Wildlife and Machair

Harris has amazing wildlife 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. Look our for seals, whales, porpoises and seabirds in the Sound of Harris.

Eagles: Harris has both white tailed sea eagles and golden eagles, with sea eagles sometimes seen from the house. The North Harris Trust Ranger Service works with the local community and visitors to increase awareness and understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of North Harris. Take a visit to the eagle observatory or explore the Outer Hebrides birds of prey trail. Many other birds, including sea eagles can be seen in and around Harris and especially to the south of Harris and in the Bays area.

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.

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, and 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.