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

Jan 15

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...

Jun 19, 2024

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...

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

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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?