Tarbert (Tairbeart)
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-> Tarbert (Tairbeart)
The largest place on Harris is the ferry port of TARBERT, sheltered in a green valley on the narrow isthmus that marks the border between North and South Harris. The mountainous backdrop is impressive, and the town is attractively laid out on steep terraces sloping up from the dock. It also boasts Harris's only tourist office (April-Oct Mon-Sat 9am-1pm & 2-5pm; also open to greet the ferry; winter hours variable; tel 01859/502011), close to the ferry terminal. The office can arrange modest, inexpensive B&B accommodation and has a full set of bus timetables, but its real value is as a source of information on local walks.
Tarbert has an excellent new hostel, the Rockview Bunkhouse (tel 01859/502626), on Main Street, which also offers bike rental. Close to the ferry terminal, there's a very good B&B, Tigh na Mara (tel 01859/502270, tighnamara@tarbert-harris.freeserve.co.uk; under £40), or the easygoing, old-fashioned Harris Hotel (tel 01859/502154, cameronharris@btinternet.com; £60-70), five minutes' walk away. You'll need to book ahead to stay in Tarbert's two most popular guest houses: Allan Cottage (tel 01859/502146; £50-60; May-Sept), in the old telephone exchange, or Leachin House (tel 01859/502157, www.leachin-house.com; £70-90), further up the Stornoway road. The purpose-built hotel bar acts as the local social centre and serves excellent bar meals; the adjacent Crofters restaurant serves moderately expensive standard fare. During the day, you're best off heading for the very pleasant First Fruits tearoom (April-Sept; closed Sun), behind the tourist office.
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