Historic Lewis

Discover several landmarks that showcase the history and culture of the island of Lewis, the largest and most populated island in the Outer Hebrides chain.

The Isle of Lewis is shaped by the sea and harsh climate. Steeped in history, the Island has been inhabited for over 6,000 years with nothing but the sea between it and North America.

Starting off from the pier, you'll first travel to the west side of the island to the black house village of Gearrannan which is steeped in history and located in an environment of outstanding physical beauty. Since 1989, a local community trust has been painstakingly restoring the once derelict properties and croft land in order to recreate an authentic settlement. Traditional methods have been used to recreate the dry-stone masonry and thatched roofs of the original croft houses. A typical `blackhouse` was a long rectangular building forty to fifty feet in length, with an interior width of ten to twelve feet. All the corners in the outside walls were rounded, and great care was taken to ensure that the outer walls, which were of undressed stone, had a slight slant to allow the rain to drip off and not seep into the interior. The thatched roof was a fundamental characteristic of the blackhouse and thatching was a family or community activity, with the skills being passed from generation to generation.

Your tour of this interesting coastal crofting village provides you with the perfect opportunity to experience traditional rural activities and learn about the rich history of the area. During your visit, you will see how generations lived together, all entirely Gaelic speaking.

Just a short distance further along the rugged coastline on Loch Carloway, stands the well-known and exceptionally well-preserved Carloway Broch, a 2,000 year old circular, dry-stone built, fortified tower. A stop will be made here to view the broch, which stands on a hillside overlooking the sea and where part of the wall is still 30 feet high. Collapsing stonework has exposed the interior galleries and stairs which are clearly visible.

Continuing on, your circular itinerary will next take you along the west coast which at certain times of the year becomes pounded by the unbroken force of the North Atlantic. Lastly, you will drive across the moor of the central area before returning to Stornoway.