Generally not included in the descriptions of sailing in the Outer Hebrides, the area north of Stornoway is, as a result, a particularly quiet cruising area.
There are several small council fishery piers at Bayble, Portnaguran, Brevig, and Skigersta with a community pier at Ness, with slipways at all but Bayble.
The island’s most northern point is the Butt of Lewis, which is considered to be more dangerous to round than Cape Wrath.
NORTH LEWIS MARITIME HERITAGE
This northern area of Lewis, the parish of Ness, has a highly respected Hebridean maritime heritage, presumably gained from the resilience and skills associated with fishing in these, at times, unforgiving seas.
The tradition of carrying the menfolk into their boats from the beach through the waist deep surf (to avoid them having to spend the full one or two-day fishing trip in wet clothes) suggests the women were equally resilient.
During the tragic sinking of the HMS Iolaire in 1919, it was a Ness boat builder called John F. Macleod who saved many lives by managing to take a line to shore.
SGOTH NISEACH
Ness is known for its local design of clinker built skiff, with a dipping lug sail. The last original working sgoth niseach is the Jubilee, restored most recently in 2005 and maintained currently by Falmadair -the Ness Maritime Society, responsible for promoting the maritime heritage of northern Lewis.
Jubilee was the last sail powered vessel to have made the 80 mile round trip to Sula Sgeir rock for the traditional Guga hunt
During the Heb Celt festival week each summer there are often opportunities to sail off Lewis in both Jubilee and An Sulaire - the only full size sgoth niseach remaining.
NORTH LEWIS - LAND, BEACHES AND WALKS
Ness is part of the Galson Estate, community owned by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) and managed by 10 local trustees elected by the community since 2007
The beach of Traigh Mhor near Tolsta Head is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches on the east side of Lewis and there is a heritage trail along the rough moorland leading from the end of the road beyond Tolsta up to the Port of Ness.
WILDLIFE
When sailing north of Lewis look out for the local population of seals, dolphins can also often be seen in the area. The Broadbay area is particularly known for its birdlife and was featured in the recent BBC TV wildlife series Hebrides: Islands on the Edge, narrated by Ewan McGregor.
