AROUND GALSON FARM GUESTHOUSE
Just a few suggestions but by no means everything on offer.
As you can see there are plenty of attractions on our doorstep but don't think that you are in any way limited to the north of the island, the whole of the Isle of Lewis, Bernera, Isle of Harris, and Scalpay is within driving distance. Did we mention Stornoway as well?
Take a day trip away to Stornoway, or visit the golden beaches on the Isle of Harris and still be back to witness the amazing sunset over the Atlantic - after dinner.
WALKS
A few of the loop walks around Ness. Maps with route descriptions are available courtesy of Galson Estate Trust. Pick yours up at Galson Farm Guesthouse or most shops exhibits in Ness.
Ballantrushal - Upper Shader/Lower Shader loop - 5.69km
Cross/Eoropie - 5.92km
Borgh/Borve Loop - 4.47km
Eoropie Loop - 4.47km
Galson Loop - 5.53km
PORT OF NESS
Port of Ness boasts a beautiful small harbour, stunning white sandy beach, galleries and cafes. It is from this little harbour that the Guga Hunters still make their annual trip to Sula Sgeir, a desolate island far out in the Atlantic. The harbour was constructed in the early 19th century. An enlargement was built in 1893, with a breakwater added the following year.
Ness is a stronghold for the Gaelic language and is still the mother tongue of most of the local people.
The boathouse at the harbour features in the Peter May novels, The Blackhouse and The Lewis Man.
BUTT OF LEWIS LIGHTHOUSE
Constructed of red brick and unpainted the lighthouse was built in 1862 by David and Thomas Stevenson. The Stevensons said that to use “common brick” here at The Butt of Lewis would not be feasible as it would not withstand the exposure to the sea. There are 168 steps to the top of the 37-metre high tower.
ST MOLUAG’S CHAPEL
It is thought that the chapel dates back to the 12th Century, however by the 19th Century the chapel building had deteriorated and was restored in 1912.
St Moluag was a 6th Century Irish Saint, a contemporary of St Columba. For anyone following the St Columba trail, St Moluags chapel is a must along with the Ui Church in Point and Rodel Church Harris.
Further Information
Undiscovered Scotland
Wikipedia: Teampull Mholuaidh
Wikipedia: Saint Moluag
SPORTNIS
Spòrsnis, features a large multi-purpose hall, fitness suite and sauna, soft-play area and community learning and resource areas. It also boasts the only 10-pin bowling alley in the Western Isles.
The facility currently operates 6 days a week from 9.00am to 10.00pm.
LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
Check out a list of flora and fauna and bird sightings at Loch Stiapabhat.
Loch Stiapabhat
EOROPIE PLAY PARK
Great outdoor playpark and a favourite place for all island kids. Beach close by to take a stroll and watch wading birds.
Eoropie Play Park
DÙN ÈISTEAN
This tiny island accessible via the bridge at Knockaird is traditionally known as the stronghold of the Clan Morrison.
MUSEUM - ANCESTRY
Comunn Eachdraidh Nis ~ Ness Historical Society houses an enormous archive of photos, film, documents and interesting artefacts, it is also an excellent start for those wishing to trace their ancestry
CLACH AN TRUSHAL
Clach an Trushal at Ballantrushal is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland and a few minutes drive from Galson Farm.
GALSON ESTATE TRUST
Galson Estate Trust (Tha Oighreachd Ghabhsainn) is a community-owned estate.
The Galson area's way of life is about the intricate interaction between a crofting lifestyle, a panoramic landscape and a diverse natural environment. The area boasts fantastic coastal scenery and white sands; large Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas; a variety of flora and fauna including golden eagles, fulmars and gannets; excellent sea and freshwater fishing; and, most importantly, a kindly, 'down-to-earth' community that works together to bring about a better future for themselves and future generations.
The Galson area maintains strong links with the international Gaelic community and is at the forefront of progressing Gaelic culture and arts.
The Galson area incorporates over 56,000 acres of North West Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides.