Walks
The Heritage Trail
The Heritage Trail is situated on the north east of the Isle of Lewis. This moorland area between Ness and Tolsta is known for its stunning coastline, abundant marine life and rich cultural heritage. You can walk from either Tolsta or Ness and visit interesting historical landmarks along the way.
For the following walks, please download the Visit North Lewis app for route directions and further information. Or read this blog for some handy information.
Ballantrushal & Shader loop
Distance: 5.69km / 3.53 miles
Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hours
Difficulty: Easy
Condition: Sensible footwear and waterproofs are normally recommended. Bring a map – mobile phone signal is often poor. Active crofting communities use the land; please shut all gates you open and keep dogs on leads.
This circular walk will take you through the village of Lower and Upper Shader (Siadar Iarach / Siadar Uarach) and Ballantrushal (Baile an Truisheil). Siadar means farmstead and derives from Norse. Baile an Truseil, thought to mean the farm at the Truiseil stone, refers to the standing stone located within the village, which you can visit as part of this walk.
Borve loop
Distance: 4.47km/ 2.277 miles
Duration: 1 – 1 ½ hours
Difficulty: Medium
Condition: Sensible footwear and waterproofs are normally recommended. Bring a map – mobile phone signal is often poor. Active crofting (farming) communities use the land. Shut all gates you open and keep dogs on leads.
A circular walk that begins and ends in Melobost Borve / Mealabost Bhuirgh. As you head along the coast, you will see much natural beauty, with the mighty Atlantic Ocean by your side. You will also notice the remains of Dun Bhuirgh in the distance, a powerful ancient broch that would have once stood at 30ft high. Tobar Lui, a well from which drinking water was taken, will be at the side of the road upon your return to your car.
Eoropie loop
Duration: 1 -2 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Condition: Some parts boggy underfoot. Sensible footwear and waterproof clothing recommended. Bring a map – mobile phone signal is often poor. Some high, exposed clifftops and sheer drops feature on this walk. Shut all gates you open and keep dogs on a lead. Emergency Coastguard number: 999 and ask for the Coastguard
A circular walk incorporating many of the must see sights in North Lewis! Beginning at the white sands of Traigh Shanndaigh in Eoropie, you will ascend over the cliffs towards the dramatic Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. From here, progress on through the village of Eoropie, passing a 13th century temple dedicated to St Moluag, a contemporary of St Columba, one of the most important saints involved in the diffusion of Christianity. The road will lead you back to your car.
Rubha Robhanais loop
This Rubha Robhanais loop incorporates many of the not to be missed North Lewis landmarks! Beginning at the white sands of Traigh Shanndaigh in Eoropie, you will ascend over the cliffs towards the dramatic Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. From here, progress on through the crofts of Fivepenny and Knockaird to which you stumble across a bridge that links to a seastack called Dun Eistean; an ancient stronghold for the Clan Morrison. Following the coastline you will reach Port of Ness, home to the local harbour and a cafe, The Breakwater - perfect spot for a refreshment break! As you continue along the main road you will pass another cafe, The Wobbly Dog, which has an excellent selection of baking and hot coffee! Further along, you will see a sign leading to Sporsnis, the local sports centre, which has a bowling alley, soft play, games hall, weights room, cardio room, and a sauna. From here, the road will lead you back to where you started!
Skigersta loop
Duration: 3- 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Condition: Some parts boggy underfoot. Sensible footwear and waterproof clothing recommended. Bring a map – mobile phone signal is occasionally poor. Some high, exposed clifftops and sheer drops feature on this walk. Shut all gates you open and keep dogs on a lead. Emergency Coastguard number: 999 and ask for the Coastguard
This circular walk takes you out to the vast Skigersta moorland where the peats are cut for much of the Ness community. It also takes you past a village of shielings, where people used to live during the summer months when their livestock were on the moor.