HebCelt Fest

Lewis and Harris lie off the north coast of Scotland and are reachable by both air and sea. The nearest airport is Stornoway (SYY), with frequent flights from Glasgow and Edinburgh and some from Inverness (flight time about 1 hour from Glasgow). If you are driving, Caledonian MacBrayne ferries sail daily from Ullapool to Stornoway (about a 2 hour 45 minute crossing) or from Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) (around 1 hour 45 minutes). Trains connect on the mainland to Glasgow and Inverness, and bus services link those cities to the ferry ports. In summer it can get busy, so booking flights and ferry crossings early is recommended.

Once on the islands, most travel is by road. A network of scenic A-roads (some single-track) links Stornoway with the rest of Lewis and Harris. Rental cars are available at Stornoway Airport and in town. Stagecoach buses also serve major routes (for example, between Stornoway, Tarbert and other villages), but schedules can be infrequent outside peak times. If you prefer not to drive, plan any bus journeys well in advance or consider joining an island tour. Cycling is another option – the Hebridean Way route runs across Lewis and Harris – but be prepared for changeable weather and narrow roads.

Accommodation on Lewis and Harris ranges from small hotels and B&Bs to self-catering cottages and campsites. Most visitors stay in or near Stornoway (postcodes starting HS1), which has the greatest number of lodging options; South Harris (for example, Tarbert) offers a few more. Because summer is peak season, especially when a festival is happening, book early to secure a place. Some festival-goers also use organized camping near the event grounds. While in town you will find shops, cafes and pubs, but outside urban areas supplies are limited – plan ahead, carry some cash, and remember to pack layers and waterproofs, as Hebridean weather can be cool and wet even in summer.