We are planning an 8 night stay on Lewis and Harris (Sept. 2026) with a slow travel itinerary of seeing historic sites, trying out some Highland Walks, and visiting textile artisans. Considering the size and geography of the islands, and the actual time it takes to drive the area...I am wondering if we should be staying in one location for the duration or consider splitting our stay between two, and if so, is there a location you'd recommend? I have my eye on self catering options in Flesherin, Borve, Bhaltos, Leverburg all of which can accommodate our stay in whole or in part.
Posted by
Minnesota🌲
10224 posts
I would stay in two places, not one on the islands. Harris and Lewis is not terribly large but many of the places require some tricky driving and time, especially if the weather is not good. Both Harris and Lewis are wonderful places and splitting them up will give you four days in each place to savor and enjoy.
In Lewis, you’re probably best off staying in Stornaway. On Harris, it depends.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
6 posts
You have confirmed my instinct. I appreciate it. We are already so looking forward to the trip.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2756 posts
One of the problems is finding somewhere sufficiently central to cover both Lewis and Harris. This won't work with any of the suggestions you mention. So yes, it would make sense to split bewtween two places.
We used to hire a cottage about ten miles south of Stornoway and used that as a base to cover both Lewis and Harris. (Unfortunately they no longer let.) One of the problems is that there isn't a lot of accommodation choice on the main road between Stornoway and Tarbert.
Posted by
OP
Michigan
6 posts
Helpful! Thank you! Happily it’s not a hardship to book a couple of locations. But I did want to do it sooner rather than later.
Posted by
Glasgow
120 posts
I agree with two bases otherwise there's too much travel between sites on the islands.
I'd go for what you can get on Harris (the island gets booked up one year ahead and generally full week/two week lets are the thing.)If you can find a south/west coast sea view property on Harris that would be great but - they come at a price! Borve would work as it's got easy beach access.
Lewis - I'm not a fan of Stornoway, it's surprisingly urban in feel though of course, lots of amenities there.It's down to personal preference of course but with a car I'd always choose a lovelier, more rural location.Valtos certainly gives you great access to the truly stunning Reef beach and also Mangersta and Uig Sands - a fantastic part of West Lewis just about on a par with Harris! (which is saying something.) It is quite remote but would still work for exploring the historic sites of West Lewis( to name some - Carloway Broch, Callanish, the Norse Mill and Kiln, Bosta Iron Age house, Arnol Blackhouse, Gearrannan Blackhouse village.)
You could probably manage one location if you found somewhere in Tarbert but it still means a couple of days of longer driving up to Lewis's sights.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1524 posts
I'm going to buck the trend here and say get one location. We've often stayed in Lewis & Harris (an easy visit for us from Skye) and staying for a week you will have a greater choice of self catering holiday homes if you opt for a 7 night stay. Indeed some places don't even rent for anything other than 7 night blocks so you will have the greatest choice if you opt for a 7 night stay.
Sykes is a holiday rental agent (UK nationwide) who has taken over one of the upmarket Scottish rental agents. Some of the places we've previously stayed are now listed on Sykes. There are also some good ones listed on Unique Cottages.
We love to stay near Uig Bay (wonderful, almost always empty beach and a lovely community shop). We had no problem exploring as much of Lewis & Harris as we wanted in a week from that location.
You could always have your 8th night in a hotel or in Ullapool or Skye depending on where you're getting the ferry from.