Gasker Lighthouse on the Isle of Harris
Discover the remote Gasker Lighthouse, a solitary beacon amidst the wild beauty and rich wildlife of the Outer Hebrides’ rugged coast.
Gasker Lighthouse is a small unmanned beacon located on the remote, uninhabited islet of Gasker off the west coast of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Built in 1997 by the Northern Lighthouse Board, it serves as an important navigational aid amidst a rugged landscape known for its rich wildlife, including a renowned grey seal colony. The island itself features rocky coastlines, freshwater lochans, and offers panoramic views of surrounding isles like Harris, Scarp, and Taransay.
A brief summary to Gasker Lighthouse
- Isle of Harris, HS3 3AY, GB
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 1 out of 5
Local tips
- Plan your visit carefully as access to Gasker Island is tide-dependent and weather-sensitive; only small boats can land safely.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens to observe the abundant grey seal colony without disturbing the wildlife.
- Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for uneven rocky terrain if you explore the island’s coastline.
- Consider organizing a boat trip from Tarbert on Harris, the nearest mainland harbor with services for visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Boat Transfer
Arrange a boat trip from Tarbert, Harris, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours depending on sea conditions. Trips are weather-dependent and may require advance booking. Prices vary but typically range from £50 to £100 per person for private charters.
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Private Yacht or Small Craft
Experienced boaters can access Gasker via small craft, landing at Geo Iar or Geodha Ear bays. Landing is tide and weather dependent, with no moorings available. Navigational charts and local knowledge are essential for safe approach.
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Walking and Hiking
Not applicable due to the island’s remote offshore location requiring boat access only.
Gasker Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gasker Lighthouse
Remote Maritime Sentinel of the Outer Hebrides
Gasker Lighthouse stands as a solitary beacon on the small, uninhabited islet of Gasker, situated approximately 8 kilometres southwest of Scarp and off the west coast of Harris in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Established in 1997 by the Northern Lighthouse Board, this unmanned lighthouse marks a vital point for maritime navigation in the often challenging waters of the North Atlantic. Its modern design contrasts with the wild natural environment, yet it continues the long tradition of lighthouses safeguarding vessels along these rugged coasts.Wildlife Haven and Natural Features
The island of Gasker itself is characterized by a rugged, rocky coastline interspersed with fertile grasslands and small freshwater lochans. Despite its modest size, it supports a well-established grey seal breeding colony, making it a significant site for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Historically, residents of nearby Scarp visited Gasker to hunt seals for food, underlining the island's longstanding connection to local livelihoods. The presence of two sheltered bays, Geo Iar on the north and Geodha Ear on the south, provides rare landing spots for small craft, though access remains tide-dependent and challenging.Scenic Vistas and Surrounding Islands
From Gasker, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the neighboring islands of Harris, Scarp, and Taransay, each with their own distinctive landscapes and cultural histories. The island's isolation offers a tranquil and scenic environment, where the sounds of the sea and wildlife dominate. The smaller islet of Gasker Beag lies just 1.2 kilometres to the east-southeast, adding to the archipelago's rugged charm.Conservation and Ownership
Gasker is designated within the Small Seal Islands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), highlighting its ecological importance, particularly for seal conservation. The island is owned by the Northern Lighthouse Board, which maintains the lighthouse with periodic visits. There are no permanent structures besides the lighthouse, and no service connections, preserving the island’s pristine natural state. While there is potential for small cabin construction subject to permissions, the island remains largely untouched by modern development.Access and Exploration Challenges
Reaching Gasker requires careful planning due to its remote location and limited landing options. The island is accessible only by boat, with no moorings currently installed, and landings depend heavily on tide and weather conditions. Its remoteness and lack of facilities mean that visits are typically undertaken by experienced boaters or organized trips from nearby harbors such as Tarbert on Harris.Legacy of the Outer Hebrides’ Lighthouses
Gasker Lighthouse is part of a broader network of navigational aids established by the Northern Lighthouse Board to ensure maritime safety around the Hebrides. While it is a relatively recent addition compared to historic lighthouses in the region, it continues the legacy of guiding ships safely through these often treacherous waters. Its presence underscores the enduring importance of lighthouses in connecting and protecting the islands of Scotland’s western seaboard.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visit Outer Hebrides
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Your essential gateway to exploring the wild beauty and rich Gaelic culture of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides islands.
Pairc an t-Srath Guest House
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Temple Harris
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Sound of Harris
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Harris House
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Eilean Glas Lighthouse
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historic scotland
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Clan MacLeod Memorial Cairn
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Ardmore Arches
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Rubha Hunish
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Neist Point Cliff Lighthouse Viewpoint
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Old Ruins
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Neist Point Lighthouse
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Dunvegan Castle & Gardens
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Dun Osdale
74.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Huisinis Gateway
11.7 km
Gateway to the wild machair and serene beaches of Huisinis, offering essential facilities and sustainable visitor management on the Isle of Harris.
Traigh Mheilein
12.4 km
Discover the secluded turquoise waters and white sands of Traigh Mheilein, a tranquil Hebridean beach framed by rugged cliffs and panoramic island views.
Cravadale
14.3 km
Discover Cravadale’s wild coastal beauty and serene beaches on the Isle of Harris, a tranquil haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle Estate
17.0 km
A grand 19th-century baronial castle on the Isle of Harris, offering exclusive-use luxury, world-class fishing, stalking, and breathtaking Hebridean scenery.
Power Station Walk
18.1 km
Explore the scenic 6.6 km Power Station Walk on the Isle of Harris, blending coastal beauty with historic maritime heritage.
Muladal Hill
20.5 km
A rugged 454m summit on North Harris offering wild landscapes, panoramic views, and a challenging hiking adventure.
Ulabhal Hill
21.0 km
Discover the rugged beauty and panoramic vistas atop Ulabhal Hill, a scenic gem on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
Mangersta Sea Stacks
21.6 km
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Clach Mhic Leoid,standing stone
21.8 km
Discover the ancient mystery and breathtaking coastal beauty of Clach Mhic Leoid, a towering Neolithic standing stone on the Isle of Harris.
MacLeod´s Stone
21.8 km
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Traigh Rosamol
22.0 km
Discover the tranquil white sands and sweeping coastal views of Traigh Rosamol, a serene beach gem on Scotland’s Isle of Harris.
Nisabost Beach
22.0 km
Golden sands and wild Atlantic horizons on Harris's most accessible beach.
Talla na Mara Gift Shop
22.2 km
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The temple
22.2 km
A tranquil ruin nestled in the rugged beauty of Isle of Harris, offering a quiet glimpse into the island’s historic past.
Luskentyre Beach
22.3 km
A vast, white-sand beach with turquoise waters and dramatic views across the Sound of Taransay on the Isle of Harris.
Essential places to dine
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle
17.8 km
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Talla na Mara Restaurant
22.2 km
Community-focused dining with stunning coastal views and fresh, inclusive menus on the Isle of Harris.
Òran na Mara
22.5 km
Experience the perfect blend of traditional Hebridean charm and modern luxury with breathtaking views over Scarista beach on the Isle of Harris.
Scarista House
22.8 km
Historic Georgian elegance meets stunning Atlantic views in this remote boutique hotel on the Isle of Harris.
Uig Sands Restaurant
28.4 km
Experience exquisite local seafood and stunning coastal views at Uig Sands Restaurant, a stylish gem on the Isle of Lewis.
Butty Bus
28.6 km
A cozy, no-nonsense café at Leverburgh ferry terminal serving fresh local fish and chips with charming harbor views.
The Anchorage Restaurant, Cafe & Bar
28.6 km
Fresh seafood and local flavors served with stunning harbour views in a relaxed, welcoming setting on Leverburgh’s pier.
Lingay House
28.7 km
Experience warm hospitality, modern comfort, and stunning loch views at Lingay House, a charming B&B and restaurant on the Isle of Harris.
Harris Hotel
29.9 km
Experience authentic island charm, warm hospitality, and local flavors at Harris Hotel, your cozy retreat in the heart of Tarbert, Isle of Harris.
Hotel Hebrides
30.4 km
Experience comfort and local charm at Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert—your gateway to exploring the breathtaking Isle of Harris.
Pierhouse Cafe And Restaurant
30.4 km
A refined waterfront dining experience in Tarbert, offering fresh Hebridean seafood and warm hospitality with stunning harbour views.
Flavour
31.0 km
Discover an immersive chef’s table experience with locally foraged fine dining in the heart of the Isle of Harris.
Bays Of Harris Community Centre
31.2 km
A welcoming cultural hub on the Isle of Harris offering hearty local fare, lively ceilidhs, and vibrant community spirit in a scenic coastal setting.
North Harbour Bistro
36.9 km
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Loch Erisort Hotel
41.3 km
A welcoming Hebridean inn with spacious rooms, stunning loch views, and hearty local cuisine on the tranquil Isle of Lewis.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Luskentyre Beach Hut
22.8 km
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Woven & Wild
23.1 km
Discover authentic, sustainable Hebridean homewares crafted with care in Scarista, Isle of Harris.
Taobh Tuath Tweeds
25.1 km
Discover authentic Harris Tweed weaving and island heritage at Taobh Tuath Tweeds in Northton, Isle of Harris.
The Hebridean Mustard Company
27.2 km
Discover artisanal mustards crafted with passion and natural ingredients at the iconic Hebridean Mustard hut in Leverburgh, Isle of Harris.
Harris Community Shop (An Clachan)
28.6 km
A well-stocked, community-owned shop serving as the essential retail and social hub in Leverburgh on the Isle of Harris.
Harris Tweed Isle Of Harris Shop
30.0 km
Discover authentic Harris Tweed craftsmanship and timeless island heritage in the heart of Tarbert, Isle of Harris.
Blamire at Harris
30.3 km
A split-level gift shop in Tarbert showcasing handcrafted ceramics, original oil paintings, and authentic souvenirs from the Isle of Harris.
Akrams General Store
30.3 km
Akrams General Store offers authentic local goods and essentials in the heart of Tarbert, Isle of Harris, blending convenience with Hebridean charm.
John Morrisons Newsagents
30.3 km
A welcoming local hub in Tarbert offering essentials and island charm on the Isle of Harris.
Tarbert charity shop
30.4 km
Explore Tarbert Charity Shop, a unique thrift store on the Isle of Harris, where every purchase supports local charities and sustainability.
Essence of Harris
30.4 km
Discover the essence of the Isle of Harris through handcrafted, sustainably made candles and homewares inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
The Wee Croft Shop - Isle of Harris
31.1 km
Discover authentic Harris crafts and unique gifts at The Wee Croft Shop in Tarbert, a charming local treasure celebrating island heritage.
Grannie Annie's
31.5 km
Discover the quirky charm and authentic Hebridean spirit at Grannie Annie's, a beloved gift shop on the Isle of Harris.
David's sausages
32.9 km
Discover handcrafted local sausages steeped in Isle of Harris tradition, crafted for food lovers seeking authentic island flavors.
Harris Tweed and Knitwear
34.1 km
Authentic handwoven Harris Tweed products crafted in the Outer Hebrides, blending heritage, quality, and island tradition.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant
26.7 km
A tranquil Hebridean escape offering cozy rooms, exquisite local cuisine, and stunning mountain and sea views on the Isle of Harris.
The Bothy
28.0 km
A cozy pub and café in Leverburgh offering local ales, hearty meals, and warm island hospitality on the Isle of Harris.
Isle of Harris Brewery
28.6 km
Crafting island-brewed beers and fresh Hebridean fare in a lively waterfront taproom on the Isle of Harris.
Westford Inn
46.2 km
A cozy Hebridean pub on North Uist offering hearty local cuisine, craft ales, and warm island hospitality in a traditional stone setting.
THE HARBOUR BAR
58.5 km
A warm, inviting bar in Stornoway offering local brews, hearty Scottish fare, and live music in the heart of the Isle of Lewis.
The Criterion Bar
58.5 km
A cozy, traditional Scottish bar in Stornoway known for its friendly service, quality drinks, and authentic Hebridean atmosphere.
Stornoway Distillers @ The Fank
58.6 km
Experience authentic Hebridean flavors and craft gin in the heart of Stornoway’s vibrant culinary scene.
McNeills
58.6 km
Experience Stornoway’s vibrant live music and warm hospitality at McNeills, a historic bar with authentic Hebridean spirit.
Artizan
58.7 km
Artizan blends local flavors, creative cocktails, and unique crafts in a warm, welcoming café and event space in the heart of Stornoway.
Lewis & Harris Rangers Supporters Club
58.9 km
A spirited social hub and the world’s largest Rangers supporters club, uniting fans in Stornoway with football passion and community warmth.
The Stein Inn
67.1 km
Historic pub and hotel on Skye offering fresh seafood, cozy rooms, and stunning Loch Bay views in a charming coastal village.
The Ferry Inn
70.4 km
A stylish 19th-century inn in Uig offering cozy rooms, exceptional local cuisine, and stunning views over Skye’s northern bay.
The Rip
72.3 km
A cozy bar on the Isle of Lewis where local culture, craft beers, and scenic beauty create a warm retreat for travelers and locals alike.
Cross Inn
80.3 km
A cozy, characterful inn and pub offering warm hospitality, excellent local food, and comfortable stays on the Isle of Lewis.
Old Barn Bar
80.3 km
Authentic crofters’ barn pub with rustic charm, local flavors, and warm hospitality on the Isle of Lewis.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scaladale Centre
31.1 km
A premier outdoor adventure centre and hostel on Isle of Harris, offering year-round activities and comfortable group accommodation in stunning Hebridean surroundings.
Number 5
33.9 km
Charming stone cottage hostel with sea views, cozy fires, kayak rentals, and warm hospitality on the scenic Isle of Harris.
Skye Camanachd Social Club
90.0 km
Experience the vibrant social heartbeat of Portree at Skye Camanachd Social Club, where tradition meets lively nightlife on the Isle of Skye.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
