So today saw us head to the hight of civilisation. Travelling across a mountain range and onto a different island, albeit one with a very big land border, we arrived in the huge town of … Stornoway. Ok, so I am exaggerating here as Stornoway is a small town on the Isle of Lewis about fifty miles from where we are staying although, with the roads here, about an hour and a half’s drive. It is, however, the largest, in fact the only, town, on the Isle and home to Lews Castle as well as a Tescos, yes we are talking metropolis by island standards.
We headed to Lews Castle, which is part hotel, part cafe and part museum. The museum was not open today so we made the most of the cafe and had lunch there as it was around midday when we arrived. The food was really good and reasonably priced. I had a pulled pork panini and Lyns had a coronation chicken sandwich which were lovely, however, we both had food envy when a couple at the table next to us had their burger delivered!!
After lunch, with the weather holding up nicely, we headed off into the grounds for a walk. We only explored a very small area but it seemed lovely. It would be nice to go back with a little more time to explore more, however, today was not the day.
Family photo
We followed the path around until we came to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the harbour. We all took in the view, however James was more excited about climbing on the marble benches.
After taking in the view, we followed the path around to take in some more of the grounds. They are lovely and the view of the castle is very impressive. We found a house in the grounds that had giant wooden toadstools in the garden. We did not know whether it was a private house or not so we kept James away, otherwise we would have let him have a climb over them.
Shortly before Jess took James for a walk
Lews Castle
Faster Grandad
After the castle we headed into the town itself. To be honest, there is not a lot there other than a few tourist shops as well as a couple of super markets.
Please mummy, can we leave daddy here whilst we explore??? If only!
A tribute to Stornoway’s heritage
After we had finished in town we headed to Co-op to pick up a few bits for dinner. There is one place in Stornoway that everyone who visits should go to and that is Macleod & Macleod Butcher. This is the home of two of the finest things that money can buy, that is steak pies and Stornoway Black Pudding. If you like either of these, you cannot get better anywhere, the black pudding especially.
I picked up a pie for dinner and some black pudding, sausages and bacon for breakfast one morning. Mmm mmm mmm the pie was so tasty and it was devoured for dinner between us. Just a shame I had to share it!