Luxury self-catering holiday cottage, Isle of Harris
Luxury self-catering holiday cottage on the Isle of Harris with beach views
Oran na Mara directly overlooks the spectacular 2 mile curved bay of Scarista beach with the iconic Toe Head (Chaipaval) peninsula as the backdrop, with stunning sunsets and colours that cannot be adequately described
Early morning at Luskentyre looking towards Scarista and Toe Head
Seilebost and Luskentyre (photograph by Derek MacKinnon)
Scarista from Chaipaval (Toe Head). Òran na Mara directly overlooks this beach and peninsula, and enjoys sunsets most of the year
The Isle of Harris
Harris is regarded as the jewel of the Hebrides - it is mountainous with absolutely stunning beaches which are regularly listed as among the best in the world.
There is a lot to do on Harris - it's a relatively large island and is connected by land to it's larger neighbour, the Isle of Lewis. Walking, golfing, birdwatching, watersports, stargazing, sailing, fishing, or just chilling out in some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth. You can take a fast boat to St Kilda, with it's poignant stories of life in a remote community, and with the highest sea cliffs in Britain. You can play golf at the beautiful Scarista course right opposite our house (guests can play for free). You can visit the Callanish Standing Stones, probably the best and most spectacular and complete ancient stone circle in the British Isles. In the autumn to spring, you might be lucky enough to see the northern lights dancing across the night sky.
We can arrange a number of guided walks and sporting activities for you, so please ask when booking.
Although remote, Harris has excellent shops and restaurants - don't expect superstores and Michelin stars, but you will find just about every food you would wish for and meals out will be of excellent quality. The local store in the village of Leverburgh, An Clachan, is very well stocked and will deliver to Oran na Mara if you wish. Call them on 01859 520370. Croft 36 in the local village of Northon is also a great source for meals and snacks, all freshly-prepared. Julie will make delicious meals for you and deliver them to Oran na Mara. Call her on 01859 520779. For delicious fresh seafood, Sean will deliver on Tuesday if you call the week before on 07825 181634.
Òran na Mara is designed as a space that you can enjoy in any season, and being located in such a stunning place with the best views possible, you will be forgiven for wanting to spend quality time just enjoying it!
The view from Chaipaval, the hill seen from Òran na Mara
Access
Òran na Mara is easily accessed via the A859 south from Tarbert, Harris. It sits on a hillside overlooking the Harris Golf Club - often called the most beautiful golf club in the world - and out west to the Atlantic, islands, Toe Head and sunsets. And, of course, those incredible beaches.
By Air - from Stornoway, with direct flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Stornoway is 53 miles from Òran na Mara by road. Car hire is available - we will arrange this for you on request.
By Road - from Tarbert, Harris. There is a fast car ferry service from Uig on Skye operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (calmac.com) - we strongly recommend booking the ferry well in advance to secure a vehicle space. Òran na Mara is 15 miles from Tarbert.
There is an alternative ferry route from Ullapool to Stornoway, also operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. Òran na Mara is about 90 minutes drive from Stornoway.
Òran na Mara's postcode is HS3 3HX.
It is also possible to access Harris from the other Outer Hebridean islands of North Uist and Berneray. There is a bridge between North Uist and Berneray, and a car ferry from Berneray to Leverburgh, Harris. Òran na Mara is 8 miles from Leverburgh.
Whichever way you travel, the journey to Òran na Mara is part of your holiday, and is through beautiful scenery whether viewed from the air, the sea or the land!
Luskentyre looking towards Chaipaval (Toe Head) by Mo Thomson
If you drive across to Skye the ferry at Glenelg is a real treat - spectacular scenery and a trip on the world's last rotating car ferry, and the star of many films and TV programmes
The beach overlooking Scarp (near Husinis)