Lews Castle Grounds and Museum

This circular walking tour will take us right from the quayside around the grounds of Lews Castle, the largest castle in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides and visits the new Museum and Archive at Lews Castle. Your walk will begin from the ship, taking you along the seafront and onto the coastal pathway. You’ll see the grounds that were originally laid out as part of the formal gardens belonging to Lews Castle, built on the foundations of a Hunting Lodge. As you continue along the coastal path, you can admire lovely views across the bay, before heading inland. The pathway climbs gently to the highest point of the castle grounds to Gallows Hill, where the town’s gallows once stood. From here, take in the fabulous panoramic view of Stornoway. Your walk will finally bring you closer to the impressive Lews Castle, once owned by Sir James Matheson and then sold on to Lord Leverhulme, founder of the renowned Lever Brothers. Its interesting past includes being used as a naval hospital during World War II, and a college in the 1950’s. The building has a varied history and has recently undergone a multi-million pound renovation program including a modern purpose built extension to the restored Lews Castle which houses a state of the art museum and interpretation center that opened in 2016. The Museum and Archive at Lews Castle (Museum nan Eilean), is one of the most exciting and innovative projects completed in the Outer Hebrides in recent years and you will have time to explore this 21st Century heritage experience. This facility creates a gateway to the Gaelic-rich heritage of the Outer Hebrides with museum displays and stories that capture the spirit of the islands, focusing on the intimate relationships between the land, the sea, the people and the Gaelic culture. The museum will house six of the world-famous Lewis Chessmen, discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis, which will go on permanent display in the museum galleries as part of a loan agreement with the British Museum. From the castle, take the downhill walk back to the coast and retrace your steps back to the ship.