Walk: Lews Castle grounds – Hebridean oasis

📌 Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
★★★

🛠️ Section of route passing Matheson Memorial is closed, with an easy diversion around the back (inland side) (checked September 2025)

The grounds of Lews Castle cover 270 hectares, providing a lush oasis of coastal woodland on the outskirts of Stornoway which is unrivalled on Lewis. The grounds were originally laid out in 1850 by the merchant James Matheson (you can visit his memorial, commissioned by his wife), who built the castle at the park’s centre; the grounds are now under community ownership. Exploring the landscape along with the castle and museum makes for an enjoyable, easygoing half day, with a cafe at the castle if you need refreshment. The views of Stornoway from the coastal stretch of the walk – and also from the summit of Cnoc na Croich – are exceptional on a clear day, but watch out for mountain bikers on the route up.

📷 Chronological photo guide

🌍 Location

📌 Start / finish at Àird nan Laogh, Lews Castle grounds, 0.5 mi northwest of Stornoway town centre, Lewis. Alternative start at Lews Castle

🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NB 419328

🛰️ GPS coordinates: 58.208351,-6.395260

🚌 Bus stops on A857 at Lews Castle turnoff (join route at Lews Castle) | 🚢 Ferry to Stornoway (0.5 mi – join route at Lews Castle)

🚗 Car park

📝 Key info

▶ 5 km / 3 mi | ▲ 190 m | ⌛ 1.5 hr

Features: 🌊 Lews Castle grounds & coastline; △ Cnoc na Croich (66 m); ✞ Matheson memorial; 🏰 Lews Castle & Museum nan Eilean ★★★

⬤ Easy | Clear tracks (tarmac and dirt) and paths. Ascent to Cnoc na Croich shares a mountain bike trail.

➡️ Clockwise circuit: start – Bàgh Beag – track junction near Eilean Grìoda – Cnoc na Croich – track junction to west – Matheson memorial – Lews Castle & Museum nan Eilean – descent to coast – start

Download file for GPS

🥾 On our last visit

Wildlife: Small birds, seagulls, rabbits. A hedgehog elsewhere in the grounds on a more recent visit.

Weather: Sunny with temperature in mid teens, gentle cooling breeze.

May 2018