Stoth
Stoth beach can be found near the lighthouse at the Butt of Ness. This is a small secluded alcove with a plethora of sea birds nesting in the surrounding cliff faces. Sea Eagles can also bee seen in this area and the occasional seal. Stoth can be a great place to escape the wind and it’s a safe place to take a dip if you’re brave enough. Historically this area was used for pole fishing, the rocks providing shelter for bottom feeders and crustaceans.
Dalmore Beach
Dalmore Beach is on the west side near Shawbost and Dalbeg. Situated next to a local graveyard the beach has parking and toilets. Access to the sand varies as the beach is characterised by a band of large smooth stones that shift with the tides. The water as always is inviting but beware the undertow and rock clusters under the surface. Dalmore, like its neighbours, is spectacular on a good day at sunset.
Callanish Standing Stones
Callanish is located on the west side near the main routes to the south west of Lewis. The standing stones really are a wonder of the world and the kind of access to the site permitted is something to make the most as this will not last as the site succumbs to the kind of commercialisation seen else where in the UK such as stone henge. You can choose to engage with the site’s visitor centre but ticket purchase is in no way compulsory. There are toilets and refreshments at the visitor’s centre when it is open.
Dalbeg
Dalbeg is just up the road from Dalmore. There is small car park next to the beach. Dalbeg is surrounded by large grassy cliff tops which are accessible on foot. In the summer you’ll see the maca which are the wildflowers growing on the grassy ground near to a lot of the beaches on the island. On days when there is a large ocean swell, the scene at Dalbeg can be quite dramatic and, like Dalmore, the sunset can be spectacular, especially the view of the sea stacks which can be enjoyed from the right hand side of the beach itself, or from the cliff tops above.
Ardroil Beach
One of largest bodies of sand on the island, Ardroil is truly breath taking. There’s plenty of parking, toilets and showers at this beach although access to the beach itself involves a short walk across the maca and some sand dunes. When the tide is out you may be walking for half a kilometre before you find some ocean! Closure to shore you will find beautiful rock features and rock pools. This is a great place for wind based activities and taking the dogs for a run. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tide here as you can get caught out when exploring the many alcoves and shoreline features. Ardroil is situated on the south west of the island.