North Harris

North Harris is a spectacular area of land located in the centre of a long chain of islands called the Western Isles, which lie off the north-west coast of Scotland.

The community-owned estate comprises 25,900 hectares of croft land, common grazings and open hill ground including An Cliseam, the highest peak in the Western Isles with some of the most remote and rugged terrain in Scotland. The combined estate is bounded on three sides by the sea: East and West Loch Tarbert to the south, Caolas an Scarp and Loch Resort to the west, and the long arm of Loch Seaforth to the east. The northern boundary follows a meandering line tracking the Lewis/Harris border from Bogha Glas, on the edge of Loch Seaforth, to Loch Resort in the west.

The landscape features a unique combination of sandy beaches, mountains, rugged coastlines and numerous freshwater lochans. The area is also a fantastic place for watching wildlife and boasts a rich cultural history. Tarbert is the largest settlement in North Harris with excellent facilities including restaurants, hotels, shops, guest houses and a tourist information centre.

The area of North Harris makes up one of the largest community-owned estates in Scotland. The North Harris Trust, which manages the land on behalf of the community, is open to all residents and is run by a board of locally-elected volunteer directors. The Trust aims to increase employment opportunities, address local housing needs, and protect and enhance North Harris’s wonderful cultural and natural heritage.

This snorkel trail is being upgraded with the support of Surf Lewis & Harris and Wild Harris, expanding beyond North Harris to be named the Lewis and Harris Snorkel Trail. Please look to our fundraising page to help us achieve this!