The best beaches on the Isle of Harris
Find out about the best beaches on the Isle of Harris (Outer Hebrides). Which one is your favourite Harris beach?
Rosie Honeywell
Published on 8 Sep 2022
The Isle of Harris – part of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland – is undoubtedly known for it’s fantastic beaches. They look like they’ve been transported out of the Carribean, they just forgot to add the temperature and the constant sunshine, but they are great to walk on and enjoy at any time of year. And yes, we do get warm and sunny weather sometimes, and when that happens don’t forget your suncream.
When you visit Harris, plan to see the outstanding beaches – most of which are easily accessible.
In this article, we’ll show you the best beaches on the Isle of Harris, how to get there and – if you’re in a hurry – how to see them from the roadside.
1. Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris
The luxury holiday accommodation Oran na Mara overlooks Scarista beach which is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on West Harris. You can see the beach stretching out as you drive south, but beach access is not quite obvious.
Scarista Beach Photo Stop Parking
You can stop briefly at The Isle of Harris Golf Club car park which overlooks Scarista beach.
Scarista Explorer Parking
As an Oran Na Mara visitor, you can walk through the golf club and access the beach from the North-East side.
Alternatively, drive past the golf club for a mile or so until you see a farmer’s gate on the right-hand side. There are usually cars parked before the gate already. Walk through the gate and follow the path. Watch out for live stock as you access the next fence and gate. There could be sheep and/or cows.
Plan to walk for about 5-10 minutes over grassy paths and farm land, then cross a sandy area until you reach the dunes and the vast beach.
Scarista Beach Access through the gate
Scarista Beach – The view from Oran Na Mara
Scarista Beach – great for long walks and for collecting shells.
2. Seilebost Beach, Isle of Harris
Seilebost beach is a long and cured beach on West Harris. It’s perfect for long walks, enjoying a walk with your dogs or collect shells. There’s also a sea otter which ocassionally shows its nose in the water!
Seilebost Photo Stop Parking
There is car parking on the main road overlooking the beach. You can take amazing photos from there.
Seilebost Explorer Parking
Park at West Harris Trust – Seilebost School. There is parking for a few cars and from there it’s only a few minute walk to the beach.
Be careful walking on top of the dunes as the wind and waves have washed them away. They can be quite dangerous and break away without warning. It’s savest to walk on the beach.
Seilebost Dune Erosion, filmed in June 2022
Seilebost View from the road
3. Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris
Luskentyre beach on Harris is one of the largest and most impressive beaches on the island. You can find Luskentyre beach at the end of a long and winding single-track road, but it’s well worth a visit. You can get a sneak preview of the beach from the same spot where you can see Seilebost from the roadside, but this doesn’t do it justice. Luskentyre is a long curved beach with an amazing view across the North Harris hills. The waves – on a sunny day – can look really glassy. You can also see Taransay island which is famous for the BBC’s Castaway programme.
Luskentyre Photo Stop Parking
There is car parking on the main road at Seilebost. Luskentyre beach is opposite Seilebost.
Luskentyre Explorer Parking
Drive into Luskentyre and follow the road until the very end. There is a large car park near the graveyard, There are also public toilets. Go through the gate right beside the toilets and follow the path to the beach and enjoy 🙂
If you’re lucky, you can see the two white horses at the beach.
4. Nisabost Beach, Isle of Harris
Nisabost beach is probably the easiest to access. You can park right beside the beach and then it’s only 50 yards and you’re on the beach!
Nisabost Photo Stop Parking
If you’re in a hurry, park on the road-side and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing into the rocks.
Nisabost Explorer Parking
The parking area is right beside the beach and the area has just recently been extended. The waves at Nisabost can be super impressive!
Talla Na Mara is also just over the road if you want to warm up or go for a coffee or a meal.
5. Huisinis Beach, Isle of Harris
Huisinis beach (pronounced “hooshaneesh”) is at the end of a long single track road (14 miles – 37 minute drive from the main road at Aird Asaig). Huisinis beach itself is quite small, but beautiful and great for swimming on a warm day.
However, from the car park, you can walk to the “secret beach” – Caolas an Scarp. This is the true gem at the end of the Huisinis road. It takes about half an hour to walk there, but the path has been prepared for walkers and is constantly being upgraded. Avoid this on a rainy day though as it can be very slippy.
There are also public toilets near the car park.
Huisinis Photo Stop Parking
Drive to the end of the road, step out of the car and enjoy the beach. You can walk over the crest of the small hill to get to the jetty and enjoy the view over to the Scarp island.
Huisinis Explorer Parking
Park at the end of the road and follow the path to the secret beach. You can easily spend a day at Huisinis, going for walk, taking photos.
Overlooking Huisinis Beach, Isle of Harris
Caolas an Scarp Beach near Huisinis Beach, Isle of Harris
Caolas an Scarp Beach, Isle of Harris
6. Borve Beach, Isle of Harris (Traigh Mhor)
You can see Borve beach in the distance from many locations on West Harris, but it’s not the most obvious to get to. It’s a long stretch of pristine white sands and endless views of the Atlantic.
Borve Photo Stop Parking
You can get a good view. of Borve beach looking North from the Harris Golf Club car park.
Borve Explorer Parking
Beach access is tricky and that’s why it’s always super quiet there. Try and find a spot on the main road, but try to avoid parking in private holiday home parking areas. You can walk through one of the river beds or across the fields to access the beach.
