Outer Hebrides (Western Isles) Days 6 and 7

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Outer Hebrides: Day 6 – South-west Lewis and Great Bernera

Having covered a good proportion of the rest of the main island in previous days, we spent our last full day there exploring south-west Lewis.

This area included more mountains, rocky areas, peaty areas, and deserted rocky and sandy beaches. Also quite a few more Highland cattle!

Firstly, we drove south along the west coast from ‘our’ cottage to the end of the road past Mealasta. We sat on picnic chairs eating snacks sitting by the side of the road as there was literally zero traffic. Eventually, two people arrived on bicycles, but it was probably the most unspoilt, quietest place we’d been anywhere on the island. Caroline had another paddle.

Next, we backtracked northwards up the west coast to Uig – the area where the Lewis chessmen were discovered (see Outer Hebrides Day 2).

Then we visited the abandoned Royal Air Force base at Aird Uig / Gallan Head, which is now used by a community of people living in the old military buildings, as well as by serious birdwatchers. Apparently golden eagles can be seen there on occasions.

Finally, we drove over the new road bridge that links Lewis with the smaller island of Great Bernera. At the far end (north) of the island, at Bostadh, are the remains of an iron-age village, and yet another beautiful beach.

Another Highland cattle beast next door to the cottage, on our way south west

Driving south west

End of the road beyond Mealasta…

Our snack spot…

Uig chessman sculpture

Cut peat left at the side of the road to dry – it’s still used as fuel

Aird Uig…

Great Bernera island

New (grey) and old (white) road bridges between Great Bernera island and Lewis

Standing stones near the bridges

Mainly the roof is above ground

Bostadh beach

Outer Hebrides: Day 7 – leaving the islands

The next day we packed up and drove back to Stornaway to catch the return ferry to mainland Scotland. Fortunately the weather was lovely – calm and sunny – unlike our first, quite rough crossing of ‘the Minch’ a week before.

We drove the just over 200 miles back from Ullapool to Edinburgh in the evening, meaning the traffic was relatively quiet.