Handa Island Ferry Walk
Highlands
Handa Island sits in the mouth of Loch Laxford in Sutherland and is managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust as one of Scotland's most important seabird reserves. The red Torridonian sandstone cliffs on the island's north-western face hold one of the largest breeding seabird colonies in north-west Europe, with razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, great skuas and puffins nesting in their tens of thousands. The island walk follows a circular route from the landing beach across moorland and along the cliff tops to the main viewing points above the Great Stack, a detached sea pillar colonised by nesting birds from base to summit.
Dogs are not allowed on Handa Island. Because of the very large numbers of ground-nesting birds, the Scottish Wildlife Trust does not permit dogs anywhere on the island, and the passenger ferry from Tarbet does not carry them, so this is a trip to make without your dog. Plan for someone to stay with your dog on the mainland, or arrange care before you go. The ferry is run independently of the Trust and operates on demand from early April to late August or early September, Monday to Saturday. The cliff-top views and the sheer scale of the seabird colony are extraordinary. Check current SWT guidance before visiting as arrangements can change.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
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Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Handa Island Ferry Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently Asked Questions
Is Handa Island Ferry Walk dog friendly?
No. Dogs are not permitted on Handa Island because of the very large numbers of ground-nesting birds, and the ferry from Tarbet does not carry dogs. This is a trip to do without your dog, so arrange for someone to look after them on the mainland while you visit.
Can I take my dog on the Handa Island ferry?
No. The passenger ferry from Tarbet does not carry dogs, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust does not allow dogs anywhere on the island itself.
What should I know before visiting Handa Island Ferry Walk?
The ferry is run independently of the Scottish Wildlife Trust and operates on demand from early April to late August or early September, Monday to Saturday. The island path is rough in places and a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Check current Scottish Wildlife Trust guidance before you travel, as arrangements can change.
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