Best of Lewis and Harris

LEWIS has been poetically referred to “as that place where Europe ends and the Ocean begins”.

It is here, on the very edge of Europe, that the Gaelic language and associated culture are strongest. Get more info at www.visithebrides.com/ and at www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lewis/lewis/index.html

1 CHECK OUT THE BEACHES

Some of the most beautiful, and empty, beaches in Scotland can be found on Lewis and Harris. Some of my favourites are Dalmore beach between Shawbost and Carloway on the west side of Lewis; the Uig sands, where the Lewis chessmen were found, and the magnificent Luskentyre beach on the west coast of Harris. The west coast of Lewis is rapidly becoming a favourite with surfers. If the conditions are right, you’ll be able to admire them making the most of Atlantic waves.

2 EXPLORE THE HISTORY

Visit the Black House village at Garenin, Carloway, which illustrates living conditions experienced in the past. For more on Garenin see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garenin. Close by the Black House village and also well worth a visit are the remains of an Iron Age broch at Carloway. Just a few miles away are the Callanish stones which date back almost 5,000 years – they are older than Stonehenge.

3 CLIMB THE CLISHAM

The Clisham, on the “border” between Lewis and Harris, is the highest point on the island. It is 2,622ft high and offers wonderful views from the summit on a clear day. St Kilda, far to the west, is among the sights that can be seen.

4 GO ON A BOAT TRIP

As well as allowing you to admire the coastline and no doubt seals, you will hopefully also see porpoises and if very lucky basking sharks and whales. Seatrek ( www.seatrek.co.uk) offer excellent trips, including, if the weather conditions are favourable, a journey to St Kilda.

5 WANDER AROUND STORNOWAY

It’s the main town on Lewis, and you can develop a feel for the island. Check out the museum and An Lanntair, the excellent new arts centre. The castle grounds are beautiful, and unusual for Lewis in being heavily wooded. This is also where the marquee is erected every July to offer a stage to the acts who perform at the annual “Hebcelt” – Hebridean Celtic– music festival ( www.hebceltfest.com) which draws an audience, and performers, from far and near.