GARRY BEACH
AROUND THE HEBRIDES
CALLANISH STONE CIRCLE
Possibly the most famous landmark on the Isle of Lewis this neolithic stone circle is awe-inspiring. Look behind and you will see another feature from Celtic mythology. Local people call her “Sleeping Beauty” in English or “Cailleach na Mointeach” in Gaelic – which translates as “The Old Woman of the Moors” a recumbent landscape Goddess.
“Cailleach na Mointeach”
Did you know there was a bridge over the Atlantic?
- Cross the Atlantic Ocean by bridge to discover Great Bernera, this tiny island is a hidden jewel in the Hebridean Archipelago.
Bostadh Iron Age House & Village
Bosta Beach
Tobson Village
- Uig is famous for the Lewis Chessmen which were discovered here, but there is so much more to see.
Abhainn Dearg Distillery The first legal distillery producing single malt on the islands in 200 years
Mangersta sands ( Traigh Mangurstadh)
Mealista (Mealasta) from the jetty at the road end you are rewarded with views of the Isle of Scarp, St. Kilda and Flannan Isles, it does need to be a clear day though.
HEBRIDEAN BEACHES QUICK GUIDE
Beaches on Lewis
Traigh Shanndaigh (Eoropie Beach)
A favourite with surfers, families with children, and walkers Eoropie is the closest beach to Galson Farm.
Below is a list of the more popular and famous beaches but there are lots of small private sandy bays although none of the beaches are ever close to busy.
- The Braighe nearest to Aignish
- Bayble Beach less than ten minutes drive away
- Dalmor
- Dalbeag
- Bostadh Beach
- Valtos Beach
- Uig Beach
- Beach at Ness
- Beach at Coll (Traigh Chuil)
- Tolsta Beach
- Garry Beach
Beaches on Harris
- Huisinis Beach
- Seilebost Beach
- Luskintyre Beach
- Horgabost Beach
- Borve Beach
- Northton-Scarista Beach
BIRD WATCHING
It is only in recent years that many people have discovered the magic of the Outer Hebrides however, we have had visitors flying in from around the world for thousands of years.
Arctic Turns, Whooper Swans, Teal, Widgeon and Tufted Ducks stop off to visit whilst from Africa the rare Corncrake comes to breed. Ah, not forgetting the raptors, Peregrine Falcons, Merlin, Sparrow Hawks, Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles also populate our islands.
Dunlin and Redshank Corncrakes Fulmars, Shags, Gulls galore, Gannets and Terns diving for fish, Auks and Kittiwakes raise their chicks along the high cliffs.
Forgive us for the many we have missed but the links below might fill in the large gaps in our knowledge.
For bird sightings in and around the islands:
Outer Hebrides Birds
Bird Guides – Outer Hebrides
Western Isles Wildlife
PHOTOGRAPHY
Big skies, abundant wildlife, archaeological sites, stunning landscapes, and seascapes where the light dances on the ever-changing scenery and the weather turns tranquil into dramatic in almost a heartbeat. This is a haven for photographers to explore their craft. Amateur or professional, video, drone or camera whatever your passion you won’t be disappointed.
Summer the wildflowers bloom, it’s easier to spot whales, dolphins, basking sharks, and the ever-popular puffins out at sea. Along the shore are otters, seals, and a host of wading birds. A few of the estates on the island welcome photographers wishing to stalk with cameras, whether you are lucky or not the scenery is breathtaking.
Winter brings storms and great Atlantic rollers crashing against the huge cliff faces throwing great clouds of spray across the land. This is also the season for spotting the Northern Lights on crisp clear evenings. Dark skies are something we still enjoy in Galson although the term is a bit misleading as the skies on clear nights are full of stars, shooting stars are a common sight as are satellites, and who knows what other mysteries are there for you to find.
An Lanntair – Dark Skies Archives
The Carloway Mill Visitor Centre
The oldest mill producing Harris Tweed where you can go and see the process of spinning the wool to washing the tweeds in action.
Swimming in the Hebrides
Immerse Hebrides
Based in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis offering wildlife boat trips, swimming holidays and wellness retreats in Scotland.
Stornoway
Stornoway Harbour
Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis, it boasts a bustling fishing harbour, while other attractions include Lews Castle and grounds, art galleries, cafe’s, museum, a modern sports centre and of course a variety of shops.
If you wander along the quayside, or Castle Grounds, don’t forget to keep a lookout for Harbour Seals!
Golf – Lewis and Harris
Scarista Golf Course beautiful course on the Isle of Harris
Stornoway Golf Club
Fishing
Salmon and Trout fishing in the Hebrides is rated amongst the best Scotland has to offer, why not give it a go? Permits are needed for some, but not all rivers, so please check before you go.
Have you ever tried saltwater fly fishing? This relatively new sport why not give it a shot, or take a day sea angling in some of the richest waters in the UK.
Stornoway Angling Association
Information offering visitors affordable and enjoyable fishing for salmon, sea trout and brown trout on numerous lochs and rivers throughout Lewis and Harris.
Wildlife and Bird watching
Archaeology
Ui Church Point – burial place of the Macleod Clan Chiefs
Adventure
Adventure Hebrides – Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing, Surfing, Kiting, Climbing, Wildlife, Hill walking and more. Explore our site to unlock your adventure.
Stornoway Canoe Club
Handy links should you need more info:
- NHS Western Isles for phone numbers of surgeries, dentists etc.
- Tourist information office Stornoway 01851 703 088
- Bus Station Stornoway 01851 704 327
Day Trips to St. Kilda:
Seatrek trip to St.Kilda
Sea Trek Sea Safari – boat trips from Lewis with day trips to St. Kilda. They offer a range of excursions and opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife the Outer Hebrides has to offer.
Island Cruising – based on the Isle of Lewis.
Kilda Cruises – From the Isle of Harris. Weather permitting, Angus Campbell will take you from Leverburgh for the day, but booking is essential.
Sea Harris -Daily trips if the weather permits, from the Isle of Harris to St Kilda. Seumas Morrison will take you across for the day and again book in advance.
The Isle of Harris
Below are just a very small selection of the places to might like to visit in Harris.
What’s going on?
Follow the links for the latest news from around the Islands
We Love Lewis – daily online newsfeed
The Isle of Lewis
