Laxay Isle of Lewis
Surrounded by open moorland, rolling hills and wide Hebridean skies, Laxay is a small crofting village in the Lochs district of the Isle of Lewis. Quiet and rural, it offers a peaceful place to experience everyday island life in the Outer Hebrides.
Life here moves at a gentler pace. Traditional croft houses nestle among the hills, and the landscape is constantly transformed by the changing weather and light. Whether you arrive on a bright summer evening or a misty autumn morning, Laxay retains a peaceful, timeless character that feels a world away from the pressures of modern life.
A Peaceful Location for Exploring Lewis and Harris
Laxay is well placed for exploring both Lewis and Harris while still offering the quiet atmosphere of a traditional island village. Stornoway is around 20 minutes away by car, with shops, cafés, ferry connections and attractions including Lews Castle and An Lanntair.
Travelling south from the village takes you through the Kinloch area towards Harris where mountain landscapes, white sand beaches and coastal roads create some of the most memorable scenery in the Hebrides.
Laxay is also close to the Pairc area of South Lochs, known for its rugged hills, remote landscapes and strong crofting heritage. The nearby villages and coastline offer a quieter side of Lewis, with plenty of opportunities for walking, photography and wildlife spotting.
The Landscape Around Laxay
The landscape around Laxay is shaped by peat moorland, rocky hills and freshwater lochs, with views towards Loch Erisort and the surrounding hills beyond. The wider Lochs area is known for its open scenery and sense of space, where changing weather and shifting light constantly transform the landscape.
This part of Lewis remains peaceful and uncrowded throughout much of the year, making it ideal for walking, photography, wildlife watching and simply slowing down to enjoy the surroundings.
Crofting and Island Life
Crofting has shaped the communities and landscapes of Lewis for generations, and Laxay still retains that close connection to traditional island life. Small crofts, grazing land and peat banks remain part of the local scenery, alongside a strong Gaelic heritage that continues throughout the islands.
Visitors often find that it is the quieter moments they remember most — the fresh Atlantic air, the silence of the hills, the changing skies and the feeling of being close to nature.
Visit Outer Hebrides Video
Video courtesy of Fish n Trips
Wildlife and Visitors
Summer and winter migratory birds flock to the islands, wildlife is in abundance including, Red Deer, Otters, Golden and Sea Eagles, it’s little wonder photographers think they’ve arrived in a part of paradise.
If you are interested in taking a walk on the Wildside to spot Sea Eagles then visit Ravenspoint Visitor Centre just a few miles from Meadowcroft Cottage and enjoy the Bird of Prey Trail. Ravenspoint also hosts a cafe, shop, and museum. If you rather do your wildlife spotting in comfort you can look out for the Eagles whilst in the cáfe.
You can see Humpback, Minke and Pilot Whales, a variety of Dolphins, Basking Sharks and even Sunfish in the waters around Lewis. Although not guaranteed you could get up close and personal on a boat charter, there are several choices available departing from Stornoway, Tarbert and Uig. For more information on Sea Safari and activities for all the family, check out our Hebridean Adventures page.
Getting Around
A car is recommended for exploring Lewis and Harris, allowing you to travel at your own pace and enjoy the quieter roads and remote landscapes along the way. Laxay is conveniently located for day trips across both islands, whether you are visiting the beaches of Harris, the historic sites of Lewis or simply exploring the scenic roads through the Outer Hebrides.
For further information on Lochs take a look at the links below.
Hebridean Connections
Islands Book Trust