The Outer Hebrides are an archipelago of islands on the west coast of Scotland. Located in the path of the Gulf Stream, the warm, turquoise, unpolluted waters of the Atlantic give way to the Isle of Lewis’ 300+ beaches of beautifully clean, white sand, many rarely visited by people.

The islands tend to enjoy warm summers and, due to its northerly latitude, in summer it barely gets dark so evening and night sessions are possible. Go over the summer solstice and you'll have no excuse not to surf! In the absence of the continental shelf which drains the power from Cornwall’s waves, the islands pick up any Atlantic swell going and offer some of the best summer surfing in Europe with reef, point and beach breaks aplenty and nearly always somewhere with offshore winds. Winter here is not as cold as you might think with very little snowfall at all. Furthermore, the water temperature is around 9 degrees Celsius at worst so not as cold as the east coast for example. However, hardcore & very experienced surfers will make the most of this time of year when huge waves pound the island's shores.

A perfect place to stay when exploring the huge surf potential of this island is Galson Farm. This fully restored and modernised 18th century farmhouse is situated on an 18 acre working croft occupying a priveliged postition on the west coast of Lewis overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. As well as a B&B, there is a newly opened bunkhouse which has one dormitory with eight bunks, two shower rooms & a fully equipped kitchen/dining room perfect for groups wanting to stretch their budget on a surf trip.

Lewis Surf Trek also operates on the island, exceeding the expectations of surfers with a fully self contained expedition vehicle with accommodation to rival any backpackers. Run by an experienced local surfer, Lewis Surf Trek caters for all levels of surfers from complete beginners to advanced surfers and there a variety of trips to choose from including half day lessons to five day surfaris. Capable of getting to the remotest of spots, Mark acts as your driver and guide to this amazing island. As well as an acclaimed photographer, Mark can also provide tuition making it ideal for groups with surfers of mixed ability.

For more information, visit www.surfshacks.co.uk