Horgabost sits on the west coast of the Isle of Harris between Seilebost and Nisabost, directly off the A859. It is a broad crescent of pale sand facing Taransay, and it is best known to visitors for the campsite on the machair immediately above the beach, which is one of the most sought after pitches in Scotland.
Getting there, camping and parking
The turning is signposted off the A859 and the road down to the shore is short, so Horgabost is one of the more accessible Harris beaches. The community-run campsite above the sand takes tents and campervans, and in July and August it is often full. There is parking at the site, and the beach is a very short walk from the car.
Tides and swimming
Horgabost shelves gently and is more sheltered than Scarista, which makes it popular with families, but it is still open Atlantic water and cold all year. The sands widen considerably at low tide. Check the tide times below before you plan a long walk out towards the point.
Horgabost Beach Images
Photographs of Horgabost Beach and the view to Taransay. Click any image to see it full size.
In short
Horgabost is a broad sandy beach on the west coast of Harris between Seilebost and Nisabost, signposted off the A859 and easy to reach. A community-run campsite sits on the machair above the sand and is very busy in high summer. The beach faces the island of Taransay, shelves gently and widens a long way at low tide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp at Horgabost Beach?
Yes. There is a community-run campsite on the machair directly above the beach, taking tents and campervans. It is extremely popular in July and August, so do not count on getting a pitch by turning up late in the day.
Where is Horgabost Beach?
On the west coast of the Isle of Harris between Seilebost and Nisabost, signposted off the A859. It is a short drive down from the main road, which makes it one of the easier west coast beaches to reach.
Is Horgabost good for families?
It is one of the gentler beaches on this coast, shelving slowly and more sheltered than Scarista, which is why families use it. The water is still open Atlantic and cold in every month of the year.
What can you see from Horgabost?
The island of Taransay sits directly offshore, and on a clear day you can see the full sweep of the west Harris coast. It is one of the best places on the island to watch the light change over the sound.