Cradhlastadh self catering cottage, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Cradhlastadh
Uig
Isle of Lewis

Sleeping 5

On the far west coast of the island of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides stands the little crofting village of Crowlista near Uig. Cradhlastadh, a very attractive larch-clad house of original design, is situated above the shore and looks out to the Flannan Isles* (occasionally visible on a clear day) and distant America.

From the large picture windows there are magnificent views over the normally empty sandy bay to the hills on the other side. Here are the Hebrides at their most spectacular. The private garden (furniture) is protected from sheep by a fence and from there you can enjoy a short stroll across the machair to the sea-shore.

Inside, the architect’s stamp is apparent in the design, charm and quality of the house, with a tremendous feeling of light and space. The ground floor is covered throughout in light oak flooring. The living room has a multi-fuel stove, the kitchen is well equipped and there are two bedrooms, one double with shower ensuite and the other a single with bathroom opposite. Upstairs tables, chairs and books are set out in a delightful gallery and there is another double bedroom also with ensuite shower. The gallery is perfect for a quiet read if you’re looking for a rest from children and the TV.

Lewis is the biggest island and has the highest population of the sparsely inhabited Outer Hebrides. The prehistoric Standing Stones at Callanish are and Charlabhaigh Broch are perhaps its most famous attractions. The extensive Uig sands – where the cottage stands – are well known for their beauty out of all of Lewis’s golden beaches. The 12th century Viking chesspieces, known today as the Lewis Chessmen and reproduced as gifts world-wide, were originally discovered by a cow(!) across the bay in Ardroil. Although the original pieces are in Edinburgh you can view replicas in the Uig Heritage Centre.

Boat trips along the coast are available from Uig. The community of Timsgarry has a well-stocked general store. There are good restaurants at Aird and Loch Croishean but do check on opening times as they vary depending on the time of year.

Stornoway (all facilities), the capital of Lewis, is 33 miles from Cradhlastadh. Flights from Edinburgh/Inverness/Glasgow land here as does the ferry from Ullapool. Alternatively, there is a ferry from Uig on Skye (Uig is the Gealic word for ‘bay’) across to Tarbert (57miles).

Heating by total control night store heating, a starter pack of fuel, bed linen and towels are included. Sorry, no pets.

*If you look up Flannan Isle on the internet you will see that it was a poem written by Wilfred Gibson and based on a real event. It has even been used by such luminaries as Doctor Who, Souxsie, Genesis and Peter Maxwell Davis.