Tag Archives: Views

Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis

Isle of Lewis has beautiful beaches too! we were off to explore one or two. On this journey, Dalmore Bay (Traigh Dhail Mhor) was our destination.

Dalmore bay is located on the north coast of Lewis across Stornoway. Below is a more formal description taken from The Beach Guide:

Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks.
The Beach Guide

As we approached the bay we could hear the water. We noticed that there was often a burial ground near the coast. I have since learned that is because the land near a beach is easier to dig compared to the rocky inland locations.

It was windy and the water was “ choppy”. The waves were strong. The beach was lovely. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. A little cold but lovely nonetheless.

The surrounding view was rejuvenating.

It was a good stop.

Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis

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Another overcast day and another adventure on the Isle of Lewis.

Our next stop was the ruins of Dun Carloway. We were heading to see a historic roundhouse known as a broch.

As we got closer we could see the structure in the distance. It looked like a stone beehive. As we did the climb towards the ruins, l looked up information about this broch. I found the following on the Visit Scotland site:

At Dun Carloway, we can get an excellent cross-section of a broch – a type of structure found only in Scotland. At 9m tall it still stands close to its impressive full height. The broch was probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.
Visit Scotland

I had no idea that these were that old, tracing back to 200BC. It is truly amazing.

I was quite taken aback by the size. I wondered about the challenge of building it. There were a lot of stones in this structure and it was built on quite a hill. It was extraordinary.

We ventured inside to get a better feel of the place. It was very windy but once inside there was a sense of calm. The difference was striking. I could see for miles. I was left in wonder about what life would have been like living there.

The Wonder of The Golden Road in the Isle of Harris

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Did you know that the beautiful Isle of Harris and Lewis is the largest Island in Scotland and the third largest in the British Isles? Well, it is. There are many photos of the beautiful beaches in West Harris. But what about East Harris?

On this trip we decided to travel to the east; to explore the Golden Road.

The Golden Road starts at Meabhag nam Bhaigh, Plocreapool, Scadabay, Grosebay and Kyles Stockinish, before rejoining the main East Coast road at Leacali in Harris.

I have been told that the road got its name because of the extremely high cost of building it.

The road was built in 1897. Farmers were moved with their families from the west to the east.

With the prospect of farming in such a harsh environment, the families were promised a road. A road to provide access and to ease their trepidation. Hence, the Golden road was built.

Despite the desolate nature of the area, I found it uncannily beautiful. Yes, beautiful. I had not seen anything like it before. It was both barren and mesmerising.

The view from the coast was spectacular 🙌🏾

What an amazing place.

Lunch at The Temple in Northton, Isle of Harris

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After visiting Luskentyre, it was time for lunch.

We journeyed along the coast from Seilebost until we got to the lovely cafe, The Temple at Northton.

What a delightful, picturesque location. A perfect spot for lunch.

What a lovely experience. Wholesome food, grown and uniquely prepared on-site, in a beautiful setting.

Eating outside was pure bliss. Definitely worth the stop.

After lunch, we met up with the locals before heading out to our next stop 😆

Luskentyre and Seilebost Beaches, South West Harris

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Can I say the ride to Luskentyre and Seilebost was glorious? Would that be a bit much? The ride was glorious!! 😄

We were on our way to see the island’s precious gems, the infamous beaches along the coast of Seilebost and Luskentyre.

Maps of the Isles of Lewis and Harris with the location of Luskentyre and Seilebost

Luskentyre sands is on the west coast of South Harris. We were heading there first.

As we got closer we could just make out the beautiful turquoise water and white beach. Needless to say, our anticipation grew. We were very excited. After all, Luskentyre is one of the largest beaches in Harris and it has been recognised as one of the UK’s best beaches. We had good reason to be “energised”.

Upon arrival, we were met with mounds of white sand dunes.

As we climbed over the dunes, we were rewarded with spectacular views.

It was marvellous. It lived up to its promise. And with the temperamental nature of the weather, the entire scene seemed to change every two minutes!

Grey and moody one minute, then sparkling green-blue waters the next. It was fascinating.

It was truly beautiful. I could see how the beach may be mistaken as a Caribbean beach in photos. However, there is one “tiny little exception” called temperature which cannot be detected in a photo.

Temperature aside, we were well-wrapped and were happy to stay for a while.

The coast was a feast for the eyes.

Once we had our fill of Luskentyre beach we continued our journey to Seilebost.

We first had to negotiate our route with the residents. The Sheep. What a giggle!

It was easier to surrender and let them go first.

After all, it was their home. We were just visitors very much content with the beautiful surroundings of West Harris.

We made it to Seilebost! The beach was just as spectacular at this end. It was beautiful.

Maraig in North Harris, Western Isles

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I was so happy to finally visit the Outer Hebrides. I had seen photos of its coastline; therefore to have the opportunity to see it for myself was an amazing feeling.

We were up early with our first goal and stop: North Harris.

The journey was surreal. We were constantly under threat of heavy rain but that didn’t seem to matter. Our spirits were high and the scenery beautiful.

We stopped just outside the towns of Maraig and Eilean Anabaich, Norh Harris. What a view! I don’t know how to describe what I saw. Instead, I tried to capture the scene with the following video and photos.