In a nutshell

On foot among woods and views around Lews Castle: from Stornoway port, with its fishing boats and colorful houses, you walk along the turquoise bay, climb the hill, and the view is all at your feet. Then you go into the museum to discover the spirit of the island and a unique surprise: the most famous medieval chessmen in the world, a treasure unearthed in this very area.

Main stops

Circular sightseeing walk around Lews Castle: Stornoway port and waterfront; coast trail along the bay; gallows hill
Lews Castle museum and archive: interior visit

The programme

The adventure begins right from the ship: at the port you walk among colorful houses and fishing boats up to the trail along the bay.
The gardens that you see belonged to Lews Castle and soon give way to the woods: the trail bends inland and rises gently to gallows hill. Replacing the gallows, today there are benches for enjoying the view over the port, the bay and the green all around.
The mass of Lews Castle is now close and imposing: it is the largest in the Outer Hebrides, built in the 19th century in Gothic style as the summer residence of Sir Matheson, an opium trader.
It then became a hospital and a college dormitory: you discover its history in the nearby museum with your guide, together with the many stories of the island, of sea, of land and of its people.
And that’s not all: you also find six of the famous Lewis chessmen, on display thanks to a loan from the British Museum, carved from whales’ teeth and walrus ivory. You’re in front of one of the few medieval sets to have survived until today, a treasure buried beneath the sand for centuries, in this very area.

Good to know

Wear comfortable shoes with non-slip soles and clothing suitable for the experience.
Bring a waterproof windbreaker jacket and water with you.
The walking tour takes about 3 and a half hours.