Lewis is the northern part of the twin island of Harris and Lewis, a single landmass with two names. The division line runs between Loch Resort/ Reasort on the west coast and Loch Seaoforth/ Shiphoirt on the east coast. Most of the higher ground on the island is to the south of this line, but there are some mountains on the Lewis half of the island.
Lewis attracted the attention of Lord Levehume, who had great plans for the island. One of them was to build a road up the east coast north of Stornoway. The road got about half way up, and is known for the 'Bridge to Nowhere'.
The island is covered with prehistorical monuments. Near Calanais, on the west coast, are the Calanais Stones, centred on a stone circle.
A little further north along the coast is an impressive Broch at Dun Caroloway (or Dun Charlabhaigh). There is also a visitor centre explaining what we know about these mysterious monuments.
The Gearannan Blackhouse Village (near Carloway on the west coast) is a reminder of the type of housing that was once common in the Islands. This village was inhabited into the 1970s, and the houses have been restored, giving a view of a way of life that only recently disappeared.
The Butt of Lewis is the northernmost point on the island, and is the site of a lighthouse that can be reached along a lovely coastal walk.