 View from Ben Luskentyre |  Luskentyre beach, Isle of Harris |  Seal in the harbour |
|---|---|---|
 Tall ship anchored off Stornoway |  A traditional lugsail boat |  Chessman at Ardroil |
 Loch Cravadale |  St Kilda |
Stornoway is the main township on the Isle of Lewis, the most northern island in the Hebridean island chain. Rich in history, culture and personality, Stornoway is a gateway to the rest of the Hebrides and the ideal base to come back to after a day in the great outdoors.
The Isle of Harris, connected to Lewis by a thin peninsular is not to be missed. Voted to have some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, it offers fabulous walking and wildlife experiences, alongside some fantastic galleries and eateries.
The great outdoors - Whatever the weather and whatever the time of year, the islands offer some of the most spectacular scenery. From deserted white sand beaches to panoramic hilltop views and even the aurora borealis, the islands do not disappoint. For those wanting to get out into the great outdoors, there are many pursuits on offer, from walking and cycling to surfing and kayaking - even golf at one of the worlds most remote and spectacular courses in Scarista.
The wildlife - The islands are famous for their wildlife and it is not unusual to see a seal or sea otter playing in the water or a golden eagle circling in the sky. Basking sharks and even killer whales are often spotted - to get a little closer there are boat trips and guided walks on offer.
History - The islands have a rich and unique heritage to explore, from the prehistoric Callanish Stones to the infamous Lewis Chessmen! The Chessmen are due to return to Lewis in 2015 when their new museum home is completed at Lews Castle, Stornoway. For the adventurous, it is possible to do day trips to St Kilda, an archipelago 41 miles off the coast, whose population was evacuated in the 1930's. A fascinating piece of history and a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts!