Lewis and Harris
Welcome to Lewis and Harris, a Temperate island in the Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland, part of the majestic Atlantic Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Lewis and Harris unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Lewis and Harris
Size: 2172 km²
Coastline: 891 km
Ocean: Atlantic Ocean
Sea: Inner Seas off the West Coast of Scotland
Continent: Europe
Lewis and Harris is a Very Large Island spanning 2172 km² with a coastline of 891 km.
Archipel: Outer Hebrides – A chain of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland, known for their rugged beauty, Gaelic culture, and traditional way of life.
Tectonic Plate: Eurasia – One of the world’s largest tectonic plates, the Eurasian Plate covers a significant portion of Europe and Asia. It’s characterized by diverse geological features, including the Ural Mountains, the European Plain, and the Himalayas formed from its collision with the Indian Plate.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 58.13289381 / Longitude: -6.65850962
Climate and weather of Lewis and Harris
Climate Zone: Temperate
Climate Details: Temperate Oceanic Climate
Temperature: Warm Summer
Climate Characteristics: Known for its moderate year-round temperatures with ample rainfall and no dry season. Warm summers are characteristic.
Topography and nature of Lewis and Harris
Timezone: UTC±00:00
Timezone places: Europe/London
Max. Elevation: 658 m
Mean Elevation: 99 m
Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
Tree Coverage: 23%
The mean elevation is 99 m. The highest elevation on the island reaches approximately 658 meters above sea level. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Agricultural Mosaic
A mix of cropland and natural vegetation, often seen in rural landscapes where agricultural fields are interspersed with patches of natural habitats. Lewis and Harris has a tree cover of 23 %.
Vegetation: 12 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Lewis and Harris
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
Lewis and Harris has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: Stornoway Airport.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Lewis and Harris is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: TARBERT.
The mean population of Lewis and Harris is 10 per km². Lewis and Harris is Gently Populated. The island belongs to United Kingdom.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: بريطانيا العظمى; German: Großbritannien; Spanish: Gran Bretaña; French: Grande-Bretagne; Portuguese: Grã-Bretanha; Russian: Великобритания; Chinese: 大不列顛島
Continuing your journey, Great Bernera is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
SHOCKED by Scotland (it's beautiful!) | Best things to do in Lewis and Harris Island
United Kingdom is classified as Developed region: G7: Group of Seven – Major advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The level of income is High income: OECD.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Lewis and Harris
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Lewis and Harris. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
Social Media Posts about Lewis and Harris
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.