The Ultimate Scarista Beach Guide (2026)
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Looking for everything you need to know to visit Scarista beach?
Then you are in the right place since it is exactly what this post covers.
Despite being a couple of kilometers long and one of the most well known beaches on Harris it is surprisingly difficult to get down to Scarista beach. Parking is another issue.
Having been to Harris many times I have put together this guide so you know exactly where to go and where to park. The post also includes everything else you need to know to plan a visit.
Scarista Beach Map
Is Scarista Beach Worth Visiting?
It might not have the pure white sand or azure-coloured waters of some of the other Hebridean beaches such as Seilebost and Luskentyre beach on Isle of Harris.
But what it lacks on that front it more than makes up for with imposing waves crashing in from the Atlantic Ocean and fabulous views of the Harris hills.
Scarista village is not particularly charming so the only reason to stop there is is to see Scarista beach. And what a treat you will be in for!
This is definitely one of the Isle of Harris beaches and it should be on your list of beaches to visit.
How to Access Scarista Beach
The row of Scarista village houses and lengths of fencing means that getting onto Scaritsa beach is not as simple as it sounds. Two places that provide easy access are:
- Opposite Scarista House hotel a stile provides access over the fencing and onto the beach
- At the end of the village (driving towards Northton) a gate into a field provides access to a track through the sand dunes which leads onto the beach
Where to Park
The parking at Scarista House is for guests only. There is some room to park along the road through Scarista village but you will likely have a bit of a walk back to the stile leading down to the beach.
It is easier to park at the end of the village (driving towards Northton). As the road slightly bends to the left there is room to park a couple of cars on the grassy verge.
The What3word for the parking at the end of the village is signed.yachting.husband.
Can You Swim Here?
When the sea is calm it is possible to swim at Scarista beach, but most days large waves roll in from the Atlantic Ocean.
This beach is only suitable for strong swimmers since there can be strong under currents.
Beaches such as Huisinis are better for swimming.
Beach Activities
With large waves rolling onto the beach nearly every day this is one of the best surfing beaches in the Outer Hebrides and the best on the Isle of Harris.
The beach is also perfect for a walk and is dog friendly. At low tide it is even possible to walk all the way to Northton village across the tidal bay.
Best Viewpoints
1. Climbing Ceapabhal
Getting the best views of Scarista beach require a bit of effort – 2 hours’ worth to be exact. This is the time it takes to climb (and descent) to the top of Ceapabhal, the hill next to Northton beach and village.
At the top of Ceapabhal the panoramic views over Scarista beach and out towards Luskentyre beach and the Harris hills are spectacular. The photo above should be enough to convince you to do this hike on a clear day.
In the other direction is Isle of Berneray and North Uist.
There is also a longer version of the hike which is 14 kilometres and takes 5 hours. Rather than going back down the way you ascended continue to Toe Head before returning along the shore. It can be very boggy so make sure you wear waterproof boots.
A full description of the hike can be found in the Cicerone guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis.
Tide Level: Not important
Parking: At the end of the road in Northton village it is possible to park along the road.
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
2. View the Horseshoe Shaped Beach From the Layby by Isle of Harris Golf Course
Approaching Scarista from Tarbert there is an excellent viewpoint at the top of the hill opposite Blue Reef Cottages.
From this higher vantage point the perfect curve of Scarista bay can be fully appreciated.
In front of the layby is the 9-hole Isle of Harris golf course. It is open Monday to Saturday. For a fee visitors can play on what must be one of the most picturesque courses in the world.
Tide Level: Not important
Parking: The layby has room for a few cars to park
3. Driving From Northton Village to Scarista Village
On either side of Scarista village the A859 hugs the coastline. The road then heads inland through Scarista village which means there are no views of the beach from the road.
Driving from Northton towards Scarista the vast size of the tidal lagoon at the end of Scarista beach becomes apparent (as shown in the photo above). It is a magnificent sight regardless of the level of the tide.
Tide Level: Not important
Other Things to Do in the Area
Unless you want to play a round of golf there is little to see in Scarista except for the beach.
However, in Northton village there are a couple more beaches to explore and a short walk away, at Rubh’ an Teampuill, is the picturesque ruin of a medieval chapel.
To plan your trip to Harris read my Guide to the Best Things to Do on Harris
Restaurants and Cafes
Scarista House is only open to non-residents for breakfast and dinner. Bookings are essential.
There are two options for lunch or a coffee in the area. Both are a short drive away in Northton.
Temple Café – Northton
From the outside it looks like a little hobbit house, built in stone with a grass roof. And it is just as cosy on the inside. Large glass windows look out over the lagoon and on cold days a fire will be burning.
There is a deli and a coffee shop serving homemade lunches and cakes. The coffee is roasted at their Leverburgh site.
This is likely to be one of the cafes on Harris you will be returning to again and again – it is that good!
Opening times
Summer months (Apr – mid Sep)
- Mon – Tue – Closed
- Wed – Sun – 9.30 – 4.30pm
Winter months (mid Sep – Apr)
- Mon – Fri – Closed
- Sat – Sun – 10.30 – 3.30pm
Check latest opening times look at their website.
Croft36 – Northton
A small take away self-service shed with homemade breads, cakes, pastries, pies and quiches. It operates an honesty system so make sure you have cash.
If the weather is kind to you it is the perfect place to stock up for a picnic.
Opening times
- Monday to Friday from 11am until it is sold out. It is popular so often things sell out early.
Some weeks the opening times change, so check out their facebook page first.
Scarista Accommodation
- Self-catering cottages – the most popular type of accommodation. One such cottage is Corncrake which has views out over the bay. Note that Self-catering cottages often book out more than a year in advance for the peak May-Aug season so make sure you plan ahead. Click here to check prices and availability
- Scarista House – a small and cosy hotel and restaurant with open fires and sea views. This is one of the best hotels on Harris. Click here to check prices and availability
How to Get There
The first question is how to get to Harris. For most people the answer is getting the ferry from Skye to Harris or the Leverburgh ferry.
Public transport in the Outer Hebrides is limited so a rental car is highly recommended. This will give you the freedom to see much more of the island.
A bus service runs from Tarbert to Northton Monday to Saturday but does not stop in Scarista village. If you ask the driver, they will drop you off by the hotel or any of the other beach access points.
For the journey back the closest bus stop is in Northton.
Check the latest bus schedule before planning your trip. The route to Scarista beach is the W10 which is called Tarbert to Leverburgh and Rodel via the Spine Route.
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