This hiking tour takes you through Stornoway to reach the Castle Grounds and its highest panoramic viewpoint, Gallows Hill.
Begin your guided walking tour at the pier. We’ll wander along the harbour before crossing a pedestrian bridge to enter the Castle Grounds. The grounds were originally laid out as part of the formal gardens belonging to Lews Castle, built on the foundations of a hunting lodge from 1680. We’ll arrive at a small jetty with fantastic views across the bay to the colourful houses of Stornoway, and then we’ll turn inland as the path climbs gently through the forest to the highest point of the Lews Castle Grounds (215 ft). From Gallows Hill we will have an excellent panoramic view of Stornoway and its environs. Finally, we’ll reach the impressive mock-Tudor castle—one of the most magnificent castles on any of the Scottish isles. The lavishly appointed Lews Castle dates from the Victorian era, built on the back of opium money. It has enjoyed a rich and varied history which you’ll discover while wandering the ground floor rooms (subject to availability). Today, the castle has undergone a multi-million-pound renovation program and has incorporated a museum. From the castle, we’ll walk back downhill to the pedestrian bridge crossed earlier; then, we’ll retrace our steps back to the pier through town.
Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Please realistically assess your physical fitness and ability prior to booking. This guided walk is for those amongst us who do like walking, as we cover about 5 kilometres in 3 1/2 hours. There’s no amenities during the walk from entering the Castle Grounds until arriving at the Castle.