The island of Lewis

Lewis and Harris are combined like Siamese twins at the northern end of the Western Isles, otherwise known as the Outer Hebrides. Yet although they are geographically linked, they each have their own individual characteristics.

LEWIS is largely rolling moorland, low-lying hills, and dotted with fresh water lochs in such abundance that from a high vantage point they look like sequins glinting in the sunlight. Both western and eastern coasts tend to be rugged, but their cliffs often fall away to reveal vast expanses of white sandy beaches which are never crowded.

The 5,000 year old Standing Stones of Calanais (Callanish), second only to Stonehenge in the UK for their grandeur, are to be found on the west coast of Lewis. Just a few miles away stands the well preserved 2,000 year old Carloway Broch, or dun, a circular, dry-stone built fortified tower.

In Lewis, the ruined church of St. Columba at Ui, Point, and the still used St.Moluag’s church at Europie, Ness are well worth visiting. Yet more recent history comes alive in the Blackhouse Museum in Arnol, the Shawbost Folk Museum, and in many smaller local village museums throughout the islands in the summer. The Calanais Visitor Centre and the restored 'black house' village at Gearrannan must also be seen. The famous Lewis Chessmen were found at Uig Sands.

A visit to Lewis and Harris is not complete without seeing the famous Harris Tweed cloth being woven. Have a tour round a Harris Tweed mill to see the wool being spun and the tweed being finished, then go to the weaver’s home to see the hand weaver at work. Under the Harris Tweed Act the cloth is only "Harris Tweed" if it has been handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the islands, finished in the islands, and if it also complies with the quality requirements in the Regulations which apply to the famous Orb trade mark.

Stornoway is the only town in the Western Isles, and is located on the east coast of Lewis. About 8,000 people live in this bustling town, crowned by Lews Castle and the lovely wooded Castle grounds. The Western Isles Museum and the An Lanntair Art Gallery are both located in Stornoway and should be visited. In complete contrast you can escape to the peace and tranquillity of the rural areas such as the islands of Bearnaraigh (Great Bernera, Lewis) which is accessed by a road bridge.

Closing days and Sundays

The deeply held religious beliefs on all the islands are one of the features that make life here in the Western Isles so different from mainland Britain.

Most of the shops, petrol stations, etc are closed and there is no scheduled public transport on Sundays. In Lewis and Harris, most hotel bars, public houses, and restaurants are also closed on Sundays, though some hotels are open to non-residents for meals.

Some bed and breakfast landladies and self catering proprietors also prefer it if guests do not arrive or depart on Sundays so please check to avoid offence being taken. Some shops also close on Wednesday afternoons, and there is a restricted bus service on Wednesdays.

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