The Ultimate Hushinish Beach Guide (2026)
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Looking for everything you need to know to plan your trip to Hushinish beach? This guide has it all.
Hushinish beach is often ranked in the lists of the top beaches in the Outer Hebrides but the that must be as much about the general area as the beach itself.
This beach is pretty but not worth the long drive on a largely single lane road unless you take advantage of all the other amazing things to see and do in the area.
That is why this guide details all the stops you should make on the way as well as the walks to do when you get there.
Is It Hushinish, Huisinish or Huisinis Beach?
It can be a bit confusing that there are three different ways to spell the name of this beach. It can be spelt Hushinish, Huisinish or Huisinis. The first two are English and the last one Scottish Gaelic.
Where Is the beach?
The beach is on the western side of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
How to Get There?
The road leading out to the beach is the B887. It branches off to the left from the A859 shortly after Ardhasaig Filling Station when driving from Tarbert towards Lewis.
The drive along the B887 is only 12 miles but it takes at least 30 minutes to drive the winding road which is mostly single lane.
There are lots of twists and turns and ups and down which can make it difficult to see oncoming traffic. Given there is a campervan site by the beach you get quite a few larger vehicles travelling back and forth on a road that isn’t really suitable for such vehicles.
Having said that, as long as you take it slow there are regular passing places and it is no problem to drive out here.
You should consider the getting here as part of the adventure.
Several of the top things to see and do on Harris are along the way. They are detailed below. Plan to spend a day to (try to) see eagles, admire the only Isle of Harris castle and do the walk to the other two beaches close by.
I highly recommend booking a rental car for your trip!
Where to Park
At the end of the B887 is a car park called Huisinis Gateway. Although the car park is small this is one of the easiest beaches to park at. Unlike the Seilebost beach parking which is difficult to find this one is impossible to miss.
The car park used to be tiny but despite having been extended in recent years this is a popular day trip so it can get busy in high season.
It is free of charge.
Huisinis Gateway
In the middle of the car park is a small building called Huisinis Gateway which is open from 7am to 7.30pm every day.
There are toilets and showers where you can get hot water for a fee.
In the main room of the building you will find information about local wildlife on the walls.
In the middle are a couple of picnic tables perfect for having lunch on a rainy day. There are big glass windows but unfortunately the view of the beach is limited when you sit down.
How Important Are Tide Levels?
There are Western Isles beaches such as Luskentyre Sands on Harris and Uig beach on Lewis where the tide levels are very important but this is not one of them.
The beach is wider at low tide but it is not important enough to time your visit for low tide. The same goes for the other two beaches described below.
How to Access the Beach
There is a long drive to get here but otherwise this is one of the easiest beaches on Harris to access. Opposite the car park wooden stairs lead down to the beach below.
Can You Swim at the Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Hushinish beach. Isle of Harris has many beaches and bays which are not sheltered from the open ocean which means that you get large waves and strong currents. Here the bay is protected by the headland making it perfect for swimming.
Please note that the other two beaches described below which are on the northern side of the peninsula (towards Scarp) are not as good for swimming.
For example, around Traigh Mheilein in particular it is not recommended to swim. Between the small island of Scarp and Harris there can be strong currents.
What Activities Is the Beach Suitable For?
The bay is perfect for water sports such as stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The other side of the headland towards Scarp is also an interesting place to go kayaking.
The only downside is that there are no places close by to rent kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.
One of the more unusual water sports (for Scotland) that you can do here is snorkelling. Who would have guessed that there is even a North Harris Snorkelling Trail.
It includes six bays and beaches and this is one of them. Braving the cold waters you might see crabs, sea urchins, sand eels and harbour fish.
Make sure you bring a wet or dry suit because the water rarely gets above low teens (degrees Celsius).
Are Dogs Allowed on the Beach?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the beach. They are also allowed on the other beaches and walks described below.
There are sheep and cattle grazing in the area so make sure dogs are kept on a lead if they are close.
Also travelling to Lewis? Read my post on the best things to do on Isle of Lewis.
Best Viewpoints
1. On the B887 a Few Hundred Metres Before the Car Park
This is the place to get a photo of the whole beach and the peninsula behind. After parking the car walk a few hundred metres in the direction you came from.
For a slightly different vantage point walk further out along the shore or climb part way up the hill on the other side of the road.
2. From the Top of Huiseabhal Beag
It is a steep scramble up and down the hill behind the beach. For the quickest route start the climb to the right of the car park (facing Huisinis Gateway).
There is no path to follow so just aim for the top.
Fog and clouds often roll in covering the view from the top. The bigger problem is that it can also make you disorientated.
Even though it is a short climb make sure you have either a map on your phone or a paper map and compass.
Just because it is nice weather when you start doesn’t mean it will be when you are at the top. This is Scotland so be prepared for all types of weather in one day.
Other Things to Do in the Area
The beach itself is pretty but part of the adventure is the road leading out to it. Below are the key sites to see along the way and don’t forget to stop and admire the scenery.
Bunavoneader Whaling Station (Bun Abhainn Eadarra)
In the early 1900s a Norwegian company built the whaling station which was operating on and off for nearly 60 years.
Originally there were three large red brick chimneys, today only one remains. Concrete platforms indicate where the buildings used to be and the dock where the whaling ships would land with their catch.
North Harris Eagle Observatory
A 1.5 mile (2.5km) round trip on gravel roads leads to the Golden Eagle Observatory. You can cycle but not drive the road.
The path goes slightly uphill all the way but it is an easy walk that should take less than 30 minutes one way.
The observatory is in a small wooden building with large glass windows. It allows you to sit quietly and look for golden eagles whilst sheltered from the elements.
Remember to bring binoculars which really help with possible sightings. There is a book detailing previous sightings but manage your expectations because eagles are not seen very often.
Next to the road are two small car parks right after each other called North Harris Eagle Observatory Car Park. In the middle of the day they are often full since this is also the starting point for many other hikes into the Harris Hills.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate
The castle is from the Victorian area and was originally built as a private home.
Today it is available for hire on an exclusive use basis. It sleeps 18 and there are various packages with all meals, fishing and deer stalking included in the price. It looks terrific but the price tag is steep.
Luckily, it is also an impressive building from the outside and you can’t miss it because it is located right next to the road. You even drive through the castle gates when driving along the B887.
Look Out for Highland Cattle
Before going to Scotland it is easy to think that you will see highland cattle everywhere. That is not the case.
They used to be so rare that they got special attention from an organisation that focuses on ensuring certain livestock breeds don’t become extinct (the Livestock Conservancy).
It is good news that highland cattle no longer need this protection but there are still only 25,000 worldwide and 15,000 in Scotland.
Hushinish and the area around Northton and Scarista are the best places on Harris (and the Outer Hebrides) to see these otherworldly animals. A herd of highland cattle often roam around the beach and the peninsula.
Look at the colour of the cattle when you spot a herd. You are more likely to see a ginger coloured cow than any other colour.
This is apparently because Queen Victoria once said she preferred the ginger ones. To please her cattle breeders focused on ginger animals and even today there are more ginger cows than any other colour.
Admire the Machair
The Outer Hebrides is famous for its fields of wildflowers called machair. They can be found close to the beaches between mid-May and July. Exactly when you can see this spectacle depends on how warm it has been that year.
The small area behind the car park and down towards the sea on the other side of the peninsula (away from the beach) is covered in buttercups, clovers and daisies during the early summer months.
Walk to Traigh Mheilein
Two of Isle of Harris’ other best beaches are also in the area, Traigh Mheilein and Cravadale beach. There are so many fantastic beaches on this island so to make sure you don’t miss any of them read my guide to the best beaches in Harris.
A 45-minute walk along the coast takes you to Traigh Mheilein. You can’t see it from the car park but as soon as you start walking it looks like a silver tongue sticking out into the sea.
Facing Huisinis Gateway take the path to the left through the machair. A gate leads onto a path which hugs the steep cliff along the coastline. When the road splits keep left for Traigh Mheilein or right for Cravadale Beach.
Walk to Crabhadail Beach
Follow the route described above and keep right when the track splits. It continues past a lake and a cottage before going down to the beach. It takes about 1 hour to walk the 2.2 miles (3.6km) to the beach.
Either return the same way or for a full day walk do the route over Huiseabhal Mor and Huiseabhal Beag.
A detailed description of the day walk is available in the Cicerone guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis (walk number 15). The book also details several other excellent walks in the area.
There is often low cloud in this area but if you get a clear day the views from the mountain tops are stunning.
Since the cloud and bad weather can roll in quickly make sure you have either a phone or map and compass for navigation. It is very easy to get disorientated in the cloud and end up walking in the wrong direction.
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
Restaurant and Cafes Nearby
The short answer is that there are very few options for food so bring a packed lunch.
During spring and summer a fast-food van is often parked at the car park. There are no other cafes or restaurants. The closest are in Tarbert.
Where to Stay
Unless you are looking to get away from it all it is better to stay elsewhere on Harris and Lewis and visit on a day trip. Staying here makes it time consuming to explore everything else that Harris and Lewis have to offer.
Self-Catering Cottages
Cottages have a minimum stay of seven nights during the summer months (April to October). Two pet friendly options close by are:
- Katie’s Cottage – Hushinish – sleeps 5. There are few rentals in Hushinish, this is definitly the nicest. Click here to check prices and availability.
- Jetty Cottage – Amhuinnsuidhe – sleeps 4. A more budget friendly option with sea views. Click here to check prices and availability.
Stay in a Tent
Wild camping in a tent is allowed in Scotland but there are guidelines you must follow. They are set out in the Scotland Outdoor Code.
You can put up a tent anywhere that is not fenced-in. Fenced-in areas would, for example, be someone’s garden or a field for livestock to graze.
After you pass the cattle grid approaching the beach the land is owned by the local crofting community so you could argue it is fenced in for cattle.
Before putting up a tent around Hushinish ask one of the locals for permission. Parts of the machair have been damaged by tourists in the past so make sure you don’t add to this problem.
The areas around Traigh Mheilein and Cravadale are more interesting areas to camp. It feels more remote and has flat areas where you can easily put up a tent.
When it comes to the Outdoor Code the key point to be aware of is that you should follow the principle of ‘leave no trace’. Take all your rubbish and waste with you and it is better to use a stove than an open fire which might damage the ground.
Camping at Huisinis Gateway
Right next to the beach is a site for four motorhomes or caravans.
It cannot be booked in advance. Spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis and are very popular.
Payments are made on the onsite meter and charges can be found on the North Harris Trust website.
Some of the photos you see online might be of the old campervan site. Recently a new site was built a few hundred metres before the village.
In addition to several electric hook-up points (please note these are only operational April to October) there is a chemical disposal point, freshwater tap and recycling bins.
You are only allowed to stay overnight in a motor home or caravan in designated spots both here and the Outer Hebrides in general. This is to protect the fragile environment.
Please only stay at official sites.
How to Get Here by Public Transport or Bike?
Public transport in the Outer Hebrides is limited so I highly recommend booking a rental car for your trip.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
Bus: The W12 route called Tarbert to – from Hushinish travels from Tarbert to the beach.
The timetable is very complicated. Generally the best days to plan a trip by bus are Tuesday and Friday. There is a separate timetable in the summer and winter months as well as for school holidays.
Holidays are normally Easter, late April/ early May and in the summer from end of June to mid-August. During term time there is a more frequent service.
Bike: It is a long ride out to the beach. From Tarbert to the beach is 16 miles (26 km) one way and it is a hilly ride. Hebholidays rent out ebikes and hybrid bikes but there are easier places than this to go cycling on Harris.
Be aware that not all buses on Harris take bikes. Check with the bus company in advance.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
Top 10 Best Isle of Harris Beaches
The Ultimate Luskentyre Beach Guide
The Ultimate Seilebost Beach Guide
