Breathtaking Harris

Experience the varied and stunning landscapes of Outer Hebrides and enjoy a stop that will allow you to observe a weaving demonstration of world-famous Harris Tweed.

Starting off from the cruise ship pier in Stornoway, the capital of the Outer Hebrides, you'll travel southward, skirting the fjord-like sea lochs of Loch Erisort and Loch Seaforth. The road then climbs steadily past the towns of Bowglass and Ardvourlie before navigating through a mountain pass which offers up excellent views of the rugged countryside. The views include the peak of Clisham, which at over 2,600 feet, is the highest mountain in the Outer Isles. Usually, native wildlife can be spotted here, including red deer, otters and golden eagles. The terrain here even features rocks which have been discovered to be the oldest in the world. During your drive, you will further witness how the powerful forces of ice and sea in the distant past have carved and polished a dramatic landscape of stark sea-cliffs, sweeping beaches and rugged heather uplands here on the island of Lewis.

One of the most desirable wool textiles in the world, Harris Tweed, is produced in the Outer Hebrides and you will have the opportunity of visiting one of the small shops and adjacent tweed storehouse in the town of Tarbert. A weaving demonstration at the factory shows how the product is weaved and you will have the chance to purchase some lengths of tweed or small souvenir products. As the factory is not large in scale, visitors should be aware that space is restricted. Afterwards, enjoy some free time in Tarbert - which overloods Loch Tarbert and is the largest village on the island.

Continuing on from Tarbert, you'll pass through a dramatic lunar landscape of rocks dotted with tiny lochans as you descend towards the vast expanse of Luskentyre Bay. Here, you'll head for Horgabost Beach where you will have some additional free time to enjoy the bleached white sand here. This lovely setting which is framed by the turquoise sea, backed by steep dunes and set against the backdrop of the mountains to the north, is a wonderful place to relax and take some memorable photos. From this location, you can also view the beautiful, uninhabited island of Taransay, the recent setting for a hugely popular television program, 'Castaway'.

Following your stop at Horgabost Beach, you'll rejoin your coach and travel back the ship in Stornoway.