Advice for Campervans
Experiencing the Isle of Harris from the comfort of a campervan/motorhome is an increasingly popular way to explore the island. With built-in transport and accommodation it solves many of the problems associated with getting around and finding somewhere to stay, particularly during the summer months. Although campervanning is all about freedom, a bit of forward planning will always help visitors make the most of their limited time on the island. Here we have compiled a local guide focused on North Harris.
Getting Here?
Campervans can be hired on the island allowing visitors to travel over by air or as ferry foot-passengers. However, most visitors bring a campervan over from the mainland arriving by ferry and many take the opportunity to visit several of the Hebridean islands using a ‘hopscotch’ ticket. Campervans coming to Harris have the option of using three ferry ports, Tarbert, Stornoway and Leverburgh. For details refer to our ‘Visting Us‘ page.
Where to Park Overnight?
There are a number of formal campsites in Harris:
For those looking for more informal over-nighting, the map below shows designated overnight parking spots. These have been chosen to showcase the best of North Harris’ landscape and wildlife and provide shelter and seclusion. Park at one of these sites and you can rest assured that you are welcome.
The locations of other campervan-related services have also been marked. These include, ferry terminals, petrol stations, re-cycling/refuse disposal points, and Chemical Disposal Points for toilet waste.
Click on the marker pins to see site specific information and photographs. Enlarge map and zoom-in for more detail
Food Shopping
Within North Harris there are two independent shops in the main village of Tarbert where you will find groceries, newspapers, off-license, butchery and bakery -very handy if you’ve just come off the ferry. Further afield there is An Clachan (small supermarket) in the village of Leverburgh (20 miles south of Tarbert). In Stornoway (36 miles north of Tarbert), there are 2 large supermarkets (Tesco & Co-op) and retailers covering most needs.
Fuel
There are three places to purchase fuel on Harris
Harris Fuels, Scott Road, Tarbert
Ardhasaig Garage, Ardhasaig.
An Clachan, Leverburgh. (Un-manned, 24 hr)
Gas
Calor Gas and Gaz is available from
Ardhasaig Garage
An Clachan, Leverburgh.
Sunday Opening
On the Isle of Harris, Sunday is a quiet day for reflection. Many attend church and all enjoy a chance to slow down. Hotels and some restaurants/cafés remain open to serve guests, but all shops and petrol stations are closed. The same is true for the Isle of Lewis, but there are a few places to buy fuel on a Sunday, including:
An Clachan, Leverburgh (Un-manned, 24hr)
Ravenspoint, Lochs, Isle of Lewis (Un-manned, 24hr)
Engebretson’s Stornoway (Also sells newspapers, groceries, LPG and camping gear)
Driving
Throughout the Highlands and the Hebrides, single track roads with passing places are common and often lead to the most interesting and remote places. For those not familiar with driving on single track roads it is worth looking at the advice on these websites.
http://www.scotlandinfo.eu/driving-single-track-roads-in-scotland/
and here is a video
Caravan and Campervan drivers are often criticized for hindering traffic on highland roads, so please take this advice on board.
Drivers should also be wary of livestock and wild red deer that roam free over extensive areas of unfenced grazings. Lambs are particularly unpredictable when they are new-born in the Spring and take heed of warning signs for cattle and deer, especially on dark nights.
Re-cycling and Refuse Disposal
As an island community, tackling the waste generated locally and brought in by tourists is a significant challenge. Visitors are encouraged to bag and take as much of their waste home as is practical. However, we accept there are limits and waste management facilities are provided at Huisinis, Scalpay Community Centre and the Community Re-cycling Centre at Urgha (just east of Tarbert).
Details are available on the Local Authorities Zero Waste Western Isles website along with their general guidance for campervans.
Chemical Disposal Points
As detailed on the map, there are two Chemical Disposal Points (CDP’s) in North Harris available 24/7– one in Urgha and the other at the Huisinis Gateway (Both charged at £3).
Donation Posts
The North Harris Trust does not impose charges for the use of parking areas, footpaths and picnic facilities at most locations. We welcome visitors and recognise their important contribution to the local economy. Nonetheless, if you would like to make a contribution towards the maintenance and improvement of our visitor facilities, please make use of the donation posts distributed throughout the Estate. Alternatively, donations can be made via text.
Text 5TRUST to 70460 to donate £5
Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message
Tourist Information
Detailed information for all visitors to the Islands can be found online at:
https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/
https://www.visitscotland.com/destinations-maps/lewis-harris-stornoway/
Enjoy your trip!