Travel: 48 hours in Harris

A lounge with a view of the Sound of Harris

Friday, midday

Check in to the design-led Sound of Harris (from £450 for three nights, www.soundofharris.co.uk), a remarkable self-catering escape whose sweeping windows open up epic views from its stylish Harris Tweed clad chairs and sofas.

1:30pm

Head to the island capital of Tarbert, where Scotland’s newest distillery, Isle of Harris (www.harrisdistillery.com), offers tours that are backed up by hearty soups and home baking, then washed down with their award winning kelp infused gin.

3pm

Harris is famous for its white sand beaches. Drive back down the west coast choosing between the likes of Luskentyre, Horgabost and Scarista. You will often have them all to yourself.

7pm

Make sure to forewarn Sound of Harris that you would like a heaving hamper of local seafood from their sustainable fishing friends in the Borrisdale township. You can cook up a feast as the sun explodes in another breathtaking Hebridean sunset.

Saturday, 10am

St Clement’s Church is within rambling distance, or a short drive away. It is a romantic, remote 15th-century gem.

1:30pm

The Skoon Art Café (www.skoon.com) lies on the ‘Golden Road’, so named as it cost so much to link the tiny eastern Harris hamlets. As well as a light lunch with local produce you can pick up art inspired by the island.

3pm

Time now to explore North Harris with its epic mountains and rugged Atlantic ravaged landscapes. Myriad walking trails tempt from parking spots in scenic locations.

7pm

Order the ultimate takeaway delivery, freshly prepared local produce from Croft 36 (www.croft36.com), with the likes of Harris machair lamb, local fish curry and Harris crab tortellini.

Sunday, 9am

Amble along the grassy cliffs looking out for seals and otters, plus dolphins and even whales. Sit out here on this rugged coastline and the chances are you won’t even see another human being.

Robin McKelvie

• CalMac (www.calmac.co.uk) run ferries to Harris from both Berneray (by North Uist) and Skye. Lonely Planet’s Scotland guide covers Harris; www.visitscotland.com