The Islands of the Hebrides - Innse Gall

Isle of Lewis - Eilean Leòdhais

The largest in the chain, Lewis is an island of undulating peat and machair lands with stunning coastal scenery and the lively harbour town of Stornoway. To describe Lewis as flat is simply untrue as the regions of Lochs and Uig have beautiful hills, the highest being Beinn Mhor at 571m. There is so much to see in Lewis: at the very top lies the Butt of Lewis, and Port of Ness. Here along gentle, quiet roads you will cycle past beaches, galleries, and cliffs, stunning when the Atlantic swells crash onto them. A circular route which encompasses the west side takes you past some of the oldest standing Neolithic and Celtic monuments in the world, such as the famous standing stones at Calanais, which predate Stonehenge and even the Egyptian Pyramids. On the west coast you can view some of the best surfing beaches in Europe and take a tour of Uig and Bernera, an area that is one of the best kept secrets in the Hebrides. In Uig you will find beaches that are so exotic that you would swear you were in the Tropics! Back in Stornoway to can relax in the pubs, hotels and shops which make this the biggest and liveliest port in all the islands off the west coast of Scotland. Heading north from Stornoway to Tolsta is a great day trip for all the family and is easily accessible with very gentle inclines. This is a 12 mile trip ending at two beautiful beaches that prove that the beaches on the east coast are just as stunning as those on the west. Nearer to Stornoway, you can cycle off along the road past the airport on to the Eye Peninsula, or the area of Point. If you make it to the end of the road, weaving through typical Hebridean villages on your way, you will find yourself at Tiumpan Head lighthouse. A perfect spot for a picnic, and you may also be lucky enough to spot some dolphins in the sea below. Along with Uig, the quietest area of the island in terms of cars is Lochs. Head south out of Stornoway down towards Harris, then turn off at the signpost for Tabost, Lochs. Lochs is a wonderful area to explore by bike, thanks to the quiet undulating roads, with stunning views out to sea with small isles dotted around the bays...