on the way back to re-energise.

Please also check out Visit Scotland for more information and up to date travel tips.