Lewis and Harris Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful Scotland region of the United Kingdom, Lewis and Harris is an enchanting island that offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This captivating destination is a must-visit for travelers seeking an authentic Scottish experience.

One of the most notable features of Lewis and Harris is its breathtaking coastline. With miles of pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is no wonder that this island is often referred to as a paradise for beach lovers. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the shores, enjoy picnics with panoramic views, or even try their hand at various water sports such as surfing and kayaking.

For those interested in history, Lewis and Harris does not disappoint. The island is home to several ancient sites, including the famous Callanish Standing Stones. Dating back over 5,000 years, these mysterious stone formations are said to have been used for ceremonial rituals and offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's past. Additionally, the historic Carloway Broch, a well-preserved Iron Age tower, provides an insight into the island's ancient architecture.

Culture enthusiasts will be delighted by the vibrant arts and crafts scene in Lewis and Harris. The island is known for its traditional handwoven Harris Tweed, which is still produced by local artisans using age-old techniques. Visitors can explore the workshops and even purchase unique souvenirs to take home. The island also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing traditional music, dance, and Gaelic language.

Nature lovers will be in awe of the stunning landscapes that Lewis and Harris has to offer. From rugged mountains and rolling hills to picturesque lochs and moorlands, the island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and cycling trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings, while birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of species in the numerous nature reserves.

Alternative names: Area: 805.41 mi²Elevation: 164 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 58°8'3"N, 6°39'33"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Lewis and Harris Top Attractions

Lewis and Harris Attractions - What to See and Explore

Lewis and Harris offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Callanish II, Clach an Trushal, Callanish III, Steinacleit. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Archaeological site
Callanish II
The Callanish II stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Archaeological site
Clach an Trushal
Clach an Trushal is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland. Above ground it stands approximately 5.8 metres tall, is 1.83 m wide and at its thickest point is 1.5 m thick, with a girth at its base of 4.75 m.
Archaeological site
Callanish III
The Callanish III stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

Museum • Prehistoric site
Steinacleit
Steinacleit is a prehistoric archeological site on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The site consists of an array of boulders which marks what is left of a chambered cairn, and possibly shows the site was overlain by a huge hall.
Archaeological site
Callanish IV
The Callanish IV stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It is a scheduled monument and its official name is Sron a'Chail.
Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Tiumpan Head Lighthouse
The Tiumpan Head Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located in Tiumpan Head, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
Memorial
Stac Dhòmhnaill Chaim
Stac Dhòmnuill Chaim, or Stac Dhòmhnaill Chaim, or Stac Domhnuill Chaim, is a fortified promontory located near Mangursta on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The stack and its surrounding site is listed and protected as a scheduled monument. The site of the stack is located at grid reference NB00223152.
Archaeological site
Dail Mòr
Dail Mòr is a hamlet situated in the Northside of Carloway, a major settlement on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. The hamlet has a beach and a cemetery. A small well kept car park is available for visitors as are picnic & public BBQ facilities. The beach is a known surf destination mentioned in numerous guidebooks.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Loch Langavat
Loch Langavat is the name of several freshwater lochs in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. The name is a Gaelic rendition of Old Norse lang "long" and vatn, meaning "lake". Most of these lochs are on the island of Lewis and Harris Loch Langavat is a loch in the Ness district of Lewis.
Brewery • Distillery • Whiskey distillery
Abhainn Dearg distillery
Abhainn Dearg or Red River Distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery in Uig, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It is the most westerly distillery in Scotland.
58°20'3"N • 6°37'44"W
Bragar Whalebone
Memorial
Forts and castles
Ardvourlie Castle
Ardvourlie Castle is a 19th-century country house on Harris, one of the Western Isles off the north-west coast of Scotland. The house was built beside Loch Seaforth in 1863 as a hunting lodge on the North Harris Estate, for Charles Murray, 7th Earl of Dunmore, the then owner of the island.
Neighbourhood
Isle of Lewis
The Isle of Lewis or simply Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. The two parts are frequently referred to as if they were separate islands. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles.
Archaeological site
Loch na Berie
Loch Na Berie is a broch in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, located approximately 400 yards from the shore, and is thought to have been located on an island as the land to the east is a marsh. The site is designated a Scheduled Monument.
57°45'37"N • 6°55'55"W
Lingarabay
Lingarabay is a small coastal settlement on Harris, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is located on the rocky east coast of South Harris, about 2 miles northeast of Rodel. It was the subject of one of the area's longest controversies.
Ancient formation of standing monoliths
Calanais Standing Stones
The Callanish Stones are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle. They were erected in the late Neolithic era, and were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age.
Archaeological site
Callanish X
The Callanish X stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the more well-known and larger Calanais I on the west coast of the isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
58°0'0"N • 6°34'0"W
Park
Park, also known as South Lochs, is a huge area of land connected to the rest of Lewis only by a narrow neck between Loch Seaforth and Loch Erisort.
58°15'0"N • 6°42'0"W
Ohagro
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Day trips

Lewis and Harris – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Lewis and Harris, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Dunvegan Castle (Dunvegan), Callanish Stones, Skye Museum of Island Life (Uig).

47 milesS
Ancestral home of Clan MacLeod
Dunvegan Castle, Dunvegan
Dunvegan Castle, a majestic fortress steeped in Scottish history, stands proudly on the Isle of Skye, overlooking the tranquil waters of Loch Dunvegan. As the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years, this castle is not only a testament...
5.4 miNW
Archaeological site, Ruins
Callanish Stones
The Callanish Stones are a prehistoric marvel, standing proudly on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom. This enigmatic stone circle, dating back to around 3000 BC, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Scotland.
34 milesS
Museum, History museum
Skye Museum of Island Life, Uig
The Skye Museum of Island Life is a museum in Kilmuir, Skye, Scotland, which is dedicated to preserving a township of thatched cottages as they would have been on Skye at the end of the 18th century.
49 milesS
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Neist Point Lighthouse, Glendale
Neist Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse located on Neist Point on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It was designed by David Alan Stevenson and was first lit on 1 November 1909. An aerial cableway is used to take supplies to the lighthouse and cottages.
46 milesE
Lighthouse
Stoer Head
Stoer Head, located in the remote and rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, is home to a historic lighthouse that has been guiding mariners since its establishment in 1870. Perched on a cliff-top overlooking the tumultuous waters of The Minch, the Stoer Head...