Lewis

Steinformation Callanish 1 - Callanish standing stones, Isle of Lewis Outerhebrideslewis2 - Map with Lewis in Red Stornoway Harbour - Stornoway Harbour

Lewis forms one part of an island in the Outer Hebrides. Harris forms the southern third of the same island. In former times (up to 1970s) Lewis and Harris were in separate counties, which may explain the dual names.

Regions of Lewis

Ness is in the north part of the island and the west coast is known as the West side. Uig is in the far west bordering Harris and Lochs is in the South. Point is the peninsula to the east of Stornoway and Back is directly to the north of Stornoway on the east coast.

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Cities

Stornoway is the only town.

Villages

Lewis has a large number of fairly small villages, so here they are grouped together

Ness at the very north of the island, including Port of Ness, Lionel, Eoropie and Cross.
Arnol on the west coast including Barvas and Borve.
Carloway on the West coast, including Callanish, Breasclete and Shawbost.
Valtos (Bhaltos) at the southwest including Uig (Lewis), and Timsgarry.
Back on the east coast, north of Stornoway, including Coll and Tolsta.
Balallan on the east coast, south of Stornoway, including North and South Lochs.
Point on the east coast, to the east of Stornoway, including Bayble, Melbost, Garrabost and Shulishader.

More Destinations

Great Bernera is a small island on the west coast connected to Lewis by a bridge.

Lewis Halal Explorer

Religion plays an important part in many people’s lives. In Lewis and Harris this is often in the form of Protestant Free Presbyterian Churches. As a result the Jumaat (Sunday) is respected, so you are unlikely to find shops open on a Sunday. Activities happening on a Sunday often are opposed locally.

Local Language in Lewis

The Gaelic language and culture is appealing. At a practical level this means that place names on road signs are in Gaelic, but the bus timetables use the English names! Gaelic is widely spoken, but residents are happy to change to English if a visitor joins the conversation.

Travel to Lewis

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Lewis

Caledonian MacBrayne. The national ferry service. Citylink coaches generally connect with the ferries on the mainland. Details below are for Summer 2011:

Ullapool to Stornoway Monday to Sat 2 per day, 1 on Sunday ( extra sailings after special events ), 3 sailings on Wednesdays and Fridays June - August, taking 2 hours 45 minutes.
Uig on Skye to Tarbert (Harris) | Tarbert on Harris Monday to Sat 1 or 2 per day taking 1 hour 40 minutes.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Lewis

Stornoway Airport (IATA Flight Code: SYY) has flights connecting the town with Aberdeen, Benbecula, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow. The airport is located about 3km from the town near the village of Melbost.

Get Around

Travel on a Bus in Lewis

There are good bus services during the day Monday - Sat, but little in the evening and no buses on a Sunday. Western Isles bus timetables].

Car hire

There are no national vehicle hire companies on the islands. There are a number of small local operators, see the Outer_Hebrides#Car_hire|Car hire section of Outer Hebrides eHalal Travel Guide for details.

What to see in Lewis

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse - 58.5156, -6.261189About as far north as you can go on Lewis. About 1 mile from the bus stop at Eoropie. - Lighthouse buildings, Butt of Lewis - Rubha Robhanais - - 76641 - Butt of Lewis Lighthouse - Red brick lighthouse built by David Stevenson in 1862. The lighthouse was automated in 1998. It is in the windiest spot in the United Kingdom, according to the "Guinness Book of Records". The nearby cliff are also worth seeing. From the road up to the lighthouse and the ground can be seen to have ridges from the old system of "Lazy Beds".

Beaches

There are many fine sandy beaches, mainly on the Western side.

Tolsta Beach - Traigh Mor Tholastaidh - 58.3629, -6.2090 on the east coast, north of Stornoway - Tolsta Traigh mor . Sandy beach

Traigh na Beirigh - Valtos Beach - 58.2160, -6.9177 near Valtos, Uig - Long sandy on the west coast. There are also several smaller beaches nearby.

Mealista Beach | lat=58.1094, -7.1099 - Mealista Mealasta beach (geograph 4018917) - A beach with both rocks and sand near the former township of Mealista, which was cleared in 1838.
Uig Sands - Traigh Uige / Ardroil Beach - 58.186, -7.033 - A large sandy beach, about 2 miles long and over a quarter of a mile wide at low tide. The Lewis chessmen were found nearby in 1831.

History

Arnol blackhouse inside - Inside Arnol Blackhouse

Historic Scotland Properties]:

Callinish Standing Stones | 58.19756, -6.74513 Opening Hours: always open free Callanish Stones A 5000 year old impressive stone circle, which is said to be comparable to Stonehenge. There is a locally run visitor centre with cafe nearby, open Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 18:00.

Carloway Broch - Dun Carloway | 58.2695, -6.79402 - Dun Carloway - Dun Carloway A pre-historic round castle, built around 200BC, and used until about 1000. This broch is about 9m tall, and retains most of its original height, but it one of the more impressive examples.

Black House Museum at Arnol. | 52 Arnol 58.34891, -6.59831 Opening Hours: April - September Monday - Sat: 9:30 - 17:30, Oct - Mar Mon, Tue, Thursday - Saturday 10:00 - 16:00 £5 Arnol - Inside Nr 42 Blackhouse Museum A restoration of an old thatched black house, as was the main housing on the island around 100 years ago. The peat fire inside the black house really brings the place alive, Recently a restored "White House" has been added, showing the sort of house people moved to from the black house.

Steinacleit | Borve 58.397222, -6.4575 Opening Hours: always open free Steinacleit a set of boulders are all that remains of this chambered cairn.

Garenin Historic village - 58.2961, -6.7918 - A small town of black houses. The individual houses are not as accurate as Arnol, but you get the village effect better. Some of the houses are let as holiday homes.

Shawbost Norse Mill and Kiln from the path - Norse Mill

Norse Mill and Kiln - 58.318662, -6.71128 near Shawbost - A restored flour mill built over a mill lade. This type of mill used to be common in the highlands and islands.

Cress Raider's Memorial Cress 58.28719, -6.28421 - Land Raiders Memorial - - 1246895 . Memorial to several land raids against Lord Leverhulme (the landlord) between 1919 and 1921. Leverhulme wanted to convert the surrounding crofts into three big farms. The memorial is in the form of a croft split in three.

Ness Historical Society - Comunn Eachdraidh Nis, Cross School, Ness 58.4709, -6.2884 ☎ +44 1851 810377 Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 16:00, cafe opens at 11:30 Museum and Cafe

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Lewis

Kite surfing and buggying at Uig Bay

Scotland is becoming increasingly popular as a surfing destination. Despite the lower temperatures compared to traditional surf spots, Lewis offers clean, beautiful and empty beaches and arguably the best breaks in Europe. Lewis offers both west and east coast surf spots, giving a good choice of locations for a variety of wind directions.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Lewis

All the major shops are in Stornoway, which has two supermarkets. It is also the only place on Lewis that you will find any chain stores. However there are several small shops around the island, which often manage to pack a varied stock into a small building. Note that shops are all closed on a Sunday (except one petrol station in Stornoway).

Uig Community Shop - 58.1960, -7.0088 ☎ +44 1851 672444 Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:00 - 17:00, (-18:00 on Thu, Fri) shop, post office, laundrette and ATM. Petrol and diesel with out of hours payment terminal.

Shawbost Shop and Cafe Raebhat House, HS2 9BD 58.3288, -6.6676 ☎ +44 1851 710567

Cross Stores 7 Cross Skigersta Road, Ness, HS2 0TD 58.47257, -6.28089 ☎ +44 1851 810241 - Licensed grocer and hardware store. The on-site butcher makes his own black, white and fruit puddings.

Swainbost Shop And Filling Station - 28 Swainbost, Ness, HS2 0TA 58.48062, -6.26840
Cross Post Office Cross, Ness, HS2 0SN - Post Office And Shop

Buth Tholastaidh Limited North Tolsta, HS2 0NL - Shop And Post Office

Borve Mini Market Fivepenny, Borve, HS2 0RX 58.4153, -6.4400 - Shop And Filling Station

Back Pharmacy Back, HS2 0JS 58.27615, -6.29814
Welcome Inn Filling Station Barvas, HS2 0RA 58.34705, -6.51572 - Shop and filling station

Halal Food & Restaurants

There are several small shops for buying self-catering supplies, but you will have to go to Stornoway if you want a supermarket.

In many places the best place to eat Halal in the evening may be a hotel - see Sleep for listings.

Cafe Sonas | Port of Ness 58.49289, -6.22669 ☎ +44 1851 810222 seafood restaurant and coffee shop.

Loch Croistean Coffee Shop & Restaurant - 58.1677, -6.9121 ☎ +44 1851 672772 Opening Hours: June - September Monday - Saturday 12.00 - 20.00, Oct - May Wednesday - Saturday 12.00 - 20.00 Uhr
Old School Tearoom | Balallan, HS2 9PN 58.09169, -6.60627 ☎ +44 1851 830778 Opening Hours: summer only - Tearoom run by the historical society. Also coin operated laundrette.

Uig Cafe - Uig Community Centre, Timsgarry, HS2 9JT 58.19983, -7.01310 Opening Hours: April - September Monday - Sat, 12noon-5pm Cafe and small museum in the community centre.

The Edge Cafe - Aird Uig 58.23420, -7.03120
The Verandah | 50 North Bragar, HS2 9DA 58.3355, -6.6185 ☎ +44 1851 710424 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12:00 - 16:00, 18:00 -21:00 mains from £15 Also have the Croft Kitchen takeaway (Tue-Sat 12:00 - 19:00) offering Pizzas, Pasta Curries and salads.

You won't find standalone bars except in Stornoway, but most hotel bars are open to non-residents.

If you see a local ceilidh advertised it is worth going along. These dances are typically held in village halls and are Scottish Country Dances, usually to a live band. Ceilidhs often don't have a bar, but instead you can bring your own drink. On Lewis Saturday night events will finish very promptly at midnight, but Friday night events may continue well past midnight.

There is one brewery and one distillery on Lewis.

Abhainn Dearg Distillery - Carnish, HS2 9EX 58.1704, -7.0445 ☎ +44 1851 672429 Opening Hours: Tours Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 1600 (closed Saturday in winter) tour £5 Abhainn Dearg distillery A distillery founded in 2007. They keep production totally on the island by using locally grown grain.

Hebridean Company - A Hebridean Company A brewery producing six different ales, which are widely available in bottles on Lewis. The brewery (in Sornoway) is not open for visits.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Lewis

Lewis - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Lewis, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lewis. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Lewis and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Lewis. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Lewis. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLewis: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Lewis.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Lewis: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Lewis, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Lewis.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Lewis, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Lewis, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Lewis and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Lewis, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Lewis, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Lewis without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Lewis is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Lewis.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Lewis is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Lewis, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Lewis Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Lewis

eHalal Group Lewis is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Lewis. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Lewis.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Lewis ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Lewis. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Lewis, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Lewis are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

See Stornoway for lodging there. More rural places are listed here. Bed and Breakfasts and self catering can be found on the tourist board website]. Renting a house for a week or more is a popular option. Such places are generally let from Saturday to Saturday.

Hostels

Kershader Community Hostel - Ravenspoint, Kershader, South Lochs, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9QA 58.0919, -6.5124 ☎ +44 1851 880236 Modern hostel affiliated to the SYHA, run by a local group. As it is small and sometimes used by groups, advance booking is recommended. Ravenspoint cafe is on the same site.

Otter Bunkhouse - Uig, HS2 9ER 58.1934, -6.9420 ☎ +44 1851 672353 bed £20 8 bed hostel

Gearrannan Hostel - Carloway, HS2 9AL ☎ +44 1851 643416 bed £15 10 bed hostel in a restored village of traditional blackhouses. If you have a bigger budget and the blackhouses are now luxury holiday cottages. No arrivals on a Sunday.

Camp Sites

Eilean Fraoich Camp Site - North Shawbost 58.3184, -6.6876 ☎ +44 1851 710504 1 man tent £6 - caravan £20 tent and caravan site with kitchen, showers and WiFi

Traigh Na Beirigh Campsite - Reef Beach - 13 Kneep, Uig, HS2 9HS 58.21636, -6.94012 ☎ +44 1851 672332 £10 Basic site with showers but no power. It is right next a great sandy beach. Arrive early in the day to get a good pitch.

Mangersta Croft | 5 Mangersta, Uig, HS2 9EY 58.1714, -7.0874 ☎ +44 1851 672 384 £85 per cabin per day in summer, £65 in winter 2 shepherd's huts sleeping two and 2 wigwam cabins sleeping four.

B&B and Guesthouses

Leumadair Guesthouse - 7a Callanish 58.19936, -6.73681 ☎ +44 1851 621706 from £40 per person
Loch Roag Guesthouse - 22a Breasclete 58.2183, -6.7448 ☎ +44 1851 621771 from £50
Clearview B&B - 54 Balallan 58.0912, -6.6112 ☎ +44 1851 830472 from £40 per person 3 room B&B

Baile-na-Cille - Timsgarry, Uig, HS2 9JD 58.19515, -7.02512 ☎ +44 1851 672242 £65 per person, dinner £30 6 rooms

Hotels

Auberge Carnish Uig 58.1764, -7.0488 ☎ +44 1851 672459 £130 per room 5 room hotel and holiday cottage. 20 seat restaurant for which booking is crucial (2 course dinner £30.50).
Borve House Hotel - Borve 58.4165, -6.4343 ☎ +44 1851 850223 9 room country house hotel with restaurant.

Doune Braes Hotel - Carloway, HS2 9AA. 58.25973, -6.78234 ☎ +44 1851 643252 from £60 16 room hotel with restaurant.

Loch Erisort Inn - Sheildinish, HS2 9RA 58.0804, -6.6121 near Balallan, on the road to Kershader ☎ +44 1851 830473 from £38 per person 5 room hotel and restaurant

Stay Safe

News & References Lewis

Travel Next

South to Harris and then by ferry to Berneray and North Uist

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