Historical Lewis
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Port
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$119.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Cross the typical peat moors of central Lewis before heading toward the stunning west coast, passing the Callanish Standing Stones. This henge, in the shape of a Celtic cross, is the island's most dramatic prehistoric ruin and dates from 1500 BC.
The beautifully restored coastal road leads to Carloway -- a pretty parish with a scattering of island croft houses. Here, you'll see the Carloway Broch -- a fortified stone tower built around 100 BC for defensive purposes. It is the best-preserved broch in the Hebrides.
The Atlantic coastal road leads to the settlement of Gearrannan. Step into this traditional village of 'black houses' on the edge of the ocean. It's like a journey back in time. Black houses were built originally as a combined byre (barn) and home where folk lived together with their animals. An open peat fire dominated the main room, in the tradition of ancient long houses, marking the walls with soot and leading to the 'black houses' moniker. Some of the black houses were inhabited as recently as the 1970s.
In the museum, listen to an introductory talk about the history of this tradition, the village, and the island.
Watch a weaving demonstration and explore other parts of the village.
You'll turn inland and cross the open moorland back to Stornoway.
Notes:
You will not visit the Callanish Standing Stones; the site is undergoing major restoration for the whole of 2025. On a clear day, you'll have a view of the stones from the coach as you drive by. Tour does not operate on Sundays.