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Isle of Harris Vacations

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Written by John Angus Macleod

Saturday, 19 April 2008

by JohnAngusMacleod

Many people spend their vacations in one of the popular tourist destinations found in Scotland. Popular vacations, such as golfing vacations in St Andrews, create important revenue for the Scottish economy. However there is a multitude of lesser known places to visit in Scotland, such as the Isle of Harris, that can provide you with the perfect vacation.

There are two groups of islands, the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides, which make up the total group known simply as just the Hebrides. Consisting of hundreds of islands, the Hebrides are found off the west coast of Scotland. The most popular vacation destination in the area is the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides.

The Outer Hebrides are very different from the Inner Isles and there is a great deal of diversity amongst the islands of the Western Isles. The Isle of Lewis, to the north, is the largest and most populated island to which the Isle of Harris is attached, to the south. Lewis consists of mainly boggy moorland (except around the coast which is spectacular) whereas Harris is mountainous to the North and rocky to the South.

North Harris meets South Harris at a narrow isthmus where, in a steep valley, you will find the main village on Harris, Tarbert. Tarbert is also the ferry port for the main ferry to/from the Isle of Skye and, at ferry times, the village can suddenly become congested and very busy. If you plan to travel to Harris by ferry make sure that you book and arrive well in advance as at the peak of the season the ferry is often full.

There are a number of sports which can be enjoyed on the Isle of Harris. Golfers will be pleased to hear that Harris has it's own golf course with absolutely astounding views and some unique challenges. Please note there is no golfing on Sundays. If one course isn't enough there is another over in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Of course anglers are catered for extremely well with a number of excellent places to try a spot of fly fishing and sea fishing is to be believed.

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.

Until you visit the Isle of Harris it is difficult for you to fully understand the outstanding beauty of the island. Yes you may have seen some photographs of the many spectacular beaches, you may have seen them on the television. However, until you have stood, on a hot summers day with your bare feet in the soft warm shell sand, looking out to sea, you have no idea what a genuinely moving experience it can be.

Choosing how and where to stay on the Isle of Harris depends greatly on how you plan to spend your time. If you like to be independent then Harris self catering could be the perfect solution. If you like to experience luxury then a Harris hotel is the more likely option. The most affordable accommodation is B&B or guest house accommodation. If you plan to visit some places on the Isle of Lewis then it may be best to base your vacation towards the north of Harris, in Tarbert maybe.

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If you are considering a vacation to Harris please take a look at Harris Self Catering and Harris Bed & Breakfast