LOCH STIAPABHAT Nature Reserve
Loch Stiapabhat is situated at the north of the Isle of Lewis,approximately 1
km from the Port of Ness. It was opened in October 2005 after many years
planning. Becoming the first nature reserve on the Isle of Lewis it is managed
by small committee called The Friends of Loch Stiapabhat.
MAPS OF LEWIS and NESS AROUND LOCH STIAPABHAT
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A hide has been built on the south side of the loch,it is approached off the B8013 through a small gate across the road from the entrance to the ( Sgoil Lionail ) Lionel School. Many varieties of birds can be seen on the loch and adjacent marsh land, some are all year residents, others arrive in the spring to breed and nest. Also we have those who use the loch as a stop-over when migrating south in the autumn and north at the end of winter.During the summer months the Machair is host to a variety of wild flowers including rare orchids.The local community including children from the schools in the Ness area have taken interest in developing this project by taking part in nature walks and planting willow trees around the reserve.Future plans are to dig a number of ponds with small island nearer to the hide. Which will make closer viewing possible.
In and around
Ness
PORT of NESS
Is a small fishing port with a sheltered picture post card type harbour, next to a long sandy beach in front of a high cliff face. It is reached down a narrow road with adequate car parking by the harbour wall.
DUN EISTEAN
A small isolated island off the east coast, north of the Port of Ness. which
was last strong hold of the Morrison Clan. Over the last few years
archaeologists have carried out digs on the island and have found a few
artifacts. Recently a bridge has been built connecting to the main land making
easy access.
Taking the B8014 from Port of Ness you enter ( An Cnoc Ard ) Knockaird, as you near the top of the hill Dun Eistean is sign-posted to the right along an unmade road which can be driven down with care, it is about 1km long and is gated.
( TEAMPALL MHOLUAIDH ) TEMPLE MOLUAG
This remote 11th century temple fell into disrepair but has now been restored to it original condition. Services are held during the summer on the first sunday in the month .
Directions
Continue along the B8014 to ( Eoropaidh ) Eoropie the Temple is sign-posted to the right directing you through a small gate along narrow foot path which is uneven.( suitable walking shoes should be worn )
STOTH BEACH
This is a quiet, tidy, secluded little beach, set in a small cove between high cliffs. one of the best on the island, it is used by local fishermen to launch their boats. It is reached down a concrete slipway. ( If visiting please leave slipway clear ), Parking space is at the top to the right.
Directions
Turn right at the cross road where the B8014 meets the B8013 follow this road over the cattle grid as the road turns sharp left, the beach is down on the right.
( RUBHA ROBHANAIS ) BUTT of LEWIS
Continue along the road for approximatly 1.5 km you will reach the Butt of Lewis light house, which is the most northerly point of lewis to be reached by road. The light house has been built at the top of high cliffs close to the sheer face. On the guard rail just under the light is an imitation owl used to frighten birds from settling on or around the light house. The small islands close-by, host a variety of sea birds.Walking back down the cliffs to the more sheltered coves you will find the inquisitive seals and by shouting ( "sammy seal" ) their attention can be gained which bring them closer in.