Sailing into Stornoway bay on the Caledonian Macbrayne car ferry – the MV Isle of Lewis, visitors to the island will see the imposing 17th century castle set in its own grounds and over looking the bustling fishing harbour. Lewis, the largest in the chain of islands has Stornoway as its commercial and administrative centre.
Before heading West you may choose to stop at the Islander Seafood Shop (their hand-dived scallops and fresh langoustines are exceptionally fine).; Alternatively you may want to stop at renowned butchers Charles Macleod (Charlie Barley’s) for some succulent heather-grazed Lewis lamb, or try their famed Stornoway Blackpuddings.
Leaving the town you drive over the Barvas Moor, a twelve mile stretch of blanket peatland. At Barvas you may visit the excellent Oisheval Gallery which its striking exhibitions of Lewis land and seascapes. Turning left at Barvas and driving southwest along the coast road you are now on the trail of the West Side Story, a string of coastal villages each with its own history and heritage.