• Layer up: Weather changes fast; wind and rain can appear even on sunny days.
• Bring sturdy shoes: Beaches, cliffs, and trails can be uneven or slippery.
• Check tide times: Especially for beaches like Ardroil, Luskentyre, and Seilebost.
• Pack snacks and water: Cafés and shops are limited, particularly on Harris.
• Photography gear: Sunrise and late afternoon provide the best light for beaches and sea stacks.
• Respect wildlife and private land: Stick to paths and be mindful of nesting birds. Always leave no trace.

The Calanais Standing Stones are sometimes referred to as Scotland’s Stonehenge. But they are actually older, quieter, and you can walk right up to them. Dating back over 5,000 years, these towering stones form a cross-shaped pattern on the Isle of Lewis and have a mysterious energy that photos can’t capture. Nobody knows exactly why they were built. Theories range from an ancient ritual site to a kind of Neolithic star map.

Visiting is free, and you’ll usually have space to wander between the stones without big tour groups. The surrounding scenery is typical Scottish sweeping moorland and distant hills and it adds greatly to the atmosphere. Go early or around sunset if you want the place at its most magical.

Step back in time at Gearrannan, a preserved village of traditional stone cottages with thick walls and thatched roofs. The blackhouses give you a real sense of how islanders lived for centuries, from the crofting lifestyle to the community rhythms of Hebridean life. Some cottages are open with exhibits showing local crafts, while others are restored for overnight stays. A small café offers tea and homemade treats, making it easy to linger. Wander freely, imagine daily life centuries ago, and soak in the quiet, windswept beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Big wide golden sand stretches beneath your feet, backed by rugged dunes and rolling grasslands. Bosta Beach is quiet, expansive, and ideal for anyone wanting to slow down and soak in the Outer Hebrides’ atmosphere. Walk along the shoreline, let the Atlantic waves lap at your feet, or set up a picnic and watch the light shift over the water. Early morning and late afternoon give the best soft light for photography, highlighting the sand, water, and surrounding landscape. Even on overcast days, the textures of sand, grass, and waves create a dramatic scene. It’s a quintessential Lewis spot that encourages a slower pace.

Winning bonus points for its massive sandbanks, ancient history, and a sense of remoteness. Even in summer, you might have it mostly to yourself and you can wander around and try to find all the ancient Norse ruins. Ardroil Beach is a 50 min drive from Stornoway. Turn off A585 onto B8011. Park near Ardroil Campsite (toilets and facilities available). Also, check out Bosta and Reef Beach nearby.

For rugged, dramatic scenery, hike to the Mangersta Sea Stacks. Jagged cliffs rise from the Atlantic, and the stacks themselves create one of Lewis’ most striking coastal landscapes. The trail is short but uneven. Boots with grip are essential. On clear days, the deep blue of the sea contrasts sharply with the grey cliffs, creating unforgettable views. Wind and waves add drama to every photo, and the sense of isolation is almost tangible.

A playful stop along the way, Callanish Alpacas is set on gentle hills with views across Lewis. The alpacas are friendly and curious, happy to be fed and photographed. It’s a lighthearted break from driving or hiking, perfect for families or anyone who needs a pause. While you’re here, take in the green rolling hills, snap photos of the island from this elevated vantage point, and enjoy the slower, playful side of life on Lewis.

White sand and turquoise waters meet in a scene that feels almost tropical while maintaining the standard Scottish windswept and remote vibe. Seilebost Beach is quiet, perfect for a slow walk or beachcombing. The Atlantic waves lap gently against the shore, and the wide sands give a sense of space and freedom. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or just wander along the waterline listening to the wind. Early morning and late afternoon give the best soft light, making it ideal for photography.

Often ranked among the world’s best beaches, Luskentyre stretches wide and open, with fine white sand that merges with Seilebost at low tide. The vastness of the shore gives a sense of endless space, and the shifting tides create ever-changing patterns on the sand. Walk for miles, explore tidal pools, or simply watch the waves crash against the shore. Sunrise and sunset are magical, with warm light casting long shadows across the sand. It’s perfect for photographers, walkers, or anyone looking to soak in the dramatic coastal scenery.

After a day of exploring, Temple Harris is the perfect place to refuel. This charming café serves local food and drinks, from hearty soups to homemade cakes. Grab a coffee and sit with a view of the hills or the coast, letting the quiet island pace sink in. It’s a simple but essential stop, giving you a taste of local flavors and a moment to relax before heading back out to the beaches or nearby trails.

This one felt special from the second we pulled up. The 13-mile single track drive is an experience in itself (watch out for coos). The beach itself is a natural made film set: white sand, crystal water, all surrounded by rugged cliffs.

You will need to take the long single-track road to Huisinis Gateway. Parking is £5/day, with overnight campervan spots for £10. Toilets, showers, and services available.

• Best months: May to September for milder weather and longer daylight.
• Summer: Ideal for beaches and long walks.
• Winter: Fewer tourists, dramatic skies, and crashing waves on empty beaches for photography. Quite cold and exposed throughout the winter though.
• Early morning or late afternoon: Best for quiet visits and photos at Bosta Beach, Ardroil, or Luskentyre.

• Budget: Hostels or self-catering cottages on Lewis or Harris.
• Mid-range: Guesthouses in Stornoway, Tarbert, or small villages across the islands.
• Splurge: Boutique B&Bs and lodges with ocean views.
• Local feel: Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on Lewis for historic immersion, or small Harris cottages by the beach.

• Lewis has been inhabited for thousands of years, with Neolithic settlements and stone circles, including Callanish Standing Stones.
• Crofting and fishing shaped island life, still visible in villages like Gearrannan.
• Harris is known for weaving Harris Tweed: handwoven cloth with a protected designation of origin.
• Gaelic culture remains strong: music, place names, and festivals reflect centuries of tradition.
• Modernization was gradual, preserving much of the islands’ character and natural landscapes.

Most of Scotland's best beaches are at the end of long and windy single track roads. If you’re used to the big roads in North America, make sure you brush up of these tips to stay safe:

1. Don't drive recklessly on single track roads. There are lots of blind corners and hills so don’t be flying around blind bends without being ready to stop quickly.
2. Let others by. Also don’t drive too slow. If you’re nervous and need to take your time or if you’re in a big slow vehicle that’s fine. But once you notice people on your bumper, pull into the next passing place and let them through. Frustrated drivers cause accidents, and if you get too big of a trail forming it can cause a messy traffic jam.
3. Big Car Privilege. This is a loose rule, but whoever can maneuver more easily should do the hard work in a standoff. There are places in the road where you might come head to head with another car and one of you will need to reverse back to where there is enough space to share the road. So if you see a massive truck or an old campervan it's going to be a lot easier to get out of their way rather than make them.
4. Passing Places. These are designated areas (sometimes paved sometimes not) where vehicles can pull to the side and get past each other. Only use passing places that are on your side of the road. Pulling to the right of the road is like swerving into the oncoming traffic lane. The only time you would move into a passing place on the right side of the road is if there was an abnormally large vehicle you needed to let pass that wouldn't fit in there themselves. Do NOT park here. They do sort of look like layby parking, but you will cause everyone a big headache if you leave your vehicle taking one up.
5. Drinking & Driving. Absolutely none. There is zero tolerance in Scotland and you need to be alert of these roads so it is for the best. Most pubs do a good selection of non alcoholic beers or you can always go for a squash/cordial (a diluted fruit syrup drink).