About
Experience one of Stornoway’s most beautiful coastal routes on the Sandwick Coastal Path from Stornoway to Iolaire Monument. This shoreline walk carries you from the town centre out towards Sandwick, passing quiet bays, rocky outcrops and sweeping sea views along the way.
The path leads to the Iolaire Monument, a powerful memorial overlooking the water. It marks the tragic loss of the HMY Iolaire in 1919, when over 200 island men returning from war drowned just yards from home - reaching it is a moving and poignant moment.
Part of the wider Point and Sandwick Trail, this 2.5‑mile linear route is easy to moderate on a well‑defined path, perfect for a gentle adventure or a reflective coastal stroll.
Download leaflet
Map & Directions
Route Waypoints
- From the Visitor Information Centre, turn right, cross the road at the lights and keep going right, past the town hall.
- Turn left at Sandwick Bay Candles, past An Lanntair and The Kitchen Shop.
- Cross the road walking straight on at the mini roundabout past Tesco Supermarket and keep going straight on along Newton street.
- Turn right on to Seaforth road.
- Turn left on to Millar road and carry on to the end of the road.
- Continue along the coastal path past the cemetery.
- Turn right along Lower Sandwick road and keep going until the end of the road.
- Follow the path until you get to the monument.
- Iolaire Monument
