Lews Castle: Gallows Hill Hike & Museum

Step ashore and set off on a leisurely circular walk through the heart of Stornoway, beginning along the charming seafront lined with colourful fishing boats. Crossing a stone bridge, you’ll follow the coastal path into the lush, landscaped grounds of Lews Castle—once a grand Victorian estate built atop a 17th-century hunting lodge. Stroll past woodland trails and formal gardens to a quiet jetty, where views stretch across the bay to the castle’s striking silhouette. Ascending gently through forest, you’ll reach Gallows Hill, where sweeping panoramas and the remains of a 4,000-year-old Neolithic cairn await. Your route leads to the castle itself—an opulent mock-Tudor mansion now home to the award-winning Museum nan Eilean. Inside, discover stories of island life, Gaelic culture, and marvel at six of the world-famous Lewis Chessmen. The walk concludes with a gentle descent back to the harbour, completing a journey rich in history, nature, and island spirit.