Isle of Lewis

Do you dream of an island getaway? A place of solitude and tranquillity where you can look out over stunning sea views and forget the rest of the world exists? Liosbeag on the Isle of Lewis offers you all this and more! This appealing seaside cottage in the tiny village of Bhaltos, is situated on the west of the Isle of Lewis. It is just over thirty miles from the 'capital' of the isle, Stornoway (with all facilities) where the ferry crosses from Ullapool on the mainland and your island adventure begins. Despite its relatively remote location you won't have to 'rough it' - the standard modern conveniences are all provided at Liosbeag. A bright open plan lounge/kitchen/dining room runs almost the entire length of the ground floor, with the large windows framing views more beautiful than any picture. From the sitting area there is access to a decked veranda (with furniture), which is just perfect for al fresco eating or enjoying a few evening drinks as you watch the sun set over the North Atlantic, before cosying up in front of the wood-burning stove. The small utility room and the downstairs shower room at the entrance to the cottage are ideal for getting cleaned up after exploring the beaches, moors and small lochs of the island. Up the timber staircase in the eaves of the property is a good size twin bedroom and an open galleried double bedroom which also has those stunning sea views. You don't have to venture far from the doorstep, just 200 metres in fact, to reach the first of many sandy coves which are dotted along the island's edge. The magnificent Valtos beach with its mile long arc of white sands is just a short stroll away and if you fancy viewing the coast from a different angle there is boat hire just three miles from the cottage. Whether you take to the water or not, you will be unlikely not to come across some of the famed local wildlife. In this particular part of the island are several pairs of breeding golden eagles, various sea birds and sea otters as well as a herd of red deer. Just as captivating as the native nature of Lewis is the history of the isle. A little north of the cottage, at Callanish, stands a mysterious set of stones dating back over 5, 000 years and the iron age Dun Carloway Broch is also well worth a look. Notwithstanding its history, Lewis offers plenty of more contemporary pleasures. You can enjoy a light lunch, coffee and the notable home baking on offer at the Loch Croistean Coffee Shop or sample a more substantial meal made from island ingredients at the licenced restaurant Auberge Carnish, which overlooks the silvery Uig Sands. The 18 hole golf course in Stornoway provides a fun challenge while offering panoramic views of the harbour and the Minch. There is a swimming pool, squash court, a climbing wall and soft play for the younger generation at the capital's sports centre. The sports centre at Ness offers a fitness suite, sauna and even a ten pin bowling alley! Naturally, such a stunning isle has also attracted many artists to its inspirational surroundings, providing a whole host of unique shops where their talents are displayed and are available for you to buy and take home as a special reminder of this idyllic island and your time on its shores.