Wildlife and Machair
Harris has amazing wildlife and wild flowers (machair) which thrives in the pristine coastal and mountain environments.
Otters: Directly outside of Sea View House we have resident otters who can often be seen at dawn and dusk along the coastline.
Seals, whales, porpoises and seabirds are in the Sound of Harris and around the coastline.
Eagles: We see Sea Eagles from the house most days. Harris also has golden eagles and the North Harris Trust Ranger Service runs the eagle observatory and Outer Hebrides birds of prey trail.
Machair: Harris and the Outer Hebrides are famous for the Machair. Machair is a Gaelic word meaning fertile low lying grassy plain. This is the name given to one of the rarest natural habitats in Europe which only occurs on exposed western coasts of Scotland and Ireland. Sand, largely made up of crushed shells, is regularly blown ashore by Atlantic gales and over time this calcium rich shell sand and traditional Outer Hebridean crofting land practices have led to stunning spring/summer wildflowers, birds and insect life.
Outdoor adventures
From exploring golden sandy beaches to embarking on scenic hikes along stunning coastal cliffs or on the hills, this awe-inspiring terrain invites you to reconnect with nature at its most pure.
Boat trips are a great way to see the Island for a different perspective, and in summer there are boat trips with Sea Harris to the world heritage site of St.Kilda, weather permitting - book early as the trips fill up fast. Trips to Taransay, Britain’s largest uninhabited island, is a remote and unspoilt island wilderness off the coast of Harris and day trips are offered by the Borve Estate for an unforgettable experience. New for 2024 is Eliean Glas Rib Tours who offer wildlife tours around South Harris.
Harris is ideal for walkers with hikes of all types on the doorstep or a short drive away. WalkHighlands has a comprehensive section of great walks in the area ranging from easy to longer more strenuous routes.
Cycling in Harris is a great way to discover the Island, and enjoy wonderful vistas at every turn, whilst enjoying the fresh air and quiet roads.
Wild Harris offer numerous trips for sea kayaking, mountain days and wildlife experiences and Immerse Hebrides offers wild swimming and other stimulating activities. The tides and currents around Harris are well known for being quite fickle and you should always ask for local advice or use a recognised guide before considering wild swimming or water sports. Weather can be mercurial, so bring warm layered clothing and waterproofs, just in case of the famous four seasons in one day!
Harris has a great leisure centre in Tarbert with a swimming pool and gym
Harris 9 hole golf course welcomes non members and has an amazing setting just above Scarista Beach.
Fishing holidays in the Outer Hebrides are a popular choice with both sea and game anglers, with more than 4,000 lochs and lochans, as well rivers, burns and coastline. Obbe Fishery In Leverburgh and Fish ‘n’ Trips in Stornoway both offer fishing excursions in season.
