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Welcome toHarris


The home of Harris Tweed and beaches of pure white sands, pale green and turquoise seas.

1 of 3 St Clements Church, Rodel, Isle of Harris

More about Harris

Ideal for:

Nature & wildlife Culture History & heritage Food & drink

TripAdvisor's best island in Europe

Best island in Europe? It shouldn't be a surprise. The Isle of Harris has the beaches, puffin colonies, and seafood to make it the envy of the continent. Get the ferry to Harris direct from Skye, and once you're there head out on a boat trip for basking sharks, minke and killer whales, or stick to the shore to go otter spotting. You can see St Kilda from the west coast, and you can book a day trip to go see the wildest isle in the Outer Hebrides. Stay in a whitewashed croft, climb An Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, or spend an afternoon exploring the history of the island's cloth, Harris Tweed.

For more information on this destination visit the Outer Hebrides website or the  My Voyages Scotland website. 

Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these  RNLI Safety Tips   #RespectTheWater

For more information on what to expect in the Outer Hebrides now it is gradually opening its doors once again, watch the video below. 

 Find out about Scottish Island Passport here

 


Harris

How to get here

You've got several options for getting a ferry to Tarbert (Harris).

Vehicle reservations are recommended on these routes. You can book travel online, and when you do, you'll immediately receive an eTicket direct to your inbox - ready to board.

Buy Tickets

Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Journey Planner can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.

We have listed some travel information below that you may find useful:

Getting to Uig

Uig is at the north end of Skye, so to get to Harris you'll need to get to Skye first.

By car

You have two options - drive to Mallaig and go over the sea to Skye, or drive further north to Kyle of Lochlash and cross to Skye via the bridge. The ferry from Mallaig to Skye takes 30 minutes and docks at Armadale, from where you can drive north to Uig, which takes about 90 minutes. Can't decide? Do one on the way there, the other on the way back.

For electric vehicle users there are a number of charging points available on the way.  Rapid charging points are available in Mallaig's West Bay Car Park just a short distance from the Ferry Terminal. For those travelling over the Skye Bridge, charging points are available in Fort William and Shielbridge.  Once on Skye, charging points can be found at the Aros Community Cultural Centre and the Bayview Car Park, both in Portree.

Helpful tips for driving on Harris

Video transcript - How to drive on single track roads

Postcode for sat nav

Uig Port: IV51 9XX

Mallaig Port: PH41 4QD

By bus

The bus from Fort William to Uig takes 3 hours 40 minutes, on average, and the views on the drive north are some of the most beautiful in Scotland.  Local buses operate across the Outer Hebrides but users are advised to check timetables carefully before embarking on their journey.

Check out our Journey Planner for routes and timetables

By Foot 

The Isle of Harris has a spectacular and diverse landscape which is especially suited to those looking for an active holiday.  Harris has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is the perfect place to see the unique coastal machair.  The northern part of the island has the most extensive and highest range of mountains in the Outer Hebrides which is amongst the wildest in Britain. The hills are generally quiet and provide a variety of hillwalking opportunities. For more information about walks on Harris why not visit the Visit Outer Hebrides  and North Harris Trust  websites.

By Bike

The Isle of Harris leg of the Hebridean Way Cycling Route is possibly one of the most challenging.  The mountains to the north of the island will certainly test your legs.  Harris is a fantastic place for mountain bikers, with challenging routes throughout the mountain range in the North.  Visit the North Harris Trust and Visit Outer Hebrides  websites for more information about cycling on Harris including bike hire, routes and events.

Note: If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.

Plan your journey at CycleStreets  

 


Have you thought about alternate routes to get to your chosen destination?

With 5 routes to and from the Outer Hebrides and great connectivity throughout the island chain the travel options available have never been greater.

Whether you are looking to explore on an Island Hopping holiday or find a different route home we offer a variety of daily sailings to ensure that you can reach your ideal destination.

Here are the 5 route options to the Outer Hebrides

Castlebay (Barra) from Oban
Lochboisdale (Uists) from Mallaig
Lochmaddy (Uists) from Uig (Skye)
Tarbert (Harris) from Uig (Skye)
Stornoway (Lewis) from Ullapool

Travelling with Campervans/Motorhomes/Caravans

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) request that visitors in caravans, motorhomes and campervans stay in official campsites and or designated overnight spots. Plan your trip carefully by booking sites where you can and do not stay out with these campsites/overnight spots. This will help to manage numbers, alleviate pressure on our fragile environment and avoid excessive impact on our communities. Please follow our P.L.A.C.E visitor code and help to keep the Outer Hebrides special. Find out more about changes that have been made to taking  Motorhomes and Campervans in the Outer Hebrides  

In addition motorhomes, campervans and those vehicles towing a caravan will not be able to join standby queues at ports on the following routes. Find out more about changes that have been made to the motorhomes, campervans and caravans standby process.

Useful information for your journey

For those travelling onward without a vehicle find out more about the bus services  offered throughout the Outer Hebrides.

Download the free Ultimate Outer Hebrides App your ideal journey companion.

Keep up to date with all our CalMac services and Service status & info.

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