It has, however, a distinctly different character. At the northern end, you pass through dramatic, rocky mountains on the road from Stornoway. While the highest peak, An Cliseam, is not particularly tall by Scottish standards, at 799 metres, the height above the surrounding, low lying Lewisian countryside makes it seem much more so.

Tarbert is around an hour's drive from Stornoway, but rather than driving there directly, it's worth taking a detour along the B887 to Hushinish, to see the beach and perhaps to visit the glens near Torga Mhor mountain, where you may be lucky enough to see eagles soar.

South of Tarbert, the landscape changes. While it remains extremely rocky, it is at a much lower level. If you have the time, take the circular route off to the left, through Manish and Finsbay to Rodel, where St Clements Church is an important visitor attraction.

As you head back north up the main road from Leverburgh, there are further superb, West facing beaches to explore. If you have brought your clubs, the Harris golf club presents unusual challenges ad spectacular views alongside the coastline.