One of the things Murray Macleod, who owns Sea Trek, provides is boat trips in their RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat). These are run on the Atlantic coast from Uig which has stunning cliffs, golden beaches and beautiful islands. Much of these can only be seen and explored from the sea. You could see seals, dolphins, basking sharks and you will defiantly see many types of sea birds. These trips run from Uigean jetty most days except Sundays, for more information visit Sea Trek.
Sea Trek and Adventure Hebrides now offer an Adventure Day; this is a wildlife boat trip with Murray and a sea kayaking exploration with Adventure Hebrides and lunch is included in the cost. For details contact Murray
Murray is now offering with Adventure Hebrides and Lews Castle College Royal Yachting, Association Power Boat courses, from basic to advanced courses. Visit his web site
Sea Trek also provides for expeditions and a commercial service. Murray is used by climbers to access the outlying islands for climbing.
Stornoway Angling Association
On the Island of Lewis we are lucky to have literally hundreds of lochs in which to pursue this pastime. If you are looking for great scenery and wildlife to go along with your fishing then here may be the place for you. The fishing is generally free of charge but be sure to check locally first.
Visitors to the island are recommended to obtain a copy of Norman MacLeod's book Trout Fishing in Lewis which is available in local shops. The book gives up to date advice on Trout fishing on many of the lochs in the island along with details on how to get to them and tactics to adopt.
Wet fly is the order of the day using slow sinking lines, or when conditions are warm enough, floating lines. Teams of two or three flies are used, usually size 8 to 12. Popular local flies include Black Pennel, Grouse and Claret, Claret Bumble, Teal Blue and Silver, Blue and Black Zulu's, to name but a few. But the list really is endless and there is no reason not to try your own favorite.
A local Angling Association member not so long ago famously won a competition using a Pink Cherise Baby Doll out of desperation when all else seemed to be failing. So you never know!
The season opens on 15 March and closes on 6 October, the best months are May through to the end of June and the first half of September, although the bait fisher and the persistent fly fisherman will catch trout throughout the season. Don't expect monster Trout, the native fish is wild and will probably average slightly more than half a pound. You may catch bigger but rest assured the clean hard fighting half pounders are very good sport and with pink flesh make lovely eating.
The Stornoway Angling Association has ten lochs available to the visitor, which are all located within six miles of Stornoway and are no more than ten minutes walk from the road.
Lochs with Grid references:
Loch Breucagh 376 300 Loch Beag na Croibhe 376294 Loch Aridh nan Gleann 398 305 Loch Leinescal 365 295 Loch Aridh Riabhach 377 307 Loch Vatandip 355 336 Loch nan Eilean 332 305 Loch a Bhuna 400 342 Loch Thota Bridien 335 275
The Association has boats on Loch Breucagh and on Loch Thota Bridien, which are available to visiting anglers who take out Associate Membership of the Association for £20. Life jackets are available free of charge except for a deposit of £5.
Further details can be obtained by visiting SPORTSWORLD on Francis Street in Stornoway or by contacting Malcolm Crate (Secretary) on +44 1851 870 890 or e-mail
. Guided fishing trips are available through SPORTSWORLD as well as all your tackle needs and free advice. Telephone +44 1851 705464 or fax +44 1851 702037, and ask for Donnie. We hope you will come and try the fishing for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
Tennis
Play Tennis on one of the most remote and romantic courts in the world, overlooking the Atlantic and at the foot of the Harris Hills with a top class artificial grass surface and a cosy wooden pavilion (in case it rains!). Racquets and balls are available for hire and coaching can be arranged. Mike Briggs is a qualified LTA Part II coach and can help you develop your game to advanced club standard. He can even find you a playing partner if you fancy a game and don't have anyone to play with.
Yoga
Yoga in the wide-open tranquillity of the Outer Hebrides! Peace, quiet and harmony with the stunning natural environment surrounding you. Here you can really concentrate on your asanas, your inner self and your place in the whole scheme of things. Mike Briggs is registered with the British Wheel of Yoga and runs regular Iyengar yoga classes in Harris and Lewis. Individual tuition and yoga holidays can also be arranged.
Grimersta Salmon Fishing
The world famous Grimersta system of Lochs and rivers offer some of the world's best fly fishing for salmon. The Grimersta Estate manages Loch Langavat, which is the largest fresh water loch on the island. They have an experienced team of gillies and in certain weather conditions the fish can shoal making for very exciting fishing conditions!
This is one of Europe's toughest adventure races. The competitors have to travel from Barra to the Butt of Lewis. They have to use kayaks, bikes, swim and run through some of the toughest terrain Scotland can throw at them, mountains, sea lochs and peat bogs!
If you think you could finish this or you would like to know more visit The Hebridean Challenge.
An Lanntair
The An Lanntair Arts Centre, based in the town centre of Stornoway the art centre not only provide exhibitions of art but provide programme of music and theatre. It is worth a visit to their site to see who is performing or exhibiting as there are often surprising names on the programme.
It is a new purpose built arts centre in the middle of Stornoway
Island Cruising
Island Cruising on the MV Cuma with Murdo Macdonald is your opportunity to travel to the outlying islands, Murdo runs trips to St Kilda, the Flannin Isles and the Monarchs. The boat is a converted research vessel and has 12 comfortable berths. Visit Murdo's site for more information.
Scenic Cruises
The chance to take a cruise along the east coast of Harris with Hamish Taylor on the MV Lady Catherine.
Hamish provides mini cruises for groups or families of up to six.
Paint Ball
There is now a chance for you to experience this exciting sport at the Hebridean Paintball Fields if you want more details click on the logo above to visit their web site or e-mail Joe Engebretsen
Go Karting
The Lewis Karting Centre have a 560m long track. The track has many changes in gradient blind turns an over taking opportunities abound. The fleet of karts comprises 200cc Honda Prokarts and 160cc Honda karts for the 8-12s. There is a 390cc raced tuned 2 seater 'Thunderkart' to enable less able motorsport enthusiasts to be driven round by one of the Centres experts. For more information visit their web site or call 01851 700 222