Friday 16 May: Lewis

 Another glorious swim before breakfast. This really is an idyllic spot. We set off in good time retracing our steps through the rugged terrain and lochens of Uig to the main road. We visit the Calenish stones, an impressive circular formation of pointed standing stones dating from 4000 BC. Then on to Don Carloway Broch a magnificent Iron Age fort perched on a mound overlooking the surrounding terrain. We have to crouch to get through the door and passageway. Then to Black House village and museum where we visit replicas of the original thatched Croft black houses, learn about the history and watch interesting videos on peat cutting and the weaving of Harris Tweed. We have a coffee and a roll in the cafe before walking around the headland to see dramatic views of stone stacks, cliffs and the Flannan Isle Lighthouse in the far distance. Our campsite is at Siabost and we relax a bit in the extraordinary sunshine. We cycle 1.2 miles to the local fish and chip shop which proves to be unusual in many ways: it claims to be the smallest fish and chip shop in Scotland, it’s housed in a shed decorated with rainbow colours and run by all female staff, the chef is Rachel with pronouns she/ her and…. It has no fish! We order battered chicken and take it to the local beach. It’s actually delicious and tastes almost like fish! Back to base for our last night on the Outer Hebrides. 











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