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Lewis & Harris
Off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris form the main island in the Outer Hebrides. With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, Lewis and Harris are a great place to start your Hebridean adventure. You will be blown away by wild mountains, immense white beaches, rugged coastlines and lunar landscapes. It’s little surprise that National Geographic has hailed the Outer Hebrides as one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025. Add this region to your travel list and start planning your adventure today!
Things to do in Lewis and Harris
Visit historic sites, places of incredible beauty and great cultural attractions on Lewis and Harris and be enchanted by the wonders of the Outer Hebrides.
North Lewis
In North Lewis you’ll find picturesque crafting and fishing villages, as well as beautiful beaches.
Gearrannan Blackhouse
This coastal crofting village on the Isle of Lewis offers cottage accommodation, historical activities and fantastic walking opportunities.
Butt of Lewis
The Butt of Lewis comprises of rocks and cliffs up to 80 feet high and is the location of a 121 ft high lighthouse.
Lews Castle
Built by Sir James Matheson, uncover the history behind Lews Castle and take in the unbeatable views over the waters of Stornoway.
Archaeology in the Outer Hebrides
Find out more about the islands through history. Discover Neolithic stone structures, medieval castles and even mummies!
39 things to do on the Isle of Lewis
Check out travel blogger, My Voyage Scotland's, top recommendations on the best things to see and do around Lewis.
Inspiration for Lewis and Harris breaks
Places to stay
Find your perfect accommodation on Lewis and Harris, with a variety of hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, camping and more right across the Outer Hebridean island.
Tours, routes and trails
Check out our ideas for ways to explore the wild and beautiful landscapes of Lewis and Harris.
Unique experiences
Learn more about Gaelic culture, book a hands-on experience or delve into the textile history of the island.
Gaelic in the Outer Hebrides
Delve into the ancient and lyrical language of the Outer Hebrides.
Harris Tweed
Visit the home of Harris Tweed - the world's most luxurious wool fabric, exclusively handwoven in the Outer Hebrides.
Callanish Alpacas
This family-run alpaca centre is home to alpacas, wild ducks, pigs and even a peacock!
Map of Lewis and Harris
Explore Lewis & Harris
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How to travel to and around Lewis and Harris
Lewis and Harris can be reached by ferry and plane making it easy to travel to the Outer Hebrides.
Getting to
Ferry
Daily car ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) run from Ullapool on the mainland to Stornoway, the main town of Lewis and Harris. The port of Tarbert on Harris is linked to Uig on the Isle of Skye by daily ferries.
Plan your ferry journey on the CalMac website
Find out more about ferry travel in the Outer Hebrides
There are numerous marinas in the Outer Hebrides, so why not travel by boat?
Flying
If you want to fly, the island's airport lies just a few miles from the town centre, with regular flights with Loganair arriving and departing from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Benbecula.
Getting around
Walking
Lewis and Harris offer a wide range of walking routes from hiking through the Hebrides nature reserves to leisurely strolls along some of the island's most famous beaches.
Check out more walking routes on the Outer Hebrides website
If you're up for a challenge and wish to take your walking adventure to the next level, the Hebridean Way is a great option to explore the Outer Hebrides natural beauty. The 156-mile-long distance walking route stretches from Vatersay to Stornoway in Lewis, taking you through ten islands, over six causeways and across two ferries.
Cycling
Enjoy a bike ride up the North Harris Hills where you will work your way up the highest hill in the Outer Hebrides before dropping down steeply towards the shores of Loch Seaforth.
The village of Leurbost in Lewis is the meeting point of two popular Scottish island cycling routes which connects with Uig, Bernera, and the Westside or Stornoway and the north.
North of Leurbost is relatively flat for cycling. However, if you choose to cycle on the Isle of Lewis in the Uig and Bernera District, expect to come face to face with some challenging hills.
Bus and coach
The local council provides a good bus service between Monday - Saturday, connecting Stornoway with many of the island's other settlements.
Driving
The roads of Lewis and Harris are generally quiet and many of them are single track, with plenty of passing places.
What's on in Lewis and Harris
Events
Plan your perfect trip and find out the latest events and festivals taking place across Lewis and Harris.
Places to Eat in Lewis and Harris
Food & Drink
Get a flavour of the islands with world-class seafood, Stornoway Black pudding and award-winning gin.
A tip from your local expert
Iain at Seaforth Harris Tweed is so passionate and has so much knowledge and history within his living museum, it is well worth a visit. Be sure to book in advance, as it is by appointment only!
Beverley
VisitScotland
Explore further
Plan your trip to Lewis and Harris or adventure further in the Outer Hebrides.
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