Isle of Lewis and Harris: 40 Cool Things To Do
The western isles of Scotland are home to some of the most impressive landscapes in the country. This post outlines a travel guide for the best cool things to do on the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
The outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis is home to breath taking beaches, stunning landscapes, and unique cultures can you can only find this far north in Scotland.
The Isle of Lewis & Harris is technically two islands. However, they are often known together as one area.
They are nearby and can be completed together in one trip. The landscape on the Isle of Lewis is primarily flat with peaty moorlands in the centre of the island.
Meanwhile, along the coast, there are sandy beaches with rocky headlands in the east and the deep waters of Loch Suaineabhal. Continuing on to the Isle of Harris, that is where the landscape begins to change.
You can follow windy routes up hills and down coastal inlets. Also, the quiet laidback lifestyle here means that most things are still closed on Sundays.
The Scottish Gaelic language is still a strong tradition on both islands. Half the islanders still speak Scottish Gaelic and the language is present on road signs.
Beaches
The beaches on the Isle of Harris can be found on the list of the best beaches in the world. Moreover, these beaches are often mistaken for somewhere tropical.
However, you do need to be brave to want to dip your toes in the water of these beaches. There is a real mix of sandy bays, rocky bays or sheltered coves.
You will not be short of options for a beach day. The beaches on Lewis and Harris include:
- Huisinis Beach
- Horgabost Beach
- Luskentyre Beach
- Seilebost Beach
- Scarista Beach
- Garry Beach
- Mangersta Sands
- Uig Sands
- Valtos Beach
- Bosta Beach
This post will list attractions in a chronological order, starting from the main settlement Stornoway.
As there is not a perfect circular road on the Island the attractions will be covered by sections. Some of the beaches mentioned previously will pop up again, and are noted as the best beaches on the west coast of Scotland.
Stornoway
Stornoway is the main settlement of the Isle of Lewis and the Outer Hebrides. The town has a population of 6,000 people and is where the ferry from Ullapool arrives.
There is the harbour, airport, art centre and many independent shops including Storehouse Café, Harris Tweed Story Room and The Baltic Bookshop.
Lews Castle
At Lews Castle Museum you can discover the history and culture of the Outer Hebrides. Lews Castle is one of the best castles on the islands of Scotland.
The impressive castle was built in the mid-19th century and stands over Stornoway Harbour. A rich merchant called Sir James Matheson bought the Isle of Lewis in 1844 and built this mock Tudor castle.
Lord Leverhulme bought the castle (as well as the rest of the island) in 1918 and called the castle his home until his departure in 1923. Since World War II the castle was used as a hospital.
Also, it was a college and a school before being deemed unsafe. You can enjoy a stroll through the castle grounds as there are well-maintained paths and roads.
Moreover, my favourite part is the castle grounds which lead to the most impressive views of Stornoway. Make sure you head to Cuddy Point or the River Creed for some amazing views and for a chance to spot some cool wildlife.
Also, Latta’s Mill and an 18-hole golf course are located on the grounds. The castle has been recently converted into a hotel, café and museum.
Museum nan Eilean
Museum Nan Eilean is located in Lews Castle. Here, you can find out how the past has shaped life today on the Isle of Lewis.
Also, you can view six of the iconic Viking chess pieces which were discovered on Uig Sands back in the 19th century.
St Columba’s Chapel
St Columbas Chapel is an important archaeological site on the Isle of Lewis. During the medieval period, this was the main church on the island.
Afterwards, the church became the burial place for the Macleod chiefs and the Mackenzies who controlled the island in later years.
Also, the church is one of the few structures left on the island from the medieval period and is currently owned by Ui Church Trust (Urras Easglais na h-Aoidhe).
Tiumpan Head Lighthouse
The Tiumpan Head Lighthouse is located 11 miles east of Stornoway. The lighthouse dates back to the 1900s.
This is a great spot for watching whales and dolphins, catching a sunrise in the morning and getting amazing views back to the mainland.
Garry Beach (Traigh Ghearadha)
To get to this part of the island you need to follow a single-track road along the northeast coast of the Isle of Lewis. The beach has golden sands and stunning scenery and it is lovely and clean.
One of the most impressive parts of this bay is the sea stacks dotted at the south end of the beach. I loved walking through the large shapes of rock.
This beach is essentially the last stop on this road due to failed construction of a connecting road which was aimed to link Ness to Tolsta.
Garry Beach is the location of the ‘bridge to nowhere’. The ‘bridge to nowhere’ also, sometimes known as Garry Bridge was one of Lord Leverhulme’s failed plans to connect the Eastern road all the way to Ness.
Callanish Standing Stones
The oldest remnants of Neolithic history in Europe include the Standing Stones at Callanish. This ancient monument is one of the most significant archaeological spots in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
It is impressive that these stunning reminders of history are older than Stonehedge and the Pyramids of Giza. Callanish 1 is the most impressive stone circle and you can see it from the main road (A858).
Also, there are two other significant sites nearby (Callanish 2 and 3). You can find out more about these stones in the visitor centre.
Mangersta Sands
Mangersta Bay is another little paradise on the west coast Isle of Lewis and Harris. There will be no crowds here and the silence will only be broken by the crashing of the waves in the ocean.
You can walk up the cliff next to the beach to get panoramic views of the beach from above. Near Mangersta Sands is one of my favourite sights – Mangersta Sea Stacks.
Mangersta Sea Stacks is the Isle of Lewis answer to Australia’s 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. The sea stacks are incredible rock formations that stand tall in the choppy Hebridean Sea.
Uig Sands
On the southwestern side of the island, you can find one of the island’s largest beaches, Uig Sands. In a small stone chamber at the edge of the beach, a Viking chess set was discovered.
There are now pieces in several museums including the National Museum for Scotland and the Museum in Stornoway. It is believed these pieces were hand-crafted in Trondheim, Norway and made from the husks of Walrus teeth.
Also, there are smaller beaches part of the bay including Carnish Beach and Ardoil Beach.
There is a campsite at Ardoil Beach, stunning white sands, different colours of blue water and stunning sand dunes all around. Carnish is a calm sheltered bay.
Valtos Beach
Valtos has two magnificent bays of white sand. The first larger bay includes a mile-long arc of white shell sand. This is one of the least visited beaches on the Isle of Lewis, be prepared to be amazed by the neglected beauty.
Isle of Great Bernera
The Isle of Great Bernera is a small island located on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. To get to the Isle of Great Bernera you can drive across a bridge.
The bridge opened in 1953 and over 4,000 people flocked to explore the island. Near the village of Breaclete, there is an old restored mill.
Bosta Beach (Traigh Bhostadh)
Bosta Beach is located on the northwest corner of the Great Bernera. The beach has beautiful golden sands and crystal-clear water.
Also, a replica of an Iron Age house has been built to represent the Iron Age village which was discovered by archaeologists beneath the sand dunes.
During a wild Atlantic storm in 1993 parts of the Iron Age village were uncovered. The original Iron Age village was covered to protect remnants that had been found.
From Bosta Beach on Great Bernera you can view the smaller Isle of Little Bernera.
Carloway Broch
You can find Carloway Broch upon a rocky knoll which is due to the good defensive position. The Carloway Broch is one of the best preserved Broch in the Outer Hebrides.
A Broch was home to tribal leaders and important members of the community. Brochs were resilient structures built from concentric walls of stone for defence.
The Broch is from the Iron Age, and Dun Carloway was probably built in the 1st century AD. Back in the 17th century, the broch was partially destroyed, however, one side rises 9 metres high.
Gearannan Blackhouse Village
The Blackhouse Village at Gearannan contains nine restored houses, with a museum that lets you go inside a couple of them. Also, you can walk around the entire village.
Some of the thatched houses can be used as self-catering accommodation. The ‘black houses’ got its name because the houses had small windows and in the early days smoke would fill up inside them.
Other houses were being built in the 1800s and these were called ‘white houses’. The new ‘white houses’ were designed to separate humans from their livestock and animals.
The ‘black houses’ in the village have thatched roofs which were made from tufts and constructed upon a wooden frame. Impressively, people still lived in these houses until the middle of the 1970s.
Occupants lefts for a more comfortable style of living with access to better gas and electricity. Although, at this time some ‘black houses’ had been installed with fireplaces and chimneys instead of the chimney free traditional construction.
Also, at this site, you can take in the views of the secluded bay of Carloway or watch the weaving of Harris Tweed.
The weaving is quite noisy but you can see the effort that goes into the craft. Entry costs £3.50 per adult.
West Coastal Walk
From the Blackhouse village you can join a path to follow the West Coastal Walk. The West Coastal Walk is a nice walk around the coastline between Gearranna and Bragar.
On route, you will get amazing views of the trail, rocky clifftop, sea, stacks and bays. The whole route takes 6-7 hours, however you can enjoy a half an hour walk before heading back to the car.
From Gearranannan Blackhouse Village you can reach Dalmore and Balbeg beaches.
Dalmor Beach and Dailbeag Beach
On the west side of the island, near the north of the village of Carloway, you will find Dalmor and Dailbeag Beaches. In Scottish Gaelic, ‘mor’ means big and ‘beag’ means small, hence the difference in names between the two beaches.
Dalmor is exposed to westerly winds and is frequently used by surfers. Also, there is car parking and toilet facilities at Dalmor.
Meanwhile, Dailbeag is a lot smaller and there are no parking facilities. This is a remote beach and I loved the feeling of having the whole beach to myself as there was no one else there.
Norse Mill and Kiln
Norse Mill and Kiln are renovated thatched buildings which were used to process barley grain into meal. The site was used up until the 1930s.
Water from the nearby streams from Loch Roinavat was used to power the mill. There is a car park just off the road, a quarter of a mile away from the thatched buildings.
This is an interesting historical site and it was good to see how things were back in the day.
Shawbost Beach
Shawbost Beach is one of the more popular beaches as it is an easy beach to access. There are a few car parking spaces next to the beach.
As with every beach on the Isle of Lewis it is very clean, and tranquil and it is a great opportunity to watch small wading birds. On the coast between Dailbeag Beach and Shawbost Beach, you will come across Stac a’Phris Arich.
This is a rock formation which has been carved into an arch and sits in the sea. It is part of the Isle of Lewis West Coastal Walk.
The Arnol Blackhouse
To get further insight into island life on the Isle of Lewis make sure to pay a visit to the Blackhouse. The Blackhouse was built in 1880 and is fully furnished with an attached barn, byre and stack yard.
A Hebridean crafting family who lived here until 1966, and today it is preserved almost as how the family left it. There is a peat fire in the open hearth with smoke filtering through the roof.
Also, there is a 1920s croft house which is available for viewing. You can view the new visitor centre where there is a shop, exhibition area and an interactive model.
The Trussel Stone
The Trussel Stone is a six metre high Standing Stone which is just off the A857. This is the largest standing stone in Scotland and the purpose of the stone is not clear.
The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
The Butt of Lewis is the most northerly point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
Also, this area is known for being incredibly windy, you can see the massive waves crash against the cliff face. The area is set in a rugged and powerful landscape.
The magnificent 121 foot high lighthouse was built in 1862, and made of red brick.
Ness Beach
In the most northerly village on the Island, you will find the most northerly beach, Ness Beach.
Ness is a good place to visit due to the picturesque harbour, Ness Historical Centre and café. Also, in Ness, you can stop by Café Sonas for a coffee, or visit the Harbourview Gallery.
Isle of Harris
The Isle of Harris is located south of the Isle of Lewis and Tarbet is the main settlement.
The island is known for its stunning beaches, great walking trails and many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Also, there ar rich traditions and a strong sense of community on the island.
MacLeod’s Stone
This is a brilliant location with great views across the Sound of Tarransay and also looking across towards the North Harris Hills.
The monument has a great history. Be careful as there are steep drop-offs to the sea around the area.
Luskentyre Sands
Luskentyre Sands is found on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebrides. The beach was named one of the UK’s best beaches in the TripAdvisors Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Also, it is one of the largest expanses of sand on the Isle of Harris with stunning white sad and green-blue water.
At the beach you can enjoy the incredible scenery which includes some spectacular views across to the Island of Taransay. There is not a big parking area, but there are toilet facilities not far up the road.
Church of St Clement
St Clement’s Church has been acknowledged as the grandest medieval building in the Western Isles. Here, you enjoy the tranquillity of the isolated medieval church, with the coast nearby.
In the 16th century, the church was built by Alexander MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris. The Countess of Dunmore restored the church in 1873, and in 1907 it was struck by lightning. The church is now managed by Historic Scotland.
Seilebost Beach
From Seilebost Beach you can enjoy views over to Taransay and Ben Luskentyre and the Harris Hills.
Accessing the beach may be a little difficult but for those who make the effort, the reward can be that you will have this tiny bit of paradise all to yourself.
Isle of Taransay
The Isle of Taransay has been an uninhabited island since 1974, only holiday homes are on the island. It is the largest island in the Outer Hebrides which does not have a permanent population.
The only way to get to the island is by boat, during the summer, boat trips to go the island. The majestic island is notable for its flora, as mother nature has a free hand on Taransay.
Also, Taransay is famous for being the location for the BBC series Castaway. Paible hosts a spectacular beach and used to be the original settlement on the island.
Isle of Scalpay
Towards the East of Tarbet, you can find the Isle of Scalpay. The isle is 2.5 square miles which is connected to Harris via a single track bridge.
Only 300 people live on the island and most of them speak Scottish Gaelic. The island has several small lochans, one being Loch an Duin which has a small island with the remains of the fort in the middle.
Scalpay Lighthouse
Scalpay Lightouse is a very photogenic lighthouse with red and white stripes.
You can complete a circular walk around the lighthouse, or you can walk to the lighthouse and back.
St Kilda
Go on a journey of a lifetime and take a boat trip to St Kilda. Due to the rich cultural heritage and nature, St Kilda has been recognised as a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site site, and is one of the only 39 in the world.
The last 36 inhabitants voted to leave the island as life there was no longer sustainable on 29 August 1930. St Kilda is a truly unique place.
With a variety of wildlife including, one million seabirds, Atlantic puffin, unique wren and a sub-species of mouse which is twice the size of the British field mouse. It is believed that a community existed on St Kilda for more than 4,000 years before it was evacuated.
Accommodation on the Isle of Lewis and Harris
Isle of Lewis: Chapman’s, Slighthill Cottage, Marie’s Hoose
Isle of Harris: Fisherman’s Hut, 1 Luskentyre, Dunarain B&B
How to get to Isle of Lewis and Harris
To get to the Isle of Lewis, most people travel vis Ullapool. Getting to Ullapool from Glasgow or Edinburgh takes approximately 4 hours.
Another option is to get a ferry from Uig on the Isle of Skye to Tarbet on the Isle of Harris. Also, there is an airport in Stornoway which has flights operating from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Is Isle of Lewis worth Visiting?
A trip to the Isle of Lewis will blow you away. There are stunning beaches, breath taking landscapes and a unique culture that you will not find anywhere else in Scotland.
Some of Europe’s oldest standing stones can be found on the island. Also, you can learn about the interesting history which has made the Isle of Lewis what it is today.
What is the Isle of Lewis known for?
The Isle of Lewis is known for being home to a wide range of historical and archaeological sites.
Some of the most popular destinations which reflect the Iron Age include Callanish Stones, Dun Carloway Broch and the Iron Age houses on the Great Bernera.
In addition, the Isle of Lewis has some spectacular beaches which are so isolated and peaceful.
Can you drive around Lewis and Harris in a day?
The Isle of Lewis is approximately 36 miles in length. To give you a rough idea, to get from the Butt of Lewis to Stornoway, it will take 45 minutes, without stopping.
Also, it is a 36 mile journey from Stornoway to Tarbet, which will take approximately 50 minutes in the car. You can drive around the Isle of Harris in approximately three hours.
However, this time will vary depending on how long is spent at each destination. To get the most out of your trip to the Outer Hebrides you will need to spend at least 2-3 nights on the island.
The journey to the island is not the easiest, with a lot of driving and ferry journeys. Also, there is so much things to do you can even enjoy up to 5-7 days on the island.
What is the Isle of Harris famous for?
The Isle of Harris used to have a thriving fishing industry, now, there are little remains of this.
Much of Scottish Gaelic literature and Gaelic music originated from the Isle of Harris. Today, the island depends on crofting, fishing, tourism, the oil industry and renewable energy.
What’s on the Isle of Harris?
The Isle of Harris is home to several gorgeous bays with bright turquoise water and clear sands.
The beaches that are worth a visit include Luskentyre, Scarista, Seilebost and Hotgabost. Also, Harris is known for great walking routes and dramatic scenery.
Final Note
A visit to the isles is a great thing to do if you are interested in history and archaeology. The Isle of Lewis and Harris was one of the first places to be settled in the British Isles.
It is believed that settlers arrived in 8500 BC. Driving along the west coast of Isle of Lewis is a tour of the last few thousand years of island history.
The climate on the Isle of Lewis is very mild, probably milder than you think. As anywhere else in Scotland, make sure you wrap up well and be prepared for four seasons in the one-day scenario.
The tourist season runs from April to October. One good thing is that in the summer the days are extremely long, meaning you will have more time for exploring.
However, be prepared for the minges. The days in the winter are extremely short and the weather mostly brings windy weather. In the winter, there is a good opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
There is a great sense of community among the islanders. They are proud of their home and are willing to share tips to make your trip memorable.
Keen walkers can join the Hebridean Way to explore the best parts of the Isle of Lewis and Harris. Other islands to consider paying a visit to are the Isle of Skye, the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Iona and the Small Isles.