On the West Coast of Lewis, Loch Roag (Loch Rog) is a large sea loch, divided into East and West by the island of Great Bernera and other smaller islands. Its waters are very clear and home to salmon and mussel farms as well as being known for its hand dived scallops for sale in Miavaig.
LOCH ROAG FACILITIES AND ANCHORAGES
Within Loch Roag facilities and anchorages are spread between East and West. The piers and anchorages in the east have the best access to Callanish. The west gives good access to the beaches near Uig and Vhaltos.
Basic services near Loch Roag include local community shops and cafes; access to showers, diesel and water. There is a good bus service to Stornoway.
Recently a new pontoon opened at Kirikbost pier in Great Bernera. It is the only pontoon on the west coast of Lewis, giving great access to explore this beautiful coast.
ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITES AROUND LOCK ROAG
There are some stunning beaches near Loch Roag including Reef, Cliff, Mangersta and Uig (where the famous Lewis Chessmen were found) and day trips out to St Kilda and the Atlantic Coast are run from the pontoon at Miavaig.
The Loch Roag area has a rich archaeological heritage. A burial of a Viking woman has been found in the area, which corresponds with a local myth of a Viking princess and some of the earliest archeological evidence of people living on the Outer Hebrides can be seen in this area. Crews sailing into Loch Roag may choose to visit Dun Carloway broch with its evidence of Beaker peoples or the nearby Uig Heritage Centre. Alternatively the Bosta Iron Age House offers an interesting day out near Loch Roag.
Other attractions near Loch Roag include the Bernera Museum; and the Isle of Lewis’s famous Callanish Standing Stones (which provided inspiration to the animators behind the award winning Disney movie Brave)
Whisky fans might like to visit the Abhainn Dearg distillery at Carnish in Uig, no one of four distilleries in the Western Isles.
LOCH ROAG WILDLIFE
Wildlife around Loch Roag includes red deer, sea eagles, herons, seals and otters. Wildflowers such as the yellow flag iris, purple orchids and sea rocket can also be seen throughout the area.
