Travelled:72km by road, Ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, Isle of Lewis 2.5hrs £97.80
Stay:Isle of Lewis,Traigh Mhor Beach Tolsta- carpark & toilet N58.3612 W6.2159
Visited: Stornoway, Tiumpan Head Lighthouse, Traigh Mhor Beach
It was another showery morning as we waited in line to board the ferry in Ullapool.
It’s quite amazing how many vehicles these vessels can take.
We had an exceptional smooth crossing and the 2.5hours seemed to drift by very quickly. We spotted a few dolphins as well as many birds out on the water.
The Queen Victoria cruise ship was anchored in Stornoway, which made for a very busy town.
We managed to find a parking spot and took a look around as well.
There has been a settlement here for many years especially due to it having the best natural harbour in the Western Isles. The castle was built in 1100 by the MacNicol’s but was later captured by the viking Leod, who later became the MacLeods of Lewis. After James VI failed to get rid of the MacLeods by force he just gave it to the the MacKenzies. In 1844 he sold it to Sir Matheson who made improvements on the Island including building Lews Castle.
He then sold it to Lord Leverhume in 1918 who also spent a lot of money trying to redevelop the Island.
The port thrived in the early 1800’s with 6,000 working in the herring industry.
Having had enough of the crowds we drove out to have a look at Tiumpan Head Lighthouse.
Then doubled back and went up the east coast to Tolsta. At the end of the road there was the Bridge to Nowhere built by Lord Leverhume.
We then stopped in the car park of Traigh Mhor Beach and went for a walk.
We decided that we would call it a day and stop here for the night.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We would love to hear from you...leave us a message below.