Scotland – Isle of Harris

Sunday was a travel day for us as we ventured out, via a 1 hour 40 minute ferry ride, to the Isle of Harris. Harris is known for sandy beaches like Luskentyre and Scarista on the west coast and for the famous Harris Tweed. We departed Portree and made our way to see if we could make the short hike to see the Fairy Glen, which is an old landslide and is known for its folk tales about fairies. However once we arrived it was raining buckets, but that didn’t stop Briana and Sienna from braving the elements to catch a glimpse of the glen.

Back in the car for the 5 minute drive to the ferry terminal for our 2:30pm departure time. Cars beginning queuing at noon and since we were there so early we were first in line.

And with time to waste we popped into the Isle of Skye Brewing company where Kiley found a crazy comfortable sweatshirt and I a hat. At approximately 2pm the ferry was approaching port to disembark its passengers from the voyage over to the Isle of Skye. Now it was time. We drove right onto the boat, parked, grabbed our things, and headed straight up to the observation lounge to enjoy the ride over to Harris. While on board we took in the views and even enjoyed a nice cappuccino from the cafe onboard.

As we pulled into the Isle of Harris the scenery was absolutely stunning. Mountains climbing out of the ocean as something you would expect to see in the South Pacific. Almost magical! We made our way to where we would be spending the next 2 nights. When we arrived to the Ceol Na Mara Guest House (which means “music of the sea” in Gaelic) we were greeted by Jane and Dave who call this place home.

Dave quickly whisked our bags off while Jane showed us around this beautiful home. Each room has coffee, chilled milk (in its own tiny fridge), and a daily scotch to enjoy (each room has a different scotch, and yes we did enjoy our own scotch tasting).

After we claimed our rooms we met in the lounge area for Jane and Dave to go over our morning breakfast menu and recommendations on what to see and do here on the Isle of Harris.

Before supper Briana, Stephen, and I took a walk to check out the locals. SHEEP that is! Its amazing at how different this island is from the Isle of Skye, rugged with not many trees, which is due to the 100+mph winds they get during the winter here, but still very green.

Yesterday we woke to the most amazing breakfast served by Jane and Dave. I had the brioche, egg, and bacon while Briana had avocado toast with a poached egg and topped with asparagus.

After breakfast we headed off on a road trip down the golden road stopping along the way for some amazing photo ops.

We continued our drive to visit St Clement’s Church which is believed to have been built in the late fifteenth-century or early sixteenth-century, built for the Chiefs of the McLeods of Dunvegan and Harris.

As we continued we came across some the of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever seen. If I didn’t know it I would think I was in the Caribbean. We pulled over, rolled up our pants and strolled the beach. Kiley even found herself a snail friend. I now know why people come to Harris and never leave.

Pictures really don’t do this place justice!

Once back at the house we freshened up for dinner at Talla Na Mara which overlooks Niseaboist beach and the Sound of Taransay.

This morning we said our farewells to our amazing hosts Jane and Dave and off to Inverness. If you ever get the oppurtunity to visit this amazing place called Isle of Harris please make sure you book a few nights in their lovely B&B, you won’t regret it.

Until my next post!