FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Isle Of Lewis & Inverness

Isle of Lewis was known as being one of the best spots for salmon and trout fishing, making for some very excited family members. Our first stop was the village of Port Ness as advised by one of the many locals that Grandpa chatted to. Unfortunately, the tide wasn't quite right and so much to Jonah's disappointment we couldn't fish as planned. He was easily cheered up with the news that we were going to the Butt of Lewis next, which was apparently an awesome name to a 10 year old... especially when we came across some sort of animal hole on the cliff top. The Butt of Lewis was the most northernly point of the island in the outer Hebrides. The dramatic cliffs were beautiful and there was a circular walk if you were interested. Be aware though that there are no barriers whatsoever which adds to the natural beauty so to be extra vigilant if you are walking with children to not let them get too close to the edge!

Lighthouse to help with the heavy swells and storms that often batter the area

Water calm today. We were very lucky not to encounter any wind which was suppose to be the norm

Happy seagulls!

We made a few stops on our drive to Stornoway. First up, the solitary obelisk at Truiseil standing at a massive 6 metres tall. Bigger than any of the stones at Calanais which we visited later, it was the only remnant of what was once an impressive stone circle. Apparently, through the centuries, many of the other stones were taken and used as building material.

We were fascinated to see a shieling, essentially small huts in remote lands. There were many shieling ruins throughout the Hebrides often in remote moorlands, previously used by crofters and their families. Here was one furnished to give visitors a glimpse of what it would have been like to live or shelter in one.

The Calanais standing stones were worth a visit, there were actually a few clusters of stones, make sure you go to the ones further up the hill too. Although much smaller than Stonehenge, it was more "atmospheric". Visitors are able to walk in and around the stones. This was great as a visitor but terrible as a photographer...

Truseil obelisk

A shieling. Yes, it was small!

Bed to the right

Fireplace to the left. That was it...

Highland cattle - same colour hair as Lara

Calanais standing stones. Actually more extensive...but I couldn't take photos with people in it!

As we had to squeeze in lunch before our ferry trip back to the mainland, we continued on to Stornoway. The last ferry was the biggest so far, and the nicest! We've been amazed at the number of cars that they've been able to fit onto the ferry and the comfort of the ferries themselves. Couldn't really complain. Once again, we were blessed with calm waters. Our 2.5 hour ferry crossing went by in a flash and before we knew it, we were off at Ullapool driving towards Inverness.

Townhouse 41 was our base for the next 2 nights. First impressions were good. It was ideally located on the river and an easy walk to the city centre. The townhouse was well appointed and well provisioned with lots of little extras which was nice. The bathrooms were new and clean. The owner thoughtfully provided some milk, fruit and jam for us to start with.