The Long & Winding Road: Hushinish
Hushinish Beach: Isle of Harris
Probably my top recommendation for “things to do in Lewis and Harris” is to simply… drive around (or stoat aboot, as I like to call it). If you are lucky enough to be granted a fine day on the West coast of Scotland this is without doubt the best way to spend it. Hushinish is my favourite spot on the island (Luskentyre is a close second) and it is obvious why! It does take some driving to get there but it is worth it when you arrive.
On the road down you will pass the imposing Amhuinnsuidhe Castle. It is worth stopping for five minutes if you have the time (and I imagine, if you’re halfway down this road you do) as there is an honesty shop in the buildings just past the main entrance to the castle, with fresh venison from the estate. It is also not uncommon to see the pair of sea eagles that live on Harris whilst in this part of the island - they are HUGE and distinctive by their white tails.
There is a wee toilet block at the beach itself making it a perfect spot for a motorhome or a bit of camping. I camped on the beach itself for three days (the toilet block was closed during the pandemic and my stay involved a lot of drinking out of the burn nearby) and spent my days walking the hills around Hushinish and swimming in the bay. Be warned, I am Scottish and don’t mind a bit of cold water swimming but if you are used to warmer climes it may be a bit of a shock, although I guarantee you will feel amazing afterwards. I also recommend a wee whisky to warm you up afterwards. There is also a small car park if you follow the small road off to the right after passing the toilet block, it is a better place to park to explore. I have also spotted porpoise in the bay, very close to the beach so keep your eyes peeled!
If you are a keen walker there is another fantastic beach close by - but I will save that for another post (check out Secret Beach!).
Get there: If you are travelling on the main road North from Tarbert towards Lewis, around ten minutes after leaving Tarbert you will see a road that follows a bay off to the left - it is signposted but unless you’re careful you’ll drive straight past. This is the road to Hushinish (marked with the Gaelic, Husinis). It is a single track and a long, slow and steady drive but that’s the magic of it - it allows you to marvel at every turn. You will pass the most remote Tennis court in the country and many, many highland cows and sheep, and after roughly forty-five minutes from the turn in the road you will be rewarded with a view of the bay.