The Scottish Outer Hebrides are a fantastic playground by boat. The many lochs and sandy beaches provide a natural stopover in beautiful surroundings. Just above the port of Stornoway, Broad Bay offers several golden beaches, to the delight of the few boaters who venture out.
Multiple mooring possibilities
Broad bay is a large bay located above Stornoway Harbour, on the island of Lewis in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. It is formed by the Eye Peninsula, attached to the Isle of Lewis by an isthmus. Widely open to the north-east, it offers several excellent anchorages depending on the wind direction.
Although Stornoway airport is located on the edge of the bay, in front of Melbost sands, the environment remains very quiet.
With a south wind
With a southerly wind, the beach located at Langa Sgeir Mhor, in front of the isthmus, is ideal. The sandy bottom offers excellent holding in strong winds and the available space allows to avoid without problems. The anchorage is in about seven meters of water.
The shoreline on the peninsula, below the ruined chapel and the old cemetery, is easily accessible by dinghy. A bus stop nearby connects to the town of Stornoway. In addition, there is a site with sorting containers, located after the new cemetery in the middle of the large beach, for the disposal of garbage.
With a light east wind, this anchorage is also possible.
With a west wind
With a westerly wind, it is preferable to anchor in front of Coll sands, located west of the bay on Lewis. The immense beach is magnificent.
If swell residues make it difficult to land a dinghy on the beach, it is possible to use the slipway of the small fishing harbor of Breivig. It is located north of Coll sands, halfway to Vatisker Point.
In addition, garbage cans are located near the small parking lots along the beach.
The bay offers many other mooring possibilities, and the boats are not crowded.
