Location

Hamanavay is situated on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles, Scotland. The House is in a vast wilderness and overlooks an otherwise uninhabited sea-loch. The rugged hills and ever-changing sea views soak away the stresses and strains of everyday life.

There are some of the most dramatic hill and seascape views in the Hebrides. While not high by mainland standards the hills rise sharply and directly from the sea. The ground is unyielding and flecked with exposed granite and interlinking pockets of water. The hill changes colour from vivid lush green in May to purple in August and to oranges and browns by late September.

Walking on the hill is the best way to experience the views and take in the wildlife. Simon Hunt is on hand to accompany you and provide insight and help as required.

FERRIES AND FLIGHTS

Stornoway is the ferry port and airport of the Isle of Lewis. Ferries from the Scottish mainland at Ullapool to Stornoway can be booked through Caledonian MacBrayne telephone 0800 066 5000 or visit www.calmac.co.uk. You can also travel by ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris.

British Airways fly to Stornoway via Glasgow or Inverness (www.ba.com) and Flybe have flights to Stornoway via Glasgow, Inverness or Edinburgh (www.flybe.com). The flight time is about one hour.

DIRECTIONS TO HAMANAVAY

FROM THE FERRY TERMINAL

Turn left out of the ferry terminal onto Shell Street. At the roundabout go left first exit (S Beach Road) and follow the road around the waterfront. The road turns into Castle Street and you will see a sign to Garynahine (A858). Follow the road round past the Royal Hotel with boats on your left. After about 3/4 of a mile you will come to a roundabout. Go straight ahead first exit. Go straight ahead to the next roundabout and go left first exit signed A859 AnTairbeart (then follow from Stornoway).

FROM THE AIRPORT

Turn right out of the airport and follow the road for two miles. You will see a small blue sign to your left saying Baptist Church 400yds. Go RIGHT here. After half a mile turn left at the T-junction. Follow the road for 3/4 of a mile and go straight ahead at the roundabout signed A859 AnTairbeart (then follow from Stornoway).

FROM STORNOWAY

Follow the road towards Tairbeart for about six miles until you come to a right hand turn signed Gearraidhna h-Aibhne, Uig, Bearnaraigh. Take this turn and follow the road (the A858) for eight miles. At Gearraidhna h-Aibhne go left (B8011) signed Timsgearraih. Follow this road for 16 miles and go through Glen Bhaltos (a two-mile long V-shaped valley). Follow the road for another 4 miles. You will pass the Timsgarry filling station on your left. You will then reach EadarDhaFhadail (Ardroil). Go up the hill and round the corner. Simon Hunt’s house is number 10 Ardroil and you will need to make arrangement with him in advance for picking up a gate key. Once you have your key keep going through Ardroilfor another two miles and you will come down a hill to a bridge over a sea pool and a distillery on your left. Bear left up the hill and follow the road for another 100 yards or past a quarry on the left. The track to Hamanavay is the first left after the quarry.

VEHICLES

A four-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance is needed to drive the 40 minute track to Hamanavay House. If guests are unable to bring a 4x4 Simon Hunt, the Estate Factor, will be happy to help hire one for you. 4x4 vehicles are available from Mackinnon Self Drive 01851 702 984 or Stornoway Car Hire 01851 702 658.

Hamanavay House acts as the perfect base camp from which to visit St Kilda. Guests can be picked up directly from Hamanavay sea-loch or from Miavaig pier by SeaTrek. Enquire at www.seatrek.co.uk.

Simon has the use of the estate landrover which can carry Simon and up to 4 passengers.

GOOGLE EARTH FLY-OVERS

Getting to Hamanavay House - click here

Tour the hills and Islands - click here

KIT

Waterproofs, good binoculars, walking boots, walking sticks, books, camera and waterproof case, hat, warm clothes for the sea.

SIMON HUNT

The Estate Factor, Simon Hunt is very experienced having first started working here in 1986. He lives at 10 Ardroil and can be contacted on 01851 672 421, or via email to help with all enquiries.

USEFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

Simon Hunt: 01851 672 421

Timsgarry Shop: 01851 672 444

Murray MacLeod/Sea Trek: 01851 672 464 www.seatrek.co.uk

Coastguard Emergency: 01851 702 014

Doctor’s Surgery: 01851 672 283

Hospital: 01851 704 704