Handa Island

Handa Island is a wonderful day trip, whether as a birdwatcher or simply to see the wonderful scenery. Although inhabited for centuries, the potato famine forced the small population to leave - emigrating across the world - leaving the island deserted excepting for thousands of seabirds.

Bought as a wedding present by a man for his wife, it has since been preserved as a bird sanctuary and is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

The walk round the island is about 4 or 5 miles long and can take about 2-3 hours, some parts follow grassy paths others are over boarded walkways. The views are magnificent and the cliffs scarily high - be careful close to the edge.

The boat for Handa leaves from Tarbet, just north of Scourie off the main coast road. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Overscaig to the ferry and with the last visitors allowed on the island about 2pm its worth setting out early. There are no facilities on the island, except the SWT bothy so take something with you, alternatively there is a cafe/restaurant at Tarbet.

For more information click here or the link on the right

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