VISIT NORTH LEWIS

Fàilte gu Ceann a Tuath Leòdhais

WHY VISIT
NORTH LEWIS?

Historic strongholds, mysterious stone circles,
White sandy beaches, peat-laden moorland,
Sea paddling, loom peddling,

Wildlife adventures, bird song a plenty,
Machair rambling, pebble beach scrambling.
It’s all here in North Lewis.

Stunning, vast landscapes

Local delicacies

Heritage trails

A warm welcome

Lifelong memories

Learn More

Your authentic island experience

Have you downloaded our Visit North Lewis app? Featuring walking routes, Gaelic songs, wildlife and lots more, the app is available for Apple & Android devices.

Discover the app

HIGHLIGHTS MAP

Check out our highlights map to help you plan your trip to North Lewis. Click the button below to take you to our interactive highlights map.

EXPLORE NOW

Don't just take it from us! Here's what our visitors said on social media after visiting...

"I had the privilege to visit in June this year during a period of beautiful weather. Awe inspiring!"

Robin

BE INSPIRED

Uncovering the Historical Landmarks in North Lewis

Delve into the historic past of our area. Prehistoric standing stones, fighting clans, inspiring history, mystery and myth are all to be...

Jan 15

Peat cutting in North Lewis

To reach us here in the north end of Lewis, you will have driven, cycled or walked by miles of moorland. Some of you may think the...

Jan 15

Exploring North Lewis: A Guide to Scenic Walks

There are endless walks along the coast of North Lewis. The coast can be accessed from most villages and you can walk along the coast in...

Jun 19, 2024

The same place, two very different days. 🌧☀

Standing proud on the edge of a cliff far, out in Filiscleitir moor, are the ruins of a church, Eaglais ’an Fiosaich and a house, Taigh ’an Fiosaich.

Eaglais ‘An Fiosaich and Taigh ’an Fiosaich were built by John Morrison Nicolson in 1905. John was a minister, originally from Ness, who had emigrated to America. When he returned with his American wife, Nora Cushing, he built the church to have services for the locals who were at their shielings for the summer, grazing their cattle.

It is worth taking the hike out to this impressive spot.

📸Ali Finlayson
📸Angus Maclean

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #exploringscotland #outerhebrides #visitouthebrides @visitouterhebrides

Don't think I'll win this staring competition 😆

📸Elisabeth Robson

#visitnorthlewis #westernisles #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #northlewis #explorescotland

Is North Lewis on your holiday bucket list? Whether you enjoy exploring the outdoors or discovering something new in a museum, treating yourself to a meal out or some retail therapy, North Lewis has something for everyone 🌊🗺️🚢✈️

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #isleoflewis #scotland

Nothing quite like a sunset walk along the beach 🧡

📸Sunset walk at Eoropie Sofi-Ona Hamer

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #visitouterhebrides #outerhebrides #sunset #sunsetwalk #beachwalks #eoropie #westernisles #explorescotland

Did you know that today, 18th April, is International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day. So, no better day to show some appreciation for na Dorsan 🧡

2024 marked 100 years since the resettlement of Galson village. na Dorsan, a monument designed by artists Will Maclean and Marian Leven with stonework by Chris Barrowman, in South Galson, was erected to commemorate the following significant events in the history of Galson:

🔸1863 - The community of Galson is cleared to make room for a sheep farm.

🔸1888 - Galson is raided by a large group and four men, Malcolm Smith, Malcolm Saunders, Malcolm Maciver and John Nicolson, are later arrested.

🔸1924 - Galson township is resettled. 52 families found new homes in Melbost, South Galson, and North Galson. People, who had scattered across the land, hailing from Dell, Borve, Shader, Carloway, Fivepenny Ness and further afield, were able to make their home in Galson, after clamouring for the land of their forebears, dispossessed eighty years prior, for several decades, punctuated by the significant confrontations.

🔸2007 - The estate passed into community ownership on 12 January 2007, to be managed on their behalf by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn.

With extensive moor and sea views, na Dorsan is the perfect place for a moment of reflection. There is also an exhibition in the @urrasog Business Centre which is open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

📍Tom na Bà, South Galson, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0SH

📸 @ralphtonge

#visitnorthlewis #visitouterhebrides #isleoflewis #northlewis #westernisles #nadorsan #outerhebrides #worldheritageday #internationaldayofmonumentsandsites

The brighter evenings mean more time to explore! What's stopping you?

📸Calum Macdonald

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #getoutandexplore
#visitouterhebrides #outerhebrides #westernisles

Ever feel like someone is watching you?

📸 Murdanie Macleod

#visitnorthlewis #visitouterhebrides #highlandcows #outerhebrides #isleoflewis

Planning a trip to North Lewis?

📜Delve deeper into North Lewis history
🚶🏻‍♀️Explore local walks
🐦Wondering what birds you can hear?
🗣Want to hear some local stories?

With walk routes, bird song, local stories and history at your fingertips, the Visit North Lewis app helps you explore North Lewis, and get that little bit more from your trip.

Available for Apple & Android devices. 📸 Alex Thomson (lighthouse)

#timetoplan #visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #hebridean #westernisles #scotland

Blue skies and sun bathing cuties! These guys have got the right idea today 🩵😎

It is a busy time with crofts filling up with new life 🥰 Please remember to keep your dog on a lead whilst walking near any pregnant ewes and lambs - the stress alone of being chased by a dog can be fatal.

The Scottish Outdoors Access code provides advice on safely exploring the outdoors, dog walking during lambing and also how to report cases of livestock worrying: www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot

📸 Catherine Thomson

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #lambing #lambs #sheepworryingisanoffence

Come rain or shine, there is always something to keep the younger ones amused in North Lewis! ☀🌦

From local children's activity programmes to cycling, swimming to bowling, or exploring the countless beaches, there is no shortage of opportunities for adventure and discovery!

Check out @urrasog, @taighdhonnchaidh, @comunneachdraidhnis, @clanmacq, @sporsnis to see what could be on offer when you visit. Or head to www.visitnorthlewis.com/see-do (link in bio) to find out some of the must-see beaches, landmarks and walks!

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #westernisles #isleoflewis #holidayintheouterhebrides #outerhebrides #supportlocal #explorescotland

Looking for somewhere cosy and comfy to rest your head after a day exploring North Lewis? We've got you!

North Lewis is host to some fabulous self catering accommodation, as well as B&Bs, guesthouses, campsites and a hotel, and to make things nice and easy for you, we've got them all in one place! Head to www.visitnorthlewis.com/stay (link in bio) to find out where you could be staying on your trip to North Lewis.

Let us know your favourite places to stay in North Lewis in the comments ⬇

📸 @twoseashebrides

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #staylocal #visitouterhebrides #outerhebrides #scotlandholidays #explorescotland

We’ve had a bit of makeover recently and our website has had a refresh! We’ve got lots to share with you over the coming weeks so stay tuned and the in meantime head to our website for all your North Lewis info, from accommodation listings to the must see landmarks and beaches! #visitnorthlewis #northlewis #westernisles #visitouterhebrides #isleoflewis #travelscotland #scotland #scotlandsbeaches

When you visit North Lewis, be sure to stop by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn and visit na Dorsan, monument and exhibition, to learn about the history of Galson.

na Dorsan, which is the Scottish Gaelic for the doors, was unveiled in South Galson earlier this month and marks 100 years of transformation, whilst commemorating some of the township’s significant historical events.

In 1924, Galson's story underwent a profound transformation as 52 families found new homes in Melbost, South Galson, and North Galson. People, hailing from Dell, Borve, Shader, Carloway, Fivepenny Ness and further afield, were able to make their home in Galson, but not without significant confrontations by some; in 1863 the community of Galson was cleared to make room for a sheep farm and in 1888, Galson Farm was raided by a large group, resulting in the arrest, and transfer to court in Edinburgh of four men; Malcolm Smith, Malcolm Saunders, Malcolm Maciver and John Nicolson. Fast forward to 2007, the entire estate passed into community ownership, to be managed by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) on behalf of the community. You can read more here on @urrasog's website - galsontrust.com (see stories for direct link).

The exhibition is open from Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, but you can visit the monument any time.

📍Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn Business Centre, Tom na Bà, South Galson, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0SH

#nadorsan #galsonestate #visitnorthlewis

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is moine - peat.

An do bhuain thu mòine am bliadhna? Did you cut peat this year?

Visit @learngaelicscot 's website to hear how to pronounce it.

#visitnorthlewis #gàidhlig #cleachdi #scottishgaelic

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is beinn - hill. There are lots of words to describe the different types of hills and mountains in Gaelic!

Choisich mi suas Beinn Bharabhas - I walked up Ben Barvas.

Visit @learngaelicscot 's website to hear how to pronounce it.

#visitnorthlewis #gàidhlig #cleachdi #scottishgaelic

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is garbh - wild

Tha i garbh an-diugh ann an Leòdhas. It is wild today in Lewis.

Visit @learngaelicscot's website to hear how to pronounce it.

#visitnorthlewis #gàidhlig #cleachdi #scottishgaelic

What a show we got last night! 😍

Did you see the incredible Northern Lights last night? Let us know where you saw them!

📸Mòran taing Janet Macleod & Catherine Thomson

#aurora #northernlights #visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #hebrideansky #hebridean

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is àlainn - beautiful.

‘S e latha àlainn a th’ann an-diugh. It is a beautiful day today.

Visit @learngaelicscot's website to hear how to pronounce it.

#visitnorthlewis #gàidhlig #gaelic #learningalanguage #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #scottishgaelic #wordoftheweek

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is fliuch - wet. Unfortunately this is a word we've had to use a lot recently! ☂🌧

Tha i uabhasach fliuch an-diugh / It is very wet today

Visit @learngaelicscot's website to hear how to pronounce it.

#gaelic #gàidhlig #learngaelic #scottishgaelic #learnalanguage #visitnorthlewis #outerhebrides #westernisles #isleoflewis #hebrides #wordoftheweek #visitouterhebrides

Have you been on holiday in North Lewis recently? Have you taken any great pictures from Upper Barvas to Port of Ness? @urrasog is looking for winning pictures to feature in its 2025 calendar competition! The competition is open to all, check out their website, galsontrust.com, for details on how to enter (we’ve included the direct link in our stories). Good luck! #photocompetition #calendar #visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #galsonestate #outerhebrides #visitouterhebrides #hebridean #hebrides #westernisles #scotlandtravel #hebrideanway

North Lewis, a home away from home. 🌊

This is your reminder to enter Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn’s calendar competition for a chance for your photographs to feature in their 2025 calendar! This year’s theme is ‘Galson’s Heritage’ so we would love to see your take on this, from anything to do with the area’s history, community or culture.

Entries close on 23rd August and there is a maximum of 3 photographs per entry.

You can use the below link to submit your entries and check out the full competition rules;

https://www.galsontrust.com/events/calendar2025

Good Luck! ⭐️

📹 by Abbie at MG Alba

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is Taigh-solais - Lighthouse.

Tha taigh-solais ann an Nis / There is a lighthouse in Ness.

Visit @learngaelicscot 's website to hear how to pronounce it.

📸Alex Thomson

Important post from @visitouterhebrides!
・・・
HELP US PROTECT OUR MACHAIR

The Machair is brimming with wildlife and a variety of colourful wildflowers. 🌿🌱🌼🌸

Our Machair (the fertile low lying grassland between sand dunes and moorland) is one of the rarest habitats in Europe, found only on the western coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Indeed, over half of the Scottish machair is in the Outer Hebrides!

It is not just the grass beside the beach! The mineral rich soil is enriched by the sea and has evolved from centuries of human and environmental activity and it does not easily regenerate. It is unique and creates a richly bio-diverse habitat that is a precious haven for wildlife, including corncrakes, great yellow bumble bees, rare orchids, and a plethora of wildflowers.

Protecting this fragile environment is crucial for not only for wildlife conservation, but preserving our crofting tradition and preventing the sandy soil from erosion.

You’ll see Machair signage around our islands. Please help us protect it from damage by:

✅ Not parking on the machair
✅ Keep to worn paths
✅ Leave no trace - take ALL your litter away
✅ Be aware of animals grazing and keep dogs on leads - especially in Spring where there are lambs and pregnant sheep
✅ Leave gates as you found them - they are important for animal management
✅ Do not camp on the machair or park overnight - please use campsites

Thank you! 🙏

📸: @dreichadventures
📸: @ellehamilton
📸: @lovethisland
📸: @visitnorthlewis
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#visitouterhebrides #hebrideanway #visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #isleoflewisandharris #Uist #Tarbert #isleofharris #stornoway #OuterHebrides #hebrides #berneray #vatersay #Castlebay #eriskay #ClosetoNature #isleofbarra #benbecula #scotlandsbeauty #scotlandexplore #getoutdoors #southuist #northuist #scottishislands #outdoorlover

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week⭐️

This week's word is Tràigh - Beach.

Tha sinn a'dol dhan tràigh / We are going to the beach.

Visit @learngaelicscot's website to hear how to pronounce it.

📸Philippa Hare

#visitnorthlewis #gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #learngaelic #cleachdi #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #westernisles #tràigh #wordoftheweek

Looking for accommodation for your trip to Lewis? Check out some of the accommodation in North Lewis featured on our website: we have everything from camping to pods and motorhome sites to B&Bs and self-catering. ⛺️🏠🛌

Find out more on our website. (Comment STAY below to receive the direct link or head to our stories)

📸 @snowberrycottageborve

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebridean #islandaccommodation

⭐️Facal Gàidhlig na Seachdain / Gaelic Word of the Week ⭐️

Every Monday we will share a Gaelic word of the week to help you learn some Gaelic!

🌊Today's word is sea. There are lots of different words for sea in Gaelic but we've gone for MUIR today.

Tha muir mòr ann an-diugh / The sea is wild today.

This one might come in handy when you're visiting North Lewis!

You can hear how it sounds by using the dictionary function on @learngaelicscot's website.

📸Chris Murray

#visitnorthlewis #learngaelic #gàidhlig #scottishgaelic #cleachdi #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides

Whether it's to escape the rain, or to enjoy some family bowling, @sporsnis is the place to go.

Spòrsnis hosts a ten-pin bowling alley, a large multi-purpose hall, soft play area, gyms, and a games area with air hockey and table football. For a small charge there are showers available, a sauna, chemical waste disposal and water fill-up for camper vans and a dedicated tourist information area with maps and brochures.The friendly staff will be able to help you find your way around the area too!

You can find more information about the community sports centre here: www.sporsnis.co.uk

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #sportscentre #explorescotland

In the village of Ballantrushal you'll find a lovely pebble beach, or cladach in Gaelic.

Baile an Truiseil, Gaelic for Ballantrushal, is thought to mean “The farm at the Truiseal stone”, which refers to a standing stone in the village, Clach an Truiseil.

The tallest standing stone in Scotland at almost 6m (20ft) high, it is thought to have been a sea marker in prehistoric times and is part of a large prehistoric landscape which includes Steinacleit in nearby Lower Shader. Local tradition says that it is the grave of a viking prince or that it marks the site of a battle between the Morrisons of Ness and the MacAulays of Uig.

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #standingstones #standingstone #hebridean #outerhebrides #explorescotland

The Swainbost machair is just one of several local protected machair areas which has a beautiful beach and is absolutely worth a visit; it's a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the Atlantic!

Did you know, machair is one of the rarest habitats in Europe, which only occurs on exposed western coasts of Scotland and Ireland. From the spring, it comes alive with beautiful machair flowers, and all year round it's home to birds and insects.

Please do your part to help us protect this unique, fragile habitat. Here is what @visitouterhebrides says:

🪻Please don’t park on Machair land. It causes enormous damage to the fragile ecosystem and reduces the machair through soil erosion
🪻Leave no trace. Take everything with you when you leave, including litter. Do not light campfires or use disposable BBQ’s – there is a very real wildfire risk
🪻Be aware of livestock and animals. Keep dogs under close control and away from livestock, especially in the spring at lambing time. Please also leave gates as you found them, they are important for animal management
🪻Please do not camp on the machair unless using an organised camp site/spot and leave no trace when you leave

📸 Scott Davidson
📸 Angus Maclean
📸 Julie Sievewright
📸 Sawan Permarathna

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #machair #westernisles #outerhebrides #sunset #hebrideanbeach #explorescotland #hebrides

St Moluag's Church

This medieval church is the best preserved of several small ruined chapels found in Ness.

St Moluag's Church (Tempall Mholuaidh) was restored and re-roofed in 1912 and is still used today by the Scottish Episcopal Church. It is thought to have been the Clan MacLeod’s church, and was built sometime between the 1100 and 1300s AD. It has become associated in oral tradition with those who seek to be healed, and today you can leave a prayer message for someone you know who is hurting. The church is full of character and offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the church's history and architecture, whilst enjoying the tranquillity of the surroundings.

#visitnorthlewis #stmoluags #teampall #eoropie #ness #isleoflewis #scottishchurch #explorescotland #outerhebrides #westernisles #hebridean

The Tolsta to Ness Heritage Trail is jam-packed with beautiful sites, sounds and smells! Starting at Garry Bridge the 12 mile walk takes in sites including Taigh ‘an Fiosaich, Dùn Othail and the Dìobadal shielings. Look out for dolphins, orcas and sea eagles as you venture along the coast! If you dont fancy the whole walk, you can start and finish at either end and still take in plenty of what the area has to offer. Scan the QR codes along the trail to find out more about the different locations. Be sure to kit yourself out properly and let someone know where you’re heading before you set off. #visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebridean #hebrides #scotland #walkscotland #instascotland #scottishheritage #scottishhistory #scottishisland #islandhistory #scottishwildlife #tolsta #ness #explore #explorescotland #scottish

Blue skies. Clear waters. White sand. What more could you ask for? Disclaimer - it is not like this all the time! 😉 Bring your wetsuit! Are you following us on TikTok yet? Search for VisitNorthLewis to enjoy more of our favourite spots, things to do, and places to eat, drink and stay! #visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebrides #hebrideanislands #visitscotland #visitouterhebrides #scotland #scottishisland #scottishtravel #holidays #scottishbeach

Nothing quite like watching the sunset from a Hebridean beach 😍 Where is your favourite spot to watch the sun go down? #visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebrides #hebrideanbeach #sunset #hebridean #scottishisland #explorescotland #scottishbeach

Did you know this month is local and community history month?

The archaeological site of Steinacleit overlooks Loch an Dùin in Shader.

Steinacleit was originally thought to be a Neolithic stone circle and chambered cairn, though comparisons with similar structures show it may actually be a prehistoric farmstead, with house and yard - no one knows for sure.

In the village of Ballantrushal is Clach an Truiseil, and at 5.8 metres tall, it is one of Scotland’s tallest standing stones. The stone was possibly once part of a larger stone circle and avenue, dating to the Neolithic period, 4,500 years ago. Many local legends surround the stone, including that it was the site of a great battle between the MacAulays and the Morrisons, another being that it was a sea-marker in pre-historic times.

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebrideanisland #hebrides #hebridean #scotland #visitscotland #visitouterhebrides #scottishisland #standingstones #localhistory #communityhistory #scottishhistory #scotlandshistory @historyscotland @histenvscot @visitouterhebrides

The Butt of Lewis is the most northerly point on the Isle of Lewis. The headland is marked by a lighthouse, which was built in 1862. The Lighthouse is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the windiest spots in Britain. Standing at 37 metres tall, the red bricked lighthouse has 168 steps to the top.

Have you visited yet?

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebrideanisland #hebrides #hebridean #scotland #visitscotland #visitouterhebrides #scottishisland #lighthouse #scottishlighthouse

If this is your vibe… then you’re in the right place!

Have you added North Lewis to your holiday bucket list yet?!

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #isleoflewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #hebrideanisland #hebrides #hebridean #scotland #visitscotland #visitouterhebrides

🌟Our favourite beaches 🌟

When is your favourite time of day to visit the beach? Whether it is sunrise or sunset, our beaches shine! ☀️

Traigh Shanndaigh (Eoropie Beach) is a popular beach with everyone, from surfers and dog walkers, to families having a picnic, and its not hard to see why! 🥰

Close to the award-winning Eoropie Dunes Park, Traigh Shanndaigh makes for a perfect day out. And, the machair hosts plenty of wildlife, birds and flowers, so there is lots to spot on land too!

📸Philippa Hare
📸Iain maciver
📸Roddy J Macdonald

#visitnorthlewis #westernisles #outerhebrides #isleoflewis #eoropiebeach #hebrideanbeaches #hebrides #visitouterhebrides #scottishbeach #lewisbeach

The sun is shining and there are lots of new, cheeky faces around North Lewis right now! 🥰

We want you to enjoy the outdoors, but please remember to respect the livestock and wildlife you encounter.

Crofting is an important aspect of life within our communities and it is a vulnerable time of year for livestock, with pregnant ewes, and lambs running about for example. Please be aware of your surroundings, particularly when near crofts with livestock and keep your dog on a lead. You can find more information via the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

#lambingseason #newlambs #isleoflewis #westernisles #visitnorthlewis #northlewis #outerhebrides #hebridean #hebrides #crofting #croftlife #ourcommunities

⭐️Our favourite beaches ⭐️

North Lewis is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you can find!

Next up is... Port of Ness beach

Port of Ness beach is one of the most well-known and frequented beaches in the north of the island. Building of the harbour at Port of Ness began in 1835 and continued right up until 1940.

The harbour is the place where the men from the area set sail on the traditional annual Guga (gannet) hunt on Sula Sgeir (Sùlaisgeir), 40 miles north of the Butt of Lewis.

The landmarks at Port of Ness harbour have made it into modern day literature - the boathouse is the scene of the murder in Peter May's The Blackhouse and there are many other spots around the area which feature throughout the trilogy!

📸Iain Maciver
📸Marie Anne Macdonald

❓Which is your favourite beach? 🏖

Habost machair - àlainn 🩷
Mòran taing @visitouterhebrides for sharing our picture ☺️
📸 @sradagcreative

#Repost @visitouterhebrides
・・・
Soon our Machair will be brimming with colourful and varied wildflowers. 🌿🌱🌼🌸

Did you know that our Machair (the fertile low lying grassland between sand dunes and moorland) is one of the rarest habitats in Europe, found only on the western coasts of Ireland and Scotland? Over half of the Scottish machair is in the Outer Hebrides.

The mineral rich soil is enriched by the sea and has evolved from centuries of human and environmental activity, it does not easily regenerate.

It is unique and creates a richly biodiverse habitat that is a precious haven for wildlife, including corncrakes, great yellow bumble bees, rare orchids, and a plethora of wildflowers.

Protecting this fragile environment is crucial for not only for wildlife conservation, but preserving our crofting tradition and preventing the sandy soil from erosion.

You’ll see Machair signage around our islands. Please help us protect it from damage by:

✅Not parking on the machair
✅Leave no trace - take ALL your litter away
✅ Be aware of animals grazing and keep dogs on leads - especially in Spring where there are lambs and pregnant sheep
✅ Leave gates as you found them - they are important for animal management
✅ Do not camp on the machair - use campsites

Thank you! 🙏

📸: @visitnorthlewis

#isleoflewis #isleofharris #uist #isleofbarra #vatersay #eriskay #southuist #northuist #berneray #grimsay #isleoflewisandharris #stornoway #outerhebrides #westernisles #hebrides #isleofbenbecula #scottishislands #scotlandisnow #lovetheouterhebrides #respectprotectenjoy #scottishcollective #beachesofinstagram #beachesoftheworld #beaches #scotlandsbeauty #scotlandlover #explorescotland #visitouterhebrides #hebrideanway

This or that - North Lewis edition ☺️

🪻Blooming wildflowers or towering cliff tops?
🪢Neolithic cairns or handmade wares?
🏄Surf the waves or explore the moor?
☕ Friendly coffee shop or picnic on the beach?
🌅Dramatic sunsets or driving rains?

Where is your go-to spot when the sun shines? What is your favourite rainy day activity in North Lewis? Where can you always find the perfect gift? Which food spot gets your tastebuds watering?

We want to hear from you about your favourite places and things to do across North Lewis - comment below ⬇️⬇️⬇️

📸Ali Finlayson

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #visitouterhebrides #hebridean #hebrides #hebrideanbeach #westernisles #scottishbeach #scotland

Today is International Day of Happiness and there is nothing like a good walk in the sunshine to put a smile on your face! 😁

There are lots of great walks across North Lewis, from the Eoropie Loop which takes in many of the must-see sights including Eoropie Sands, The Butt of Lewis lighthouse and St Moluags, to the Skigersta loop, a circular walk which takes you out to the vast Skigersta moorland.

Our app has details of various walks, just search for Visit North Lewis in your app store (available for Apple and Android devices - link in bio).

📸Lighthouse - Alex Thomson
📸Old church on cliffs, Skigersta moor - Angus Maclean

#internationaldayofhappiness #visitnorthlewis #outerhebrides #hebridean #hebrides #westernisles #isleoflewis #lewiswalks #islandwalks #eoropie #stmoluags

Have you walked the Heritage Trail, from Tolsta to Ness? 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️

Situated on the north east of the Isle of Lewis, the Heritage Trail follows the moorland between Ness and Tolsta, an area renowned for its stunning coastline, abundant marine life and rich cultural heritage. Sites you will come across include Cuidhsiadar Shielings, Dùn Othail, Garry Bridge, Taigh 'An Fiosaich, Eaglais 'An Fiosaich and Dìobadal.

🛖Shielings (àirighean in Gaelic) were used in the summer months, when crofters and their families would leave their homes to graze their animals on the moor. Cuidhsiadar Shielings are still used today, often as a base when cutting peats.

🌉Garry Bridge can be found at the very end of the road on the northeast side of Lewis beyond the village of Tolsta. The bridge is sometimes referred to as the Bridge to Nowhere as there is no road beyond this point and was built as part of an ambitious plan by Lord Leverhulme in the early 20th Century, to have a road from Tolsta to Ness, but the plan never came to fruition.

To find out more about the other sites on the Heritage Trail, you can download our app, just search Visit North Lewis in your app store, or you can visit our website - links in bio ⬆️ You can also find out more about the historical sites from @comunneachdraidhnis and the North Tolsta Historical Society.

Let us know if you've walked the Heritage trail and what you spotted along the way!

📸Taigh 'an Fiosaich, Ali Finlayson
📸Garry Bridge & Tràigh Mhòr (Tolsta), Mairi Graham
📸Dùn Othail, Sandy Morrison

#visitnorthlewis #isleoflewis #outerhebrides #westernisles #hebridean #hebrides #hebrideanwalks #moorland #peatcutting #bridgetonowhere #visitouterhebrides
#hebrideanbeaches #scottishbeaches #galsonestatetrust #galsonestate #tolsta #ness

Peatland is an internationally rare wetland habitat which supports populations of important breeding, migratory and over-wintering birds.

Depending on when you visit the area, you might spot white tailed sea eagles, golden eagles, hen harriers, skylarks, red grouse, fulmars, gulls, cormorants, gannets, oyster catchers, guillemots, and lots more! 🦢🦉🐦

On our app you can listen to these beautiful bird sounds and find out where you might spot them. 👀

Our 'Visit North Lewis' app will also help you to explore the spectacular area and its unique way of life, showcasing things to see and do, places to visit and local outlets. Available to download for Apple & Android - link in bio ⬆️

#visitnorthlewis #outerhebrides #westernisles #hebrides #hebridean #isleoflewis #birdwatching #livinginthehebrides #visitouterhebrides #hebrideanisland

⭐️Our favourite beaches ⭐️

North Lewis is home to some of the most beautiful beaches you can find!

First up is Port Stoth Beach. 💛

The furthest north beach on the Estate is also one of our favourite hidden gems with a rich history. A wee slice of paradise that could be mistaken for a beach in the Maldives, Port Stoth has beautiful white sands, turquoise waters and is nestled amongst stunning cliffs. 🌊 This makes it a sheltered sun trap, just out of the wind. ☀️

Port Stoth is within walking distance from a very small parking area. The ground is uneven and there is space for only two or three cars to park - it is not advisable for bigger vehicles or campers. It is possible to park in the villages of Eoropie or Lionel, and to walk to the beach.

📷 Iain Maciver

Today is World Wildlife Day, a day to celebrate wild animals and plants, recognising the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.

North Lewis is home to so many animals, birds and plants, so depending on when you are here, you'll have the chance to spot lots of wildlife as you travel about.

🐦From white tailed sea eagles to oyster catchers, there is an abundance of bird life.
🐳Will you be lucky enough to see some Orcas or minke whales?
🦭Keep your eyes peeled for plenty of dolphins and seals too.
🌸Our landscape is adorned with flowers and plants from wild primroses to bell heather, bog cotton to cuckoo flowers, and lots more.

What have you seen here? Or what are hoping to catch a glimpse of?

You can find lots more information about what else you can see and do whilst you're here on our website (link in bio) ⬆️

#visitnorthlewis #northlewis #hebridean #outerhebrides #visitouterhebrides #hebrideanisland #isleoflewis #hebrides #worldwildlifeday #wwd2024 #connectingpeopleandplant #scottishwildlife 📸 @sradagcreative

𝐃ù𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞
𝐒𝐮𝐧 𝟑 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫
𝟏𝟓:𝟎𝟎 - 𝟏𝟔:𝟎𝟎

𝘈 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳’𝘴 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘌𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬, 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵 𝘔𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘨’𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘌𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘦.

Seirbheis sònraichte a’ comharrachadh seachdain Dùthchais Oighreachd Ghabhsainn, a bhios a’ togail air na ceanglaichean eadar fearann, creideamh agus coimhearsnachd. Thèid seo a chumail ann an Teampull Mholuaigh, Eòropaidh.

🔗www.duthchas.com

#stmoluag #churchservice #faith #community #northlewis #isleoflewis #heritageweek #duthchas

𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐎𝐂𝐇 💜

The Heather is putting on a spectacular display for us this year!

📸 Borve Moor by Fiona Rennie

#heather #communitylandtrust #communityestate #landownership #northlewis #purpleheather #naturespaintbrush #isleoflewis #borvemoor #august2023 #outerhebrides @visitouterhebrides @outerhebridescollective @outerhebridestourism

Tràigh Shanndaigh air Latha Samhraidh
| Beautiful Summer’s Day at Eoropie Beach 🏖️

📸 Credit to Philly Hare

#nothlewis #visitgalsonestate #isleoflewis #staylikealocal #staycation #outerhebrides #outerhebridescollective #naturalscotland #visitscotland #visitouterhebrides @visitouterhebrides @outerhebridescollective @outerhebridestourism

🏄‍♀️Last chance for those aged 14-18! Don't miss out on our intro to surfing lesson with @hebsurf tomorrow - there are few spaces left! 🏄‍♂️🤙

£10 for those living in the Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn |Galson Trust Area (Upper Barvas to the Butt of Lewis). £35 for non - residents.

🔗 BOOK: www.ploigh.co.uk

#allwelcome #joinus #GalsonEstateTrust #communitylandtrust #holidayactivity #northlewis #learntosurf #Ness #surfing

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@visitnorthlewis

VISIT NORTH LEWIS

WHY VISIT
NORTH LEWIS?

Heritage trails

A warm welcome

Your authentic island experience

HIGHLIGHTS MAP

Don't just take it from us! Here's what our visitors said on social media after visiting...

BE INSPIRED

Uncovering the Historical Landmarks in North Lewis

Peat cutting in North Lewis

Exploring North Lewis: A Guide to Scenic Walks

Share your #VisitNorthLewis moments!

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

VISIT NORTH LEWIS

WHY VISIT NORTH LEWIS?

Heritage trails

A warm welcome

Your authentic island experience

HIGHLIGHTS MAP

Don't just take it from us! Here's what our visitors said on social media after visiting...

BE INSPIRED

Uncovering the Historical Landmarks in North Lewis

Peat cutting in North Lewis

Exploring North Lewis: A Guide to Scenic Walks

Share your #VisitNorthLewis moments!

​

Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

WHY VISIT
NORTH LEWIS?