Dunmorag Cottage
Leverburgh
South Harris

Sleeping 2 (4)

As greater numbers of visitors 'discover' greater parts of Scotland, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find areas of great beauty which are still peaceful and untouched. Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides could be considered the last outpost as they are the only islands (apart from solitary St Kilda) between mainland Britain and the east coast of America. Thanks, however, to a 50% reduction in ferry fares recently, this outpost is now easily accessible.

Dunmorag Cottage is set in Leverburgh, a crofting village on the south coast of Harris looking over Loch Ob (otters may be seen here) and the Sound of Harris. It is a typical, little, whitewashed house, standing on its own with many other similar cottages scattered about the hills in this extended community.

The cottage is bright and full of sun. Double glazing, electric heaters and a welcoming open fire in the cosy sitting room guarantee a comfortable base in all weathers. This is an ideal romantic retreat for couples but there is also a studio annex with a double bed for additional guests (charge). Outside, a decking area (furniture) has been built by the owners to connect the cottage to the annex and this is a great spot for sitting out to enjoy an evening drink.

Harris is a superb place for walking and you will not find here the climbers who come in droves to the Cuillins and Munros. The walks are both low and high level, plenty of them, either up or through the mountains. Not far up the road from the cottage, at Northton (Taobh Tuath), and lying at the foot of the round-topped hill of Chaipabhal there is an amazing golden beach, often completely empty. In the summer you can enjoy guided walks over the machair, the wonderful, salt-enriched coastal grasslands of the Outer Hebrides which, in summer, are completely covered with wild flowers. Geologists will be interested in the rocks of Harris, made of Lewis gneiss and created some 3000 million years ago. As such, they are some of the oldest rocks in the world.

If you fancy a boat trip you can take the ferry from nearby Leverburgh harbour across to North Uist through one of the most convoluted passages in Scotland. The trip lasts 60 minutes and provides a unique opportunity to observe seals, dolphins, birds and even catch a glimpse of the occasional whale. At Scarista (5m) there is a 9-hole golf course laid out alongside the sea shore and 25 miles away at Bunabhainneader there is a tennis court, also beside the sea. Tarbert(18m) now has a lovely new indoor swimming pool complete with spa pool and sauna. Mountain bikes are for hire locally and loch and sea fishing are available here too. To sum up, this is a delightful area for touring, walking or generally unwinding according to your inclination.

You will find shops and cafes in Leverburgh and three good restaurants, all within a 4 mile radius, one of them very close to the harbour. If you wish to have a long-lasting souvenir of the island why not buy some real Harris Tweed, the manufacture of which is still a healthy cottage industry on the island.

Bed linen and towels are included. Use of mountain bikes, golf sets, tennis racquets are included at clients' own risk. Heating is by electric CH (included), and open-fire. We regret no pets or smokers.

Accommodation (sleeps 2/4):

Single Storey:

• Sitting room with satellite TV (basic channels/DVD, CD player, open-fire and double bed settee.
• Kitchen with washer drier, microwave/oven (please note there is no conventional oven), electric hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher, electric cooker, etc
• Double bed room.
• Bathroom with (Spa) bath, shower, WC and basin.

Annex:

• Studio Annex with double bed and basic kitchen

Accommodation availability:

Dunmorag Cottage: