Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Harris (Na Hearadh)
POP 2000
Harris, to the south of Lewis, is the scenic jewel in the necklace of islands that comprise
the Outer Hebrides. It has a spectacular blend of rugged mountains, pristine beaches,
flower-speckled machair and barren rocky landscapes. The isthmus at Tarbert splits Harris
neatly in two: North Harris is dominated by mountains that rise forbiddingly above the
peat moors to the south of Stornoway - Clisham (799m) is the highest point. South Harris
is lower-lying, fringed by beautiful white-sand beaches in the west and a convoluted rocky
coastline to the east.
Harris is famous for Harris Tweed, a high-quality woollen cloth still hand-woven in is-
landers' homes. The industry employs around 400 weavers; staff at Tarbert tourist office
can tell you about weavers and workshops you can visit.
TARBERT (AN TAIRBEART)
POP 480
Tarbert is a harbour village with a spectacular location, tucked into the narrow neck of
land that links North and South Harris. It has ferry connections to Uig on Skye.
Village facilities include a petrol station, bank, ATM and two general stores.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Hebrides££
(
01859-502364;
www.hotel-hebrides.com
; Pier Rd; s/d from £50/130; )
The location
and setting don't look promising - a nondescript new building squeezed between ferry
pier and car park - but this modern establishment brings a dash of urban glamour to Har-
ris, with flashy fabrics and wall coverings, luxurious towels and toiletries, and a stylish
restaurant and lounge bar.
HOTEL
HOTEL
Harris Hotel££
(
01859-502154;
www.harrishotel.com
; s/d from £65/98; )
Run since 1903 by
four generations of the Cameron family, Harris Hotel is a 19th-century sporting hotel, ori-
ginally built for deer stalkers visiting the North Harris Estates. It has spacious, comfy
rooms and a good restaurant; look out for JM Barrie's initials scratched on the dining-
room window (the author of
Peter Pan
visited in the 1920s).
The hotel is on the way out of the village, on the road north towards Stornoway.
