The property
Am Blàr Beag (The Small Moorpark) is a traditional stone built bungalow, dating to the 1950's, in a small community with shops, art galleries, post office, pub, cafe and restaurant all within a couple of miles.
Also, close by are the superb beaches of Port of Ness and Eoropie, the latter with a fabulous 4 acre playpark and picnic site in the dunes.
This north-west corner of the Isle of Lewis could not be more well provided for whatever your interests. With a Nature Reserve (Loch Stiapabhat), which is an SSSI and particularly spectacular in Spring and Autumn, with visiting wildfowl and waders including Whooper Swans, Teal, Wigeon, Golden Plover, Pink-footed Goose, Dunlin, Redshank and Lapwing and in summer the elusive Corncrake, bird watchers will be well rewarded.
Artists and photographers are drawn to this area for the contrasts between the dramatic cliffs at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse and the fabulous beaches, to the vastness of the peat moors which continually change their mood from tranquil calmness in a warm setting sun to an otherworldliness in a descending mist.
We recommend reading The Dark Stuff by Donald S Murray, recalling his childhood on the moorland of Lewis. He visits peatlands from Ireland to Australia, examines the role of peat in folklore and the ancient bodies preserved in it, and explains the environmental threats faced to peat landscapes and their importance to climate change.
For those interested in the traditional crofting life of the islands, a way of life which has a fascinating but sometimes turbulent history, the owners are always willing, depending on the time of year, to involve you in the crofting activities at the time, especially wonderful during lambing but equally fascinating at harvest time. Follow the crofting calendar on the Am Blàr Beag website www.amblarbeag.co.uk
The cottage has been tastefully refurbished and is a comfortable and economical holiday house for a family, with easy access to facilities and beach. Also, it is perfectly possible to explore all the Isle of Lewis and even Harris for those happy to drive and both islands have their own gems to discover, but probably most known for the fabulous world class beaches which form necklaces around the coastline. It is not for no good reason that the Hebrides are referred to as 'jewels' - they truly are.
Stornoway is the main town of the island and has a growing number of excellent restaurants, arts centre and theatre and many local shops for a wide variety of fresh food and delicatessen produce. There are two large supermarkets - Tesco and the Coop but there are local stores including Swainbost store and fuel station and a local store at Cross where the famous Cross black pudding can be bought!
The islands can be reached by flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness; or by ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert, or Ullapool to Stornoway. License number: ES-00010-P
About the location
NESS, ISLE OF LEWIS
Stornoway 25 miles
Ness is the most northerly village on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It is known as a bustling fishing village and has a popular beach and sand dunes with magnificent views. As well as its infamous outdoor adventure area Eoropie Dunes Playpark located on the western shore, it also has a picturesque harbour and a fun leisure attraction, Sports Ness. Additional attractions include Ness Historical Centre which offers a fascinating insight into local history and culture. The nearby Butt of Lewis is a brilliant vantage point for views over the sea towards nearby uninhabited islands and the Stevenson lighthouse is a great photo opportunity. In and around Ness there are lots of delicious options for eating and drinking including Commun Eachdraidh Nis, The Cross Inn, Gearrannan Blackhouse Village café and Doune Braes Hotel. There are also convenience shops Maclean Mair Nicolson & Co and Cross Stores ideal for stocking up on essentials and local produce. Within easy reach of Ness are the Callanish Standing Stones and Visitor Centre, well worth a visit while you are in the area.
Note: Though electricity is included in the rent, electric for charging cars is not included in the rental. Note: Please bear in mind that this property is located on an island and therefore only accessible by plane or ferry
