The Lewis coastline has some excellent scenic walks, also good for watersports
There is plenty of walking country as long as you don't mind the wilderness
There are plenty of surfing spots all over the Hebrides - the north coast on Lewis
Fun for all the family as long as you don't mind wrapping up - the seas are pretty coldLewis is great for a wide range of outdoor activities. Walking, surfing and sea kayaking are probably the most popular but there are opportunities for every kind of activity you can think of, from cycling to climbing.
The Outdoor Hebrides website has the most comprehensive guide to outdoor activities for all the Western Isles, link right. There are several companies who run courses, training or who can guide you to the best places for your chosen activity on the Isle of Lewis.
Valasay Self Catering Holidays - Bernera
Four star self catering cottage with stunning sea views. Located on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Great for walking, birdwatching or relaxing by the fire
£275 to £550 Per Week (Seasonal)
The majority of Lewis' population seems to be in Stornoway. The countryside around it is often quiet and remote and you can walk for miles hardly seeing anyone - if anyone at all! Walks take you over moorland and bog in the interior of the island where you might be lucky enough to see otters, corncrakes, red deer and golden eagles.
Being an island there are plenty of coastal walks that take in some spectacular views with picturesque beaches along the way.
Around the castle in Stornoway are some lovely wooded walks - something of a novelty in the Hebrides.
Tourist Information Centres have details of walks around the islands and several guide books have also been written. Check the Walks in the Hebrides link for some suggestions.
There are several excellent surfing spots particularly on the west and north coast where the coast gets pounded by the full force of the Atlantic Ocean creating some massive surf. There are a lot of strong currents and rips so you shouldn't surf alone and check with local surfers on the best places and local hazards.
Cliff Beach and the Point of Ness are popular but you can find your own spot easily enough. Check the Visit Hebrides Surfing map for locations and descriptions of surf spots.
Lewis Surf Trek offer Hebridean full or half day surf trips which can be useful for an introduction to surfing on the Isle of Lewis. Lewis Surf Trek, 18A Guershader, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles, HS2 0DP. Tel: 07939 194 880.
Hebridean Surf have a shop in Stornoway and also organise Surf Holidays all over the Outer Hebrides. Check their website for more information. Surf Holidays, 28 Francis Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, HS1 2ND. Tel: 01851 840337 or 01851 840343. Mobile: 07881435915. Email: hebsurf@madasafish.com
Lewis is home to Stornoway Canoe Club which has been set up as a result of the popularity of the sport on the Hebrides. It is fantastic for sea kayaking on sea lochs or on the open sea. It's also a great vantage point to watch the wildlife.
So good is the kayaking that annual competitions are held including the Hebridean Challenge, an endurance team race from Barra in the south to the Butt of Lewis on the far north of Lewis. In order to complete the race the team has to undertake hill running, sea kayaking, road biking, mountain biking and swimming! Link right for more information.
Valasay Self Catering Holidays - Bernera
Four star self catering cottage with stunning sea views. Located on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. Great for walking, birdwatching or relaxing by the fire
£275 to £550 Per Week (Seasonal)