Location - About Dalbeg

The croft is worked daily by Kenny with cows, sheep and, of course, the geese and ducks. In the summer there are crops in Dalbeg to make the winter keep. The croft surrounds the house, so don't be surprised to have a cow at the fence with its eye on the green lawn!

The beach is beautiful and sandy and is safe enough to paddle in, although swimming is not recommended due to the strong undercurrents. The Isle of Lewis boasts great fishing and there are numerous fishing lochs close by for any interested anglers, so it may be worth packing the rod.

You are welcome to explore the hills and moor land alike, there are no restrictions on walking through the land except we ask you to avoid any crop fields. Look out for the golden eagles and the sea eagles, buzzards, otters, and a whole host of other wildlife that have made Dalbeg their home too. You should also listen out for the corncrake which can be heard at various times throughout the year. Wellies/boots are always recommended around here if you wish to explore off the beaten track. If you are feeling adventurous, Kenny is always happy to take you with him on his daily crofting tasks, however this is all at your own risk!

As this is a working croft we do have animals that have to be tended to daily, so expect Kenny to be around and about most of the time. We have cattle, sheep (with lambs in spring), geese and ducks

The weather here in the Islands is generally improving. As the rest of the country seems to be suffering increasing rainfall we are benefiting from a decrease in rainfall. The weather here is very unpredictable and it is not uncommon to have 4 seasons in one day at any time of the year and the wind is our constant companion. The good summers are warm and dry, with long days. In the height of summer it stays light all the time and in winter we can experience wild weather but that makes our landscapes even more picturesque - especially the sea breakers!

The nearest shop to the cottage is a local shop in Bragar, about 5 miles north. There is another small shop and post office at Callanish, near the standing stones which is about 10 miles south where you can buy almost anything, or into Stornoway again for a couple of supermarkets and a few pubs and restaurants and garages for fuel. There are a few pubs and restaurants around the area, a good restaurant (BYO) in Gearrannan Blackhouse village and a hotel in Doune, Carloway mostly providing good local food and drink.

This is a family run croft owned and run by; Margaret & Kenny Paterson and Alex & Rachel Mackenzie. All of us hail from Lewis and have returned to our homeland after spells in other parts of Scotland.