‘A Slow and Winding Journey’ – A Trip to Huisinis in North Harris
‘A Slow and Winding Journey’ – A Trip to Huisinis in North Harris

‘A Slow and Winding Journey’ – A Trip to Huisinis in North Harris

Episode 72: ‘A Slow and Winding Journey’ – A Trip to Huisinis in North Harris

Join me for a trip to Huisinis in the Isle of Harris to spot about eagles, explore the dazzling underwater world and learn about community-led land ownership in the Outer Hebrides.

This story was recorded LIVE at the Tremula Festival in Brighton on 21 September 2024.

Local communities should be at the heart of sustainable and slow tourism in Scotland.

‘A Slow and Winding Journey’ is a story about discovering the wild landscapes of the Isle of Harris – without losing sight of its community of people who take care of North Harris, its mountains, beaches and coastlines.

We’ll go for a hike to spot eagles on the North Harris Estate, join local guide and former ranger Daryll Brown for a snorkel session at Huisinis beach and learn about community ownership & stewardship in this part of the Outer Hebrides.

At the end of the episode, I share my top tips for a slow adventure in the Isle of Harris.

Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.

Resources

Explore the Huisinis and the other sites on the North Harris Snorkel Trail – download the leaflet from the Scottish Wildlife Trust website

Read about the North Harris Trust and check out their map of overnight parking spots

Learn more about the facilities at the Huisinis Gateway

Hike from Huisinis to Traigh Mheilein and find out about the ranger service & guided walks in North Harris

Book a guided snorkel session with Wild Harris

The tourism board of the Outer Hebrides have put together a handy Motorhome & Campervan Guide for visitors

My top tips for driving on single-track roads in Scotland

5 Travel Tips for Huisinis and North Harris

1) Take your time to explore away from the main road

Some of Harris’ more popular sites, like the Isle of Harris Distillery or the white beaches on the west coast, are located near the main road across the island. But it’s worth veering off the beaten path to explore roads, tracks and trails in the more remote parts of the region. One thing you’ll need for this is time, there’s no way to see all of Harris in a day. Spend at least 2-3 days to immerse yourself fully in the local landscape, wildlife and communities.

2) Brush up on your single-track road driving skills

On Harris, there is no way around driving on single-track roads, especially if you want to head out to Huisinis. Even the main road through the mountains is largely a single-track road. Check the resources above to find the link to an article with my top tips for single-track roads.

3) Make use of the designated overnight parking spots

If you are visiting Harris with a campervan or motorhome, it’s important that you either book a spot at a managed campsite, or use one of the designated overnight parking spots. The North Harris Community Trust has identified several locations where there is enough space for overnight parking. The Huisinis Gateway has full facilities, but other locations are just scenic laybys along the road. Your fees help the community manage things like litter and ranger services.

4)  Join a guided eagle walk with the North Harris Ranger Service

During the summer, the North Harris Ranger service puts on a programme of wildlife walks. There is a weekly guided walk Loch Shiphoirt, weekly sit-ins at the North Harris Eagle Observatory on the road to Huisinis, and regular walks to various eagle viewpoints like the Ardvourlie Woodland Observatory near Scaladale Centre.

5) Book a session with Daryll from Wild Harris  and explore the North Harris Snorkel Trail

Snorkelling with a guide like Daryll makes for a much safer and more exciting experience. I don’t think I would have spent quite this much time in the thicket of the kelp forest, if I had been on my own and I wouldn’t have seen half the wildlife without him. Wetsuits and all other snorkel equipment to keep you warm underwater can be provided. If snorkelling isn’t your thing, they also offer guided walks, sea kayaking and mountain biking to immerse yourself in the wild landscapes of Harris and learn about the local community.

Pictures from Huisinis in Noth Harris

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