Island Guide

The Isle of Lewis and Harris is one of the most beautiful places you can see. It is also one of the most unspoiled places you can visit in terms of tourism. Access to its historical built environment and natural landscapes is also unprecedented in terms of freedom of movement. In order to maintain these freedoms for everybody it is important to understand the do’s and don’ts of island life.

Walking

Lewis and Harris offer amazing walks. Some are more organised, involving clearly defined tracks, walkways or raised decking. However, the majority are wild walks. Coastal walks are marked with poles, the next being visible from the one you are at. The landscape between poles is constantly evolving with erosion hitting some of the cliff sides over the years. It is advisable to stay well back from any cliff edges whilst on the high cliffs around the north of the Island. If you have to cross into fenced crofts to stay safe then do so without damaging any of the fencing, Styles are common place in these areas and also gates which must remain closed to prevent sheep and other livestock from escaping. Sheep are also aloud to graze on common ground so don’t be surprised if the sheep appear not to be fenced in. If you are exploring the coastal routes you will encounter water at some point so good footwear is advised. You should also carry wind and waterproof clothing as the weather can change severely over the course of a day. If you are walking on beaches or exploring the shoreline, keep an eye on the tide as you can get trapped in alcoves which may involve getting wet to get out of. If you are exploring low lying cliffs, be careful of waves.

Water sports

The island is great for all kinds of water sports. From pootling around on a paddle board to rated surfing spots and everything in between. If you are surfing, talk to the locals, Europe is widely recognised as a decent spot for example, but things change, rocks move, swells change the rip constantly so it’s always a good idea to to chat to those that have already been in. Unlike more popular destinations, the likelihood is that you won’t be seen from the shore, not that your not visible, more like there’s no body there to see you! So if you are sea Kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing or swimming, please make sure you have a buddy. There are a number of boat launches dotted around the island some are in commercial harbours, if you wish to launch from the local location, please contact the harbour masters beforehand. If you are on watercraft, please be mindful of the strong currents that exist outside of areas where the landscape offers natural protection.

Dog Walking

To give your dog a good run, the beaches are the best, and safest place do it. However, it is a very good idea not to let your dog off the lead in areas either inside or surround by fencing as the livestock takes precedent over domestic animals and livestock owners have the right to shoot and kill any animals that cause worry to their animals. Always clear up after your dog. This may seem a bit ridiculous given the amount of sheep, dear and rabbit poo you encounter on your travels on the island, but dog poo has contaminates that can affect sheep and other animals. You may also encounter horses seals and on the odd Sheep on the beaches. If you are any doubt, keep the lead on.

Fishing

From a vessel, make sure you are not interfering with existing fishing such Lobster pots, mussel ropes etc. Some areas require permits and some areas are off limits so as not to interfere with farming activities such as Salmon and mussels. Sea fishing from shore, the rocky out crops surrounding the island make good homes for bottom feeders and there is deep history of pole fishing from the lower lying rocks on the shoreline. This does not come without risk and people have been known to be swept of by rogue waves in the past. Freshwater fishing may regulated so please check before you fish a spot, also watch out for the many electrical lines crisscrossing the island when casting.

Driving

The island offers beautiful drives, however, there are some islandy things to remember when out and about. Single lane roads, if you like the beaches, you are going to encounter single lane roads. These are roads in which traffic in both directions only have a single track lane to go on. The lanes have passing places on either the right or left hand side of the lanes. If you are coming onto a single lane road and behind another vehicle, make sure there is at least one passing place between you and the other vehicle. There is no right of way depending on the side of the passing place like you would encounter on a dual lane road blocked by parked traffic on one side. If traffic is coming the other way, stop opposite a passing place to let the oncoming traffic use the passing place to get by. If you are in slow large vehicle, please try to let traffic that builds up behind you past occasionally by pulling over in a passing place and indicating to let those behind know they can pass. If you a driving a faster vehicle, please be aware of sheep and deer on the road.

Sunday

Religion is very important to many of the Isles local inhabitants, the local church is the cornerstone of many communities in terms of social connectivity. The sabbath is observed much more closely on the island than other areas of the UK and you will find that most shops are closed on Sundays. You will also note that some public areas have signs asking you to observe the sabbath.

Blackening

Blackening is a tradition reserved for those getting married. In short, it involves tying the bride and groom to the back of a lorry, covered in whatever disgusting liquid comes to hand, fish water is quite popular and then feathered. The happy couple are then driven around the town (mostly Stornoway) several times followed by revellers beeping their horns and generally sounding like a government has been overthrown. This attention is so others can line the streets and throw whatever disgusting stuff, they have to hand, at the bride and groom. Why are we telling you this? Well if you do happen to see a blackening you may think these guys are in distress, which they probably are of course but, hey, island life. No need to call the police!!!