Nearest Shop is Harris Community Co-op at Leverburgh, about 7 miles or 20 minutes from Mil Bothy. It is very well stocked, with fresh supplies daily. All the groceries you need: fresh bread and vegetables, fresh meat, Hebridean foods, and licensed to sell wines, beers and spirits. Also household goods, newspapers, gifts, stamps and fuel.

 

Eating Out  

The Temple Café (open on Sundays) at Northton is highly recommended by our visitors. There is award-winning fine dining at Scarista House, and wonderful coffee and cakes at Skoon Art Café in the Bays of Harris. Pairc an t-Srath Guest House at Borve, is open to non-residents for evening meals, though booking is essential. A wide range of prepared locally-sourced take away food is available from Croft 36 in Northton. 

On the coastal road to Rodel is Sam's Seafood Shack, for takeaway seafood.

In Tarbert the Hotel Hebrides & harris Hotel are open to non residents for food, and there is also the Loomshed Deli & Island Bites cafe.

 

Nature, Geology, Beaches and Machair

Explore the wonderful array of natural beauty, from wild flowers on the machair to hilltop views, and some of the top 10 beaches in Europe. Beaches at Northton, Scarista and Luskentyre  have stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sands. Harris has a fascinating geology, and also offers many opportunities for bird-watching.

 

Hebrides Art Trail  

There's a wealth of small galleries all over Harris where local artists, photographers and ceramicists work in their studios, and sell their works. The Mission House Studio and Holmasaig Gallery are 5 minutes drive (or a pleasant walk) from Mil Bothy. The Skoon Gallery is a little further north on the Bays Road. Finsbay Gallery only sells other artists' work.

 

Sea Excursions  

A visit to St Kilda, a double World Heritage site is the experience of a lifetime. See the remains of the village abandoned in the 1930s, and wander over the island where there are the largest colonies of seabirds you will probably ever see, plus the unique indigenous Soay sheep. Kilda Cruises and Sea Harris depart 3 times a week in the summer season. Booking is essential. Sea Harris trips to the Shiants depart from Tarbert on weekdays and Sundays.

 

Walking  

There is good walking all over Harris, from gentle ambles to challenging mountainous terrain. You can find comprehensive information and maps at the Walk Highlands site. You need a sense of adventure and good outdoor clothing. A map and a compass are a help.

 

Harris Tweed  

This iconic cloth, protected by Act of Parliament, is woven on the island.To qualify, crofters must weave in their own homes on their own croft. Visit Donald John Mackay in Luskentyre, or Rebecca Hutton in Northton.

 

History and Architecture  

Visit St Clement's Church at Rodel, the only cruciform pre-reformation church in the Outer Hebrides. Built in the 1500s for the MacLeod clan graves. Impressive carved tombs and warriors' tombstones. You may also venture to Lewis for the day to see the Callanish Stones and the Broch at Carloway.

 

Golf

One of the most beautiful courses you'll find anywhere is the Isle of Harris Links Golf Course is set on the coast of Harris with spectacular views. Nine holes, many quite demanding, with more than a few natural hazards. Among the many famous golfers who have played the course are Nick Faldo and Ronan Rafferty.