Drive across the breadth of the island to the Atlantic coast, through a rare open heath moorland habitat, and northwards to the very tip of Lewis.
credits:
Butt of Ness Lighthouse, Borve – © Mairi M. Martin
Port of Ness – © Malcolm Macleod
Here we can explore Port of Ness, a scenic harbour village where we can look down on a tiny haven and walk on a pristine beach beyond. From here the men of Ness departed for their famous annual guga hunt on the remote rock of Sula Sgeir. There is a cafe and an artist’s studio you might want to visit.
Pausing to explore the ancient and charming chapel of St Moluag, steeped in quirky history and legends, we proceed to the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis. Designed by David Stevenson and built in 1862, it is 37 metres high and, unusually, constructed of brick. The Butt of Lewis is a dramatic place where we can truly feel the power of nature as surging waves batter against the cliffs. Many seabirds breed on those cliff ledges in the summer, and majestic gannets can be seen plunge-diving into the waters. Sometimes we are lucky enough to see dolphins, seals or even whales passing by. We return to Stornoway via the same and only road.