The Isle of Lewis and Harris feels almost otherworldly. Its peat and purple-heathered moors, mysterious standing stones, broches and charming villages all remain true to Gaelic culture. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I docked in Stornoway and got a taxi right away to see the countryside. My local taxi driver gave me a day tour to sites, such as, Callanish Stones, Dun Carloway Broch and Lews Castle. Read on and discover how to enjoy a one-day Isle of Lewis tour.
About Lewis and Harris, Scotland
Lewis and Harris are part of the Outer Hebrides archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland. Comparatively, the Inner Hebrides are between the Outer Hebrides and mainland, including Isle of Skye. Lewis is the northern two-thirds of the island, while Harris is the southern third. A small mountain range divides these areas. Harris has beautiful turquoise blue beaches. On a sunny day they almost look tropical.
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My Scottish Isle of Lewis Tour in One Day
From the Stornoway docks near the striking Gothic Revival-styled Town Hall, I caught a taxi for the Callanish Stones, Carloway Broch and Lews Castle.
Callanish Stones
The standing Callanish Stones are the most famous ones on the Isle of Lewis dating back 5,000 years. Built in the Neolithic Period, they predate the pyramids and Stonehenge in England. Also, within 2 km’s from this site, other stones stand, including Callanish II and III. Overall, these monuments show that Callanish was an important location of religious significance for more than 1500 years.
Callanish Stones became more well-known because they closely resemble the fictional stones at Craigh na Dun on the Outlander TV series. Shaped like a Celtic Cross, the stone circle consists of 15 stones with a monolith in the middle. Five rows of standing stones connect to this circle. The stones are all the same type of Lewisian gneiss. Within the stone circle, there’s a burial cairn. It’s unknown exactly how the ancestors used these stones. However, they aligned for astrological and religious rituals. It’s wonderful that visitors may get up close and touch the incredible stones.
Dun Carloway Broch
Near the west coast of the Isle of Lewis is the Dun Carloway. This is a broch located in the Carloway District on a rock at a height of 50 metres. It overlooks Loch Carloway. A broch is a stone roundhouse built about 2,000 years ago in west and north Scotland for defensive purposes. This broch is well-preserved, however, its east wall reaches 9 metres high. It’s fun to go inside and take the stairs to the different levels and imagine what happened here centuries ago.
Lews Castle, Gardens, Trails and Museum nan Eilean
The Lews Castle is a must-see destination when visiting the island. The castle overlooks Stornoway and is a historical treasure trove. Originally, it was a Victorian era home for Sir James Matheson and family built on opium money. It later served as a WW II naval hospital and school. Currently, it’s a hotel and museum.
The Lews Castle stands on over 600 acres of forests, trails and gardens. It showcases a lovely sunken garden where the Matheson family held parties. Also, there’s a conservatory with exotic plants. The grounds comprise of numerous walking and biking trails along the water, through the woodlands and gardens.
Try the Famous Stornoway Black Pudding
My taxi driver/tour guide recommended I try the famous Stornoway Black Pudding. I must say, the more I read, the more I regret not trying it. However, learn from me if you are there and find it in many of the local restaurants or shops.
In UK black puddings are made pigs’ blood and is a traditional food. However, the Stornoway Black pudding is a famous culinary delicacy made from sheeps’, cows’ or pigs’ blood. Stornoway ingredients are beef suet, oatmeal, onion, blood, salt and pepper. Isle of Lewis is known for exceptional flavor and quality. To keep impostors away, its stamped with Protected Geographical Indicator of Origin. On Isle of Lewis, its Gaelic name is “marag dubh.”
Shop at Harris Tweed Store
Isle of Lewis Tour
In Stornoway’s Town Center is the Harris Tweed store. The Harris Tweed is the only handwoven cloth produced in commercial quantities. With 100% pure new wool, it’s world renowned for remarkable quality. This luxury cloth is a tradition in the Outer Hebrides interwoven with the Gaelic language. I bought a blue tartan Harris hat in Shetland and also bought a red one in Stornoway. Who knows if I will ever return for such classic styles of hats?
Enjoy Isle of Lewis!
This remote island is an idyllic destination that preserves tradition, archeology, Gaelic language and the land itself. It’s small enough that it’s easy to get around and see a lot in just one day. However, if you have more time, even better! Leave comments below if your travels take you to Isle of Lewis. Let us know any tips or ideas on how best to experience this charming and remote Scottish island!
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