The west coast of Harris carries the best known run of beaches in Scotland, and unusually they are all reached from one road. The A859 runs south from Tarbert past every one of them in turn, so you can see the lot in a single day without ever driving far off the main route.
- Luskentyre: the famous one, three miles down a single track road, with parking and toilets at the end.
- Seilebost: across the tidal sound from Luskentyre, with the viewpoint on the A859 where most photographs are actually taken.
- Horgabost: a broad crescent facing Taransay, with a campsite on the machair above the sand.
- Nisabost: below Talla na Mara, with MacLeod’s Stone on the headland and the best sunsets on the island.
- Borve: the quiet one, usually empty even in summer.
- Scarista: long, open and Atlantic-facing, with the golf links behind and a serious surf break.
In short
The six main beaches on the west coast of the Isle of Harris are Luskentyre, Seilebost, Horgabost, Nisabost, Borve and Scarista, all reached from the A859 between Tarbert and Leverburgh. Only Luskentyre needs a detour, about three miles of single track road. They can be seen in a single day.
Frequently asked questions
How many beaches are there on the west coast of Harris?
Six main ones lie along the A859 between Tarbert and Leverburgh: Luskentyre, Seilebost, Horgabost, Nisabost, Borve and Scarista. All are reached from the same road, so they can be seen in one day.
Can you see all the Harris beaches in a day?
Comfortably, if you are not walking all of them. The A859 passes every one, and only Luskentyre requires a significant detour, about three miles of single track road each way.
Which Harris beach is quietest?
Borve usually. Nisabost and Seilebost are also considerably quieter than Luskentyre, which draws the great majority of visitors because of its reputation.