Where do you go to breathe, to relax and unwind?
Where is your place of comfort where your nerves and stresses are soothed? We all have somewhere…
My place of solace is a ferry crossing away, across The Minch from Ullapool over to the Outer Hebrides, and then a drive down through Lewis to Harris.
My breathe becomes deeper, my shoulders relax down and I find my self grinning uncontrollably.
Harris is an Island of turquoise seas and white sandy beaches even on rainy days , history, tradition and around every corner a spectacular view. And I mean spectacular !
We have been coming to Harris, my family and I for over twenty years
Every Summer we ask the kids, now reaching adulthood, “Where do you want to go this year?” “Harris of course”, they retort back.
So, every July we set off with our trailer packed, kayaks on the roof and the camping fridge humming in the boot, to make the journey I feel sure I could do with my eyes closed. But the excitement and the sheer joy I feel, never diminishes, because I know what I’m going to get.
Two weeks of laughter, walks, wildlife, no WIFI, reading, swimming , kayaking, eating and breathing, camping in a tepee come rain or shine with our pals that we meet up with every year. Utter bliss.
Harris is an island attached to the southern part of Lewis, there’s a bridge that designates your crossing from one island to the next, under that bridge there are carvings in the wall, welcoming you to either island. Harris is full of quirky unexpected things.
On the west of Harris are sandy beaches galore and on the east are the bays, mini fjords, both sides complete opposites but beautiful in their own way. To the North you have the mountains and the only Corbett in the Outer Hebrides, Clisham Horseshoe
When we are on the island there are certain things we love to do
Swim every day, without fail we throw ourselves into the sea whatever the weather. A quick run up the beach to the showers and the woodburner on in the teepee and we are toastie.
Visit Rodel for the beautiful 16th Century St Clements church, a wander round the gravestones is always interesting and see if you can find the stone heart in the wall.
Walk up to Macleod’s Stone and then continue down to Niseaboist beach. Someone always climbs the stone, usually with help, and shouts and cheers. It’s where we go to watch the sunset over Taransey
Wave jumping, weather permitting, you need a good swell to feel the exhilaration of jumping over, diving through enormous waves. Niseaboist is our fav beach for this. Visit the seals and turns at Finsbay. We usually give them a song and see how close they will come. Binoculars are passed round as we munch on biscuits. Walk the Coffin Road. This walk goes from the Bays over to the beaches, its the walk the locals traditionally took after they were cleared from the good land over to the rocky East coast. They would walk the road with the coffin to bury them on the West.
Visit Scalpy, an island off Harris connected by a bridge to buy fresh langoustines off the boat. Careful they don’t escape the bag, laughed till we couldn’t catch our breathe.
Search for Courie shells, heads down for hours walking crablike along the tideline. I can’t tell you where we go because I’d have to kill you!!
Search for Harris Eggs, the biggest and the best and an absolute find if you get the chance as they go fast. Kayak over to Taransay, if the weather permits. My husband, a massive kayak enthusiast always tries to get one of our girls across to Taransay. This is the Island where ‘Castaway’ was filmed , one of the first Reality TV shows.
Walk to the Temple from Northton – an easy walk through Machair filled with sheep and highland cows, passing many beaches on the way to the ruined Temple. We’ve seen Porpoise, seals and basking sharks along this coastline, so keep your eyes peeled.
Walk round the Lighthouse at Scalpy – this can be an easy path walk in and out again or you can get adventurous and walk the coast ‘path’ out. We are always adventurous, the views are incredible and there is a new swim spot every 500 meters. The lighthouse itself is in the middle of a renovation. There are the staff quarters and the lighthouse itself and the fog horn. Views are again unreal on a clear day. Parking is limited, so you need to cross your fingers.
Have a meal at the Heb in Tarbet- this is usually done after our walk round the lighthouse as you have to go through Tarbet and we like to keep our carbon footprint as low as possible. They do pizzas, burgers, usual food but its really delicious and good portions.
Even after all these years we are still finding new walks and places to visit. If this sounds like your kind of place and the photos have inspired you, there will be another blog landing soon. This one discussing what the island can offer you if you like the idea of an intimate elopement or micro wedding. It will highlight the many, many incredible crafters and artisan foodies that can make your day a personal experience. Focusing on the unique and bespoke.