Things to do and see

Lewis is a vibrant community and offers a great deal for visitors. There are many activities and interests which you can pursue whether these are about the natural and unspoilt landscape, community activities, cultural activities, or those of a historical or archaeological interest to name a few. Here are some ideas to help to plan your holiday. The people of Lewis are helpful and courteous to visitors and enjoy helping and in my experience visitors also treat the island and its customs with respect as there are many unique aspects to our heritage. This makes for a good experience all round. Here are some of my ideas and favourite places and signposting to useful websites.

27 Garenin

Many visitors ask about walks in Lewis. Here are a few you can enjoy from the house.

Walk quarter of a mile towards the shore and visit the Blackhouse villiage, museum and coffee shop. The shore is very sheltered and you can walk along the coastal trail to Dalmore beach, or further to Dalbeg beach.....both very beautiful!

Coastal walk: walk to Borrowston (road opposite Blue Pig) and follow the coast back to Garenin - quite strenuous but worth it for spectacular views!

You can walk or cycle from the house round by Upper Carloway and back round to Garenin. This is a 3 mile walk.

Walk from Doune Braes to Tolsta chaolais a village with an art gallery and hidden gems

For more details on walks in the area please visit this website:
www.walkhighlands.co.uk/outer-hebrides

For guided tours try:
www.tourguide-hebrides.co.uk
www.hiddenhebrides.co.uk

Cycling

Cycle the new Hebridean way:
www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/see-and-do/activities/hebridean-way/hebridean-way-cycling-route

There are many small roads for cycling.

Bike and car hire:

www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/bike-hire
www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/planning-your-trip/getting-about/car-hire

Fishing

The Carloway Community shop, Bùth Chàrlabhaigh, sells permits.
www.carlowaycommunityshop.co.uk/

St Kilda and Coastal trips

Many visitors visit St Kilda or enjoy coastal wildlife trips:
www.kildacruises.co.uk
www.seaharris.com
Other coastal trips:
www.seatrek.co.uk

Carloway Visit the craft shop in Carloway - the Blue Pig. Visit the hotel on the Callanish road - the Doune Braes Hotel which has good food.

Also nearby are the Carloway Broch and the Callanish Stones. There are info leaflets in the house telling you more about these and other places of interest.Walk round to the garden at Upper Carloway:
www.isle-of-lewis.com/attractions/parks-and-gardens

Stornoway

My own favourite place is An Lanntair Arts Centre in Stornoway. There are also other local venues where you can experience a ceilidh (singing and dancing).

The renovations at Lews Castle have resulted in a wonderful new gallery space, museum and café plus the extensive castle grounds for walking. The castle was shortlisted for the prestigeous renovation award by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2017.
www.lews-castle.co.uk

You will find a wealth of information about Lewis by visiting the Internet Guide to Scotland website:
www.scotland-info.co.uk and then navigate to the Lewis page.