Isle of Lewis

[GerryD]

Hi all

I'm planning trip to the Isle of Lewis for the last week in May. Looking to do sea scapes mainy, but will include landscapes and hopefully some wildlife stuff as well.

Planning on doing a Monday to Friday trip. So I'm hoping some of you can give me locations/ideas for the island. I've not booked anything yet and planning on doing some wild camping to keep the costs down.

Thanks

Gerald

 

[Nikon Ken]

Gerald,

I know your plan is seascapes and I'm sure you will have more than you can cope with from Lewis and I suggest you also venture into Harris. I can't make specific recommendations as all my trips in that area have been in a sea kayak, reaching remote areas inaccessible on foot. However, leave behind the seascapes for one day and go see the Callinish Stones:

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lewis/calanais/

Photos here:

http://images.google.com/images?q=c...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBoQsAQwAw

It's a magical place and great for photography.

Ken

 

[Tobers]

I second that. Callanish is a must on Lewis, and you should look at the Black Houses as well.

Definitely go a bit further south to Harris. Luskentyre Beach is just stunning. Also the rocky east coast of Harris is amazing and you could spend weeks there. If you go to Tarbert, ask for a skipper called Hamish who has a nice little boat - he'll take you out to some remove inlets with otters, sea eagles etc. Top chap too - very knowledgable.

 

[grum]

My GFs mum lives up there. Callanish stones is indeed an amazing spot - also there is a very well preserved iron age broch just up the road - you can walk up the hill behind it and get some great shots of it with big views in the background.

Harris is generally a bit prettier and more interesting imo, though both are lovely.

 

[GerryD]

Gerald,

I know your plan is seascapes and I'm sure you will have more than you can cope with from Lewis and I suggest you also venture into Harris. I can't make specific recommendations as all my trips in that area have been in a sea kayak, reaching remote areas inaccessible on foot. However, leave behind the seascapes for one day and go see the Callinish Stones:

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/lewis/calanais/

Photos here:

http://images.google.com/images?q=c...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBoQsAQwAw

It's a magical place and great for photography.

Ken

Thanks Ken. The sea kayaking does sound good to me.

I'm sure I'll be able to fit the Callinish Stones durng my trip. From you're first link they look like they're freely accessable during the night, as I think they may fit some long star trails type images. Well after taking a few photograpgs on even.

Some interesting photos on the 2nd link.

 

[GerryD]

I second that. Callanish is a must on Lewis, and you should look at the Black Houses as well.

Definitely go a bit further south to Harris. Luskentyre Beach is just stunning. Also the rocky east coast of Harris is amazing and you could spend weeks there. If you go to Tarbert, ask for a skipper called Hamish who has a nice little boat - he'll take you out to some remove inlets with otters, sea eagles etc. Top chap too - very knowledgable.

More than likely will end up heading to Harris, and Luskentyre Beach looks abosultely gorgeous. Just serached it out on the web. Might look that skipper up, he good be very handy. Does run scheduled trips or just wander over and try and find him?

The east coast does look interesting, any idea where I can get some good composition?

My GFs mum lives up there. Callanish stones is indeed an amazing spot - also there is a very well preserved iron age broch just up the road - you can walk up the hill behind it and get some great shots of it with big views in the background.

Harris is generally a bit prettier and more interesting imo, though both are lovely.

Thanks for the tips on Harris and the broch. The broch does look interesting.

 

[DavidMarq]

If you are on a budget this is a great place to spend a night or two.

http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Garenin-YHA-050053.en.htmhttp://

It has been over 15 years since I was last there but it was the best experience I have ever had in a hostel. At the time I stayed, there were 12 of us resident with 11 different nationalities. We all piled into my mk11 escort estate to visit the nearest pub one evening, which I seem to remember was a considerable drive away. Igor a Czech hitchhiker I picked up in Carlisle on the way up, went off to church on Sunday morning and returned drunk as a lord late in the evening after having been invited to Sunday lunch and drinks with some locals. It also had a real peat fire in keeping with a black house.

Also watch out for the wild haggis, they can be quite aggressive if approached.

 

[grum]

Here's a couple of snaps I took up there, just with my compact.

There's a really cool church that I can't remember the name of but I will find out if you're interested.

 

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

locations/ideas for the island

Sea Eagles at Horgabost beach and the sunset over Taransay.

Geocrab for the utter pointlessness of it all, best in the mist.

The haughty 60 something bar manageress at the Rodel Hotel - arrive as scruffy as you are after 3 days on the hills with a full board booking for the best room in the house. She loves it.

The shop/petrol station on Obbe Road nr Leverburgh .. go there about 10am and hang around. Photographic gold.

Finally, the beach at Bostadh

Last night, get ripped to the tits in whichever club is rocking in Stornoway.

 

[Nikon Ken]

If you're up for a sea trip, try a trip to St Kilda. In my opinion the most magical and special place in the world.

It is often described as a journey to the edge of the world.

It's about 40 miles out in the atlantic.

I've been there twice and sea kayaked around most of it. I was on an organised sea kayak trip on a chartered boat that was home for a week. It was so good I went again the following year and still hanker after doing it again.


If you want a quick day trip, these guys offer that:

http://www.seatrek.co.uk/

So much to see and so little time.

Ken

 

[DuncanDisorderly]

I stayed at Luskentyre a few years ago - the Outer Hebrides are a magical place
A website I found at the time listed Luskentyre in the worlds top ten beaches and I'm not going to argue.

Three really memorable images from that trip.
Huge wave at Luskentyre - went into my LRPS panel
Stones of Callinish - went into my LRPS panel
Stornaway harbour - lovely colourful image, always been a favourite of mine
Loads and loads of other images - it's a stunning place.

Here's the Wave piccy

 

[GerryD]

Thanks for the link to the hostel David, it may come in useful

Also watch out for the wild haggis, they can be quite aggressive if approached.

Are these the ones that run round in circles?

 

[GerryD]

Here's a couple of snaps I took up there, just with my compact.

There's a really cool church that I can't remember the name of but I will find out if you're interested.

Thanks for images Grum, theres some food for thought there

 

[EdinburghGary]

Yo mate

I can provide GPS coordinates for a few AWESOME locations. Garry Beach is stunningly stunning, do NOT miss sunrise there.

G.

 

[GerryD]

Sea Eagles at Horgabost beach and the sunset over Taransay.

Geocrab for the utter pointlessness of it all, best in the mist.

The haughty 60 something bar manageress at the Rodel Hotel - arrive as scruffy as you are after 3 days on the hills with a full board booking for the best room in the house. She loves it.

The shop/petrol station on Obbe Road nr Leverburgh .. go there about 10am and hang around. Photographic gold.

Finally, the beach at Bostadh

Last night, get ripped to the tits in whichever club is rocking in Stornoway.

Thanks for the inofrmation on the golden eagles, that good be a well spent afternoon. I had kind of pencilled in a sunset of Taransay (weather permitting) so thanks for confirming as a good location.

The other locations I have not heard off, but I shall investigate

 

[GerryD]

If you're up for a sea trip, try a trip to St Kilda. In my opinion the most magical and special place in the world.

It is often described as a journey to the edge of the world.

It's about 40 miles out in the atlantic.

I've been there twice and sea kayaked around most of it. I was on an organised sea kayak trip on a chartered boat that was home for a week. It was so good I went again the following year and still hanker after doing it again.


If you want a quick day trip, these guys offer that:

http://www.seatrek.co.uk/

So much to see and so little time.

Ken

There was a lot of publicity over St Kilda in Scotland last year, with it being the year of home coming. Looks very interesting and hanks for the suggestion, but I'll keep that in mind for my next trip.

 

[GerryD]

I stayed at Luskentyre a few years ago - the Outer Hebrides are a magical place
A website I found at the time listed Luskentyre in the worlds top ten beaches and I'm not going to argue.

Three really memorable images from that trip.
Huge wave at Luskentyre - went into my LRPS panel
Stones of Callinish - went into my LRPS panel
Stornaway harbour - lovely colourful image, always been a favourite of mine
Loads and loads of other images - it's a stunning place.

Here's the Wave piccy

Thats one dramtic image. Love to get stuff like this if the weather permit.

I've been browsing the web (flickr mainly) looking for pics of the island and specific locations. The whole island looks stunning. I can see why Luskentyre was listedd so highly.

Did you pass your LRPS? I did look at this last year, but not yet made my mind if I will do it.

 

[GerryD]

Yo mate

I can provide GPS coordinates for a few AWESOME locations. Garry Beach is stunningly stunning, do NOT miss sunrise there.

G.

Hi Gary.

They would be appreciated. I'll Pm you later. Thanks for the heads up on Garry Beach. Not yeard of this beach previously.

Gerald

 

[DuncanDisorderly]

Did you pass your LRPS? I did look at this last year, but not yet made my mind if I will do it.

Thanks for asking - yes I did
Here's a link to my LRPS panel - the biography needs updating but I'm still proud of those images.
There are quite a few TP threads on the merits of LRPS and I'm keen not to de-rail this excellent thread.

You need seriously wild weather to get waves like that - the ferries were not running most of the time I was there.
As long as there is the odd shaft of sunlight between the storm clouds then I reckon it's almost perfect weather to photography.
I know a landscape tog who won't bother going out is the weather is nice - but that's quite extreme!

 

[BarryDawsib]

Your going up to Harris/Lewis

god I hope your a fast driver, the local speed limit is as fast as your car can handle (except at school times when they do 20mph without question!)

My sister lives on Harris and Harris is more of the mountainous part if your after that kinda scenery,
somewhere between Balallan and Tarbert on the main road you go past a preserved parkland, some great views and the water is crystal clear.

Black houses are a definite, so is the Calanish Stones (both sites pretty near each other)
there's loads of old abandoned stone houses that you see just driving around,

truth be told, get a guide book as there is more then I can think of,,

oh and as for the beaches, only time ive been able to see them they were covered in snow! but apparently they are beautiful!

Also while you are there, try the local food (nothing pre packed) most of it is absolutely gorgeous!

 

[GerryD]

Thanks for asking - yes I did
Here's a link to my LRPS panel - the biography needs updating but I'm still proud of those images.
There are quite a few TP threads on the merits of LRPS and I'm keen not to de-rail this excellent thread.

You need seriously wild weather to get waves like that - the ferries were not running most of the time I was there.
As long as there is the odd shaft of sunlight between the storm clouds then I reckon it's almost perfect weather to photography.
I know a landscape tog who won't bother going out is the weather is nice - but that's quite extreme!

Congrats on passing you're LRPS Duncan. I know they can be tricky to get through. I checked out your portfolio. Some great photographs there.

I'm planning the trip for good and bad weather. Hopefully I'll get a mixture of both and the way I'm planning the trip I'll have a few extra days to play with. Return tickets on the calmac ferries are now valid for 1 month

I like your philosophy for good photography and I do agree that some photographers can be a little extreme in their approach.

Your going up to Harris/Lewis

god I hope your a fast driver, the local speed limit is as fast as your car can handle (except at school times when they do 20mph without question!)

My sister lives on Harris and Harris is more of the mountainous part if your after that kinda scenery,
somewhere between Balallan and Tarbert on the main road you go past a preserved parkland, some great views and the water is crystal clear.

Black houses are a definite, so is the Calanish Stones (both sites pretty near each other)
there's loads of old abandoned stone houses that you see just driving around,

truth be told, get a guide book as there is more then I can think of,,

oh and as for the beaches, only time ive been able to see them they were covered in snow! but apparently they are beautiful!

Also while you are there, try the local food (nothing pre packed) most of it is absolutely gorgeous!

Well I hope there's no snow in May :shake:. I'd be devastated. Thanks for your tips on locations, food and driving. Do you have any suggestions for local delicacies? I bet it's going to be sea food

Not to sure about the black houses yet. I have not heard of them before. I'll need to do some research, although a few people have mentioned them to me now, so they may be well added to the itenery.

 

[GerryD]

Tyronne

With the sea eagles at Horgabost beach, do they come within photographic raneg (400mm) or is it a good palce to view the hunt?

Gerald

 

[BarryDawsib]

Well I hope there's no snow in May :shake:. I'd be devastated. Thanks for your tips on locations, food and driving. Do you have any suggestions for local delicacies? I bet it's going to be sea food

Not to sure about the black houses yet. I have not heard of them before. I'll need to do some research, although a few people have mentioned them to me now, so they may be well added to the itenery.

The black houses are just a few miles north of them stones though I must warn you they have been modernised slightly from their original state (but I will leave you to read up on it!)

as for food, the islands are the biggest producer of:
Scottish Salmon!
lots of family's own their own "wee" loch, ime trying to think of somewhere you could try it but having my sister up there and friendly locals I was just presented these foods on a plate

if your not one for fish (cant blame you) try any of the beef, tastes like it was grown and breed in a tenderiser!

oh and a bit of a newsflash for you, the weathers highly unpredictable so lets say a 30% chance of snow with another 30% of it melting away same day.
spoke to my sister today, it snowed a couple of days ago 2 feet deep and disappeared in 3-4 hours

another wee problem is when you do get bad weather things like vegetables disappear as its all imported daily on the ferrys, so dont bother taking any vegetarians with you unless they like meat otherwise they will have to eat moss

ps, heres my sisters back yard

AND HERE! is where you uphold a local tradition

 

[BarryDawsib]

OH OH!

and one site you must go see is:

((ok may have been a little photoshopery!))

 

[GerryD]

The black houses are just a few miles north of them stones though I must warn you they have been modernised slightly from their original state (but I will leave you to read up on it!)

as for food, the islands are the biggest producer of:
Scottish Salmon!
lots of family's own their own "wee" loch, ime trying to think of somewhere you could try it but having my sister up there and friendly locals I was just presented these foods on a plate

if your not one for fish (cant blame you) try any of the beef, tastes like it was grown and breed in a tenderiser!

oh and a bit of a newsflash for you, the weathers highly unpredictable so lets say a 30% chance of snow with another 30% of it melting away same day.
spoke to my sister today, it snowed a couple of days ago 2 feet deep and disappeared in 3-4 hours

another wee problem is when you do get bad weather things like vegetables disappear as its all imported daily on the ferrys, so dont bother taking any vegetarians with you unless they like meat otherwise they will have to eat moss

ps, heres my sisters back yard

AND HERE! is where you uphold a local tradition

OH OH!

and one site you must go see is:

((ok may have been a little photoshopery!))

I do like your sisters back yard!!! And some good photoshop skills.

Being a fully fledge meat eater, going without vegetables shouldn't be to difficult (read single bloke, is there a point to vegetables???)

I'm expecting some unpredictable weather. But the thought of snow in may does have me worried!!!!

 

[GerryD]

Here's a quick update on the planned trip to the Isle's of Lewis and Harris.

I'm sailing out on Saturday 22nd May and returning on Friday 28th May. Although return journey might be delayed depending on weather, being a bank holiday weekend and space on ferry (I have to be back in work on the Tuesday morning:shrug:. I wonder how optional that is ).

The plan is to spent the first 2/3 days/nights at Callanish and Great Bernera before moving onto Luskentyre and the beaches to west for the next few nights and properbly spending the last night a Gary beach.

Plans are subject to change, but the above sounds good so far. As I'm mainly after sea scapes, the above, should give me plenty of time to get what I'm after. Does anyone else have any other ideas/suggestions?

If anyone is on the islands during the above week, let me know if you want to meet up.

 

[grum]

I was up there again a few weeks ago with my new camera.

Enjoy your trip - it's a very photogenic place imo

 

[GerryD]

I do like the image of the Callanish stones Graham. Look like you had a good time there. I am really looking forward to going now.

Can you provide the location of the other images?

 

[grum]

Thanks.

First one I think is somewhere along the road to Rodel church, not sure exactly where.

The two after the stones are either Dal Beag or Dal Mor beach - can never remember which is which but they are right next to each other and pretty near the Callanish stones.

The one with the seagull in is at Ness.

The last one I think is Mangersta.

I will check all these with my gf as she is the expert and just drove me around really so I might be wrong

Another I think from Uig

Mangersta

Ness

Dal Beag

Mangersta

I look forward to seeing your pics

Just looked at your website and I'm a bit embarrassed about posting mine now. Some VERY good stuff on there, nice one.

 

[pat5]

Hi Gerald ,
Glad you started this thread. I am also off to the Hebrides on 22nd May Sailing from Oban to Lochboisdale.Will be staying on Uists until 24th May then on to lewis and Harris until 30th,returning to mainland via Stornoway-Ullapool. Current plan is then to go to Inverewe area for a couple of days and then on to Aviemore.I want to visit the Highland wildlife park.Will be in my campervan.
Last year I camped up at Rosemarkie and spent some time at Cromerty point photographing the dolphins.Had a great time.
The crossing from Oban is around 6 hours.Has anyone taken dogs on this trip?I am not sure whether to leave them in my van or take them with me around the ship.
have noted down everyone's ideas for photo opportunity's

 

[BarryDawsib]

I was up there again a few weeks ago with my new camera.

Enjoy your trip - it's a very photogenic place imo

These cannot possably be Harris and Lewis

WHERES THE SNOW!!!

every time I go it blinking snows! I have yet to see the beaches like that

 

[grum]

These cannot possably be Harris and Lewis

WHERES THE SNOW!!!

every time I go it blinking snows! I have yet to see the beaches like that

What, like this?

 

[GerryD]

Thanks.

First one I think is somewhere along the road to Rodel church, not sure exactly where.

The two after the stones are either Dal Beag or Dal Mor beach - can never remember which is which but they are right next to each other and pretty near the Callanish stones.

The one with the seagull in is at Ness.

The last one I think is Mangersta.

I will check all these with my gf as she is the expert and just drove me around really so I might be wrong


I look forward to seeing your pics

Just looked at your website and I'm a bit embarrassed about posting mine now. Some VERY good stuff on there, nice one.

Some really good tones in the sea in the image of Mangersta and Dal Beag I like the long exposre effect.

Having my girlfriend driving me around sounds like a good idea, feet up looking for locations.

Thanks for the information and comments on my website. Hope I can live upto billing now.

Hi Gerald ,
Glad you started this thread. I am also off to the Hebrides on 22nd May Sailing from Oban to Lochboisdale.Will be staying on Uists until 24th May then on to lewis and Harris until 30th,returning to mainland via Stornoway-Ullapool. Current plan is then to go to Inverewe area for a couple of days and then on to Aviemore.I want to visit the Highland wildlife park.Will be in my campervan.
Last year I camped up at Rosemarkie and spent some time at Cromerty point photographing the dolphins.Had a great time.
The crossing from Oban is around 6 hours.Has anyone taken dogs on this trip?I am not sure whether to leave them in my van or take them with me around the ship.
have noted down everyone's ideas for photo opportunity's

Glad to here someone else from tp will be on the islands at the same time and you're from the right side of Offa's Dyke .

I have the same problem, although only for 3 hours with my border collie. I sailing Ullapool to Stornoway both ways and I know the boats have areas for dogs, but it means you won't be able to access any of the food areas. Although I'm sure the dogs will have different ideas on that.

Dolphins are great to watch. Not spent enough time there yet. Although my girlfriend practically lives there during the summer photographing the dolphins.

If you'e interesting in meeting up while on the island drop me a PM and we'll arrange something.

These cannot possably be Harris and Lewis

WHERES THE SNOW!!!

every time I go it blinking snows! I have yet to see the beaches like that

Maybe you should go in the summer Barry. I hope there's no snow in may . I getting worried now

And Graham thats just rubbing it in

 

[GerryD]

bump. Bump bump.

Yes I'm off this Saturday, back the following Friday, and really looking forward to it. Just asking if any one has any more ideas?

Planing on spent my time between Callinish, Bernarah (think thats how you spell it) and Lustentye and the beaches to the south and west. I'll do a little wondering as i always do and hopefully pick up the odd shot.

 

[IanC_UK]

Going to be a lot of us up in the Hebrides end of May

Myself and 2 mates, starting Saturday, Aviemore, Skye, Uists, Mull 2 weeks of wildlife JOY !

 

[GerryD]

Going to be a lot of us up in the Hebrides end of May

Myself and 2 mates, starting Saturday, Aviemore, Skye, Uists, Mull 2 weeks of wildlife JOY !

Looks like i'll miss you on the islands, and judging by your post you're in aviemore this weekend! So i'll miss you there as well. If you want any pointers for aviemore then drop me a pm and i'll help you out!

 

[Barrysprout]

So how was the trip? I've been looking forward to you posting some shots.
Reason being I have a trip booked for the end of July, so will be following advice for locations already given in your thread.

 

[GerryD]

Thanks for reminding to Barrysprout. Been upto my eye's since i got back.

1st of all thanks to everyone who posted here.

The islands of Lewis and Harris are simply stunning. The beaches are out of this world. I had a great time on the islands, unfortunately the light was very disappointing, only seeing the sun between 10 am and 6-7pm. I can see, with the right light, these islands would be magical.

If you get the time, all the beaches are worth a visit, although my personel favorite was a little beach call Dalmore.

Learned a lot about the island and it geography. The pace of life is sssslllloooowwww so don't expect to get any where to quicky. The roads will see to that, especially once you get south of Tarbert.

Here's one image of Garry Beach. I think is was the best of my landscape images from the trip.

With the light being flat a lot of the time, I did try some minatures, which once processed I'll post.

I'll be definately heading back to try and get some better light in the future.

Barry enjoy your trip as you are in for a very big treat.

 

[Barrysprout]

Superb shot! Thanks for posting so quickly.
If I can get 1 or 2 like that over the two weeks I am there I will be happy. To get 1 in 2 weeks will require upping my success rate.
I look forward to seeing more of your results.

 

[BarryDawsib]

What, like this?

Go on, rub it in