The Ultimate Luskentyre Beach Guide (2024)
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Looking for everything you need to know to plan a visit to Luskentyre beach? Then you have come to the right place.
It can be difficult to find detailed information on many of the beaches and sites on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre beach is no exception.
Having visited several times I have put together this guide which includes everything you need to know before visiting.
It details where to park, how to access the beach, where to get the best views, how important tide levels are and much more.
Luskentyre Beach Map
If you are wondering where Luskentyre beach is located, the answer is on the Isle of Harris in Scotland.
The Isle of Harris is in the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands northwest of mainland Scotland.
Luskentyre is the most famous beach in the Outer Hebrides and one of the best Harris beach. It is often listed as one of the prettiest beaches in Europe in Tripadvisor award rankings.
How to Get to Luskentyre Beach and Where to Park
Driving from Tarbert towards Scarista take a right turn off the A859 at Seilebost. The road out to the beach is called Luskentyre Road (also spelt Losgaintir Road). It is nearly 3 miles along a single lane road to the car park.
In the peak summer months (June to August) the Luskentyre beach parking often fills up.
During the rest of the year getting a parking space is less of a problem even on a day with nice weather. Larger camper vans might find it more difficult so try to come early if the weather forecast is good.
Luskentyre Road ends at the car park making the parking area impossible to miss.
I highly recommend renting a car with RentalCars.
How to Access the Beach
From the car park it is only about 100 metres over the sand dunes to the beach. The path is sandy and goes up and down so it is not suitable for buggies.
You get to the northern end of the beach from the car park. Seilebost and the most beautiful part of Luskentyre bay is to the left so that is the direction to walk when you get to the beach.
Closer to where the path joins the beach there can be a few other people but you won’t need to walk far before you are on your own.
Can You Swim at Luskentyre Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Luskentyre beach. Isle of Harris don’t have that many good beaches for swimming compared to some of the other islands in the Outer Hebrides.
Seilebost and Huisinis on Harris are better beaches for swimming. However, unless you have a wetsuit and are an experienced wild swimmer a long swim is not recommended anywhere in the Outer Hebrides. This is because the water temperatures rarely get above low teens (Celsius).
Dip your toe in the water and you might change your mind about going swimming!
What Activities Is the Beach Suitable For?
Walking here is one of the top things to do in Isle of Harris. On a sunny day when the tide is out this beach can get a bit busy which is very unusual in the Outer Hebrides. Most of the beaches you will have completely to yourself.
People generally don’t venture very far onto the beach so when walking towards Seilebost other people will be left behind. The scenery also gets better as you walk in this direction.
To leave everyone behind, and for even better views, climb the mountain behind the beach which is called Beinn Dhubh. All the recommended walks are described under the top viewpoints below.
Kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing and windsurfing are also possible here. Wild Harris offer half day and full day kayaking trips for up to 5 people. Roam Outer Hebrides is another option you might read about but they are not operating this year.
In addition, there are two places in Stornoway where you can rent kayaks and inflatable paddleboards, Grey Goose Kayak and Surf Lewis. The problem is that you need to get the equipment to the beach yourself.
Booking a kayak trip here is highly recommended – there are not many better places to go kayaking or paddleboarding than the area between Luskentyre and Seilebost beaches!
Are There Toilets at Luskentyre Beach?
Yes, there are toilets at Luskentyre beach. This is the only car park on Harris where there are toilets and drinking water.
What Tide Level to Visit At?
There are two beaches where you need to get the tide levels right on the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre beach and Seilebost.
At low tide the two beaches become one with the whole of the Sound of Taransay being white sand. This is the reason the beach is often called Luskentyre Sands.
Luskentyre is best visited at low tide but its worth visiting Seilebost twice – once at low tide and once a couple of hours before or after low tide to experience the different shades of blue water.
In addition to the tide, the weather matters here. When the sun shines the sand is bright white and the water, especially around Seilebost, is turquoise.
How to Get the Best Photos of Luskentyre Beach?
The best time to come is at low tide when the sun is shining and to go to one of the viewpoints listed below.
Photos online show bright white sand, turquoise waters and the picturesque Harris hills in the background. It really is that pretty but many of the photos you see when Googling Luskentyre beach are actually from the area around Seilebost beach.
The good thing is that the two beaches are right next to each other so it is easy to visit both at the same time.
And even better, I also have a comprehensive guide to Seilebost showing you how to get to all the viewpoints so you can take the same photos that you find on the internet.
Best Viewpoints
From the Beach
At low tide the scenery of white sand stretching for miles, turquoise waters and the Harris hills will blow you away. There are several views along the beach which you should not miss:
- Before getting onto the beach walk to the left for great photos of the beach with the Harris hills in the background. The grassy dunes in the foreground add to the photos and the view
- At low tide the Hebridean sky is reflected on the wet beach. This makes for great photos when the weather is right. It is most picturesque when it is sunny but with a few clouds to give some contrast
- Walk towards Seilebost to where the beach starts to turn to the left. The views at low tide of white sand which stretches the full length of the sound of Taransay and all the way to Seilebost beach are fantastic
Getting the best lighting for photos can be tricky. The hills behind Luskentyre mean that the sun only rises over the hill mid-morning, especially in winter.
In the late afternoon you will be shooting against the sun when taking photos towards Seilebost and Northton. However, it is the perfect time to take photos from the Seilebost viewpoint along the A859 since it looks towards Luskentyre.
Many of the beaches on Harris face west and are therefore great for sunset. Luskentyre beach itself is in a northwestern direction so for the prettiest sunset walk towards Seilebost.
From where the path reaches the beach from the car park the sun sets behind the hills and Taransay.
Climb Beinn Dhubh
From the top of Beinn Dhubh you get panoramic views over Seilebost and Luskentyre beach. Harris has many good hikes but this is the best of them all. If you only do one hike whilst here, make it this one!
There is a short and a long version of the hike. The longer version takes in all the viewpoints listed above plus Seilebost beach.
The Short version of the hike (circa 2 hours up and down)
Beinn Dhubh is the mountain to the right of the car park (looking towards the beach). It is 506 metres high and on a clear day you can see all the way to Berneray.
A fence runs between the beach and the hill. The trail is accessed through a gate which is close to the car park. The trail to the top is on the left side of the mountain. Even halfway up the views out over Luskentyre and Seilebost are incredible.
The Long version of the hike (4-6 hours)
The 11km long route is a more challenging hike than it might seem. Therefore only set out on in good weather and you should be comfortable finding your way based on landmarks rather than a defined path.
For a full description of the walk buy the Harris and Lewis Cicerone guide. Below is a high level description:
- Most route descriptions start a few hundred metres after the turn off onto Luskentyre Road but it is easier to park at Luskentyre beach and start the walk from there
- At low tide walk along the beach back towards Seilebost. The road runs along the coast so the views from here are great as well
- Walk all the way until the last sharp right turn before Luskentyre Road joins the A859. There is only one kissing gate along here which takes you up the hill on your left. It can be a little bit difficult to find so to help you the what3words for the location is crumbles.count.divorce
- When ascending there is no clear path so just head for the top of the hill. It is difficult to get the timing right when it comes to tide levels but a few hours before or after low tide the water in the bay between Seilebost and Luskentyre has amazing shades of blue
- At the top the Harris hills are visible in the distance. Continue left along the ridge heading back towards Luskentyre and to the top of Beinn Bhubh
- From here there is a path which descends steeply to another kissing gate close to Luskentyre beach
Buy the Cicerone Guide to Walking on Harris and Lewis
Other Things to Do in the Area
Seilebost Beach
This is a must-visit whilst you are in the area. You cannot miss Seilebost beach since it is right next to Luskentyre. Isle of Harris has great beaches but the two best are Seilebost and Luskentyre.
The views over Seilebost from the road, both the A859 and Luskentyre Road, are outstanding. To get the turquoise blue water colours which you often see in photos drive alone either of these roads a couple of hours before or after low tide on a sunny day.
The best viewpoint (shown in the photo above) is along the A859, a little past Seilebost. For all the information you need to find this viewpoint and plan a trip read my guide to Seilebost beach.
Watch Harris Tweed Being Made
Although Luskentyre beach is well known, Harris tweed is even more iconic and associated with Isle of Harris. Why not combine both with a stop at 6 Luskentyre Road to visit the Luskentyre Harris Tweed Company.
To make sure someone will be there to show you the weaving and their fabrics call in advance to make an appointment on +44 (0) 1859 550261.
Take a Boat Trip to Taransay
Taransay is the small island in front of Luskentyre beach. Scotland has 697 uninhabited islands and Taransay is the largest.
Looking across from Luskentyre it might look so close you could swim – but don’t try! With the cold water it is not safe. A much better way to get to the islands is to take a boat trip with Borve Lodge.
During the summer months trips start at 9am from Horgabost beach and the crossing to Paible on Taransay takes 15 minutes.
You will have around 6 hours to explore the nearly 6 square mile island with its red deer, golden eagles, white tailed eagles and many other sea birds. Seals often bask on the rocks close to shore and if luck is on your side you might even spot dolphins.
Tours are for up to 10 guests. Bookings should be made in advance via the Isle of Taransay website.
Buy Souvenirs at Luskentyre Beach Hut Gift Shop
In Luskentyre village the Beach Hut sells gifts, drinks and ice creams. Stop by to support both the local business as well as local artists who have made most of the items for sale.
It is open from 11am to 5.30pm every day except Sunday.
Restaurant and Cafes Nearby
Luskentyre Village
The Cake Shed
The only location close to the beach which has food is the Luskentyre Cake Shed. It is a small green hut which operates on an honesty system. This means that you need cash with no card payments.
You can buy scones, cakes and other home baked goods as well as ground coffee. The opening hours are 10am to 5pm Friday and Saturday. The rest of the week it is closed.
However, the opening hours are a bit irregular so check out their facebook page. When driving past it is still worth checking if it is open regardless of what day of the week it is.
The Beach Hut Gift Shop
For hot and cold drinks and ice cream you can stop by the Beach Hut gift shop, described above. It is open every day from 11 am to 5.30 pm except Sunday.
Cafes and Restaurants Further Afield
There are no other cafes or restaurants nearby. Talla na Mara, which used to be in Seilebost, is currently closed.
During the summer months there are sometimes fast-food vans at Horgabost Camping but otherwise the closest places for lunch are in Tarbert or Northton.
Tarbert has more choice but Northton is a much more interesting village to explore and it has an amazing beach. It is also home to the nicest café on Harris, Temple Café.
To find out more read my guide to Northton.
Luskentyre Beach Accommodation
Hotels and Self-catering Cottages
There are no hotels close to the beach but there are a couple of B&Bs. You can’t get any closer than Tigh Mo Sheanair B&B which is right before you get to the car park.
Since there are not many restaurants on Harris, and the few there are are a fair drive from Luskentyre, the most popular accommodation is self-catering cottages. Two great choices close to Luskentyre beach are:
- Taigh Rona – sleeps 8, pet friendly. Perfect for larger groups this luxurious cottage has fantastic views over Luskentyre and Seilebost. This cottage can be booked for shorter stays. It books up quickly so to be able to stay during the most popular summer months plan ahead. Click here to see availability and price
- Seilebost Rental Cottage – A more budget friendly option that sleeps 10, no pets allowed. This cottage also has terrific views and it is a short walk to the beach. Click here to see availability and price
Wild Camping and Motorhomes
Motorhomes: Despite the freedom to roam in Scotland you cannot park your motorhome anywhere you want. To protect the fragile environment in the Outer Hebrides only park motorhomes and campervans overnight at designated sites.
To get the ‘wild camping’ experience legally there are a couple of spaces without any services along Luskentyre Road. They are called Camping Spot 3, 4 and 5 and can be booked at the West Harris Trust website. There are also some camping spots on the other side of the bay along the A859.
Close to Seilebost beach there are a couple of larger campsites by Talla Na Mara and Seilebost School which have a range of facilities. These sites are also booked on the West Harris Trust website.
Make sure you book in advance for the summer months since these sites are popular and are often fully booked.
Wild Camping: In Scotland you can camp (in a tent) on any land that is not enclosed. This means that you can’t put your tent up in the middle of a field or in someone’s garden but you can pretty much anywhere else.
In other words you can put a tent up anywhere around Luskentyre beach. Scotland has the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which you should follow when camping. This includes making sure you take all your rubbish with you and leave the place looking like you found it.
Luskentyre beach is a great place to camp. Close to the car park there are toilets and drinking water and even more importantly you wake up to one of the most spectacular views in the Outer Hebrides.
How to Get Here by Public Transport or Bike
First question is how to get to Isle of Harris, for most people the answer will be to get the ferry to Harris from Skye. There is a second ferry to Harris which arrives at Leverburgh ferry terminal.
Public transport in the Outer Hebrides is limited so I highly recommend booking a rental car for your trip.
Limited bus schedules make it difficult to time your Luskentyre visit for low tide and when the sun is shining.
Book your car hire with Rental Cars
By Bus: The bus route to the beach is called W10 ‘Tarbert to Leverburgh and Rodel Spine Route’. From Leverburgh or Tarbert to Luskentyre beach the two stops that are closest to the beach are Luskentyre village and Luskentyre turn.
Very few buses stop at Luskentyre village but this is the stop that is closest to the beach. It is right next to the Cake Shed and gift shop described above which is just over half a mile from the beach.
In the Outer Hebrides buses don’t stop at all the scheduled stops along the route. For certain journeys and stops you need to call the bus company in advance to arrange for it to stop.
The stop at Luskentyre village is one of these stops. Many journeys must be booked 2 hours in advance by phone. To check the schedule and which departures must be booked in advance have a look at the latest bus schedule.
It is also good practice to check with the bus driver about your return plans to make sure you don’t get stranded.
The Luskentyre turn bus stop is where Luskentyre Road leaves the A859. From here it is a nearly 3-mile-long (one-way) walk to the beach.
It is also possible to get from Stornoway to Luskentyre beach by taking a bus to Tarbert and changing there for the bus detailed above.
By Bike: Many cottages and some guest houses have bikes which guests can borrow. This is the easiest option since there are not many places to rent one on Harris. Your only two options are HebHolidays who rent out ebikes and hybrid bikes and Sorell Cottage in Leverburgh.
Some buses in Harris take bikes but not all so speak to the bus company in advance if you want to take your bike on a bus.
LOOKING FOR MORE ON THE OUTER HEBRIDES?
The Ultimate Seilebost Beach Guide
Top 10 Best Isle of Harris Beaches
37 Best Things to Do on Isle of Harris
