A Truly relaxing environment .....
Pictish Broch at Dun Carlobhagh
It's sometimes difficult, in the face of such ambience, to believe that local people are hard at work with their sheep and cattle as well as weaving, fishing, growing vegetables or tending to their peat.
Tolsta is, like many villages on Lewis, very much a working one. This will become evident to you at different times of the year as the seasons dictate various activities. Just being on holiday in this environment will make you feel part of a style of living which is still in many ways unique.
As a visitor of course, you can let the hard work pass you by (unless you feel the need to join in!) and enjoy all that is on offer.
These Paragraphs are very general and designed to provide a taste of what is available. I am always open to suggestion and would welcome new ideas to share with other visitors, so please let me know if you have found something which should be included on the site.
Tolsta is, like many villages on Lewis, very much a working one. This will become evident to you at different times of the year as the seasons dictate various activities. Just being on holiday in this environment will make you feel part of a style of living which is still in many ways unique.
As a visitor of course, you can let the hard work pass you by (unless you feel the need to join in!) and enjoy all that is on offer.
These Paragraphs are very general and designed to provide a taste of what is available. I am always open to suggestion and would welcome new ideas to share with other visitors, so please let me know if you have found something which should be included on the site.
Take your time .....
Dalmore
If completely relaxing and doing very little other than drinking in the lovely air and enjoying the spectacular scenery is not for you, don't worry. There is lots to do!
Walking
Tolastadh A Chaolais is off the main road and consequently the road is relatively free of traffic. This makes for an environment in which everyone can explore relatively safely.
If you enjoy walking, the area around the village offers many choices from coastal to moorland and some of the hills offer spectacular views out to sea. As this site develops I will include detailed directions for my own favourite routes, indeed if you contact me with your own experiences I will post those as well. If you feel that you need to explore further, the Island offers many walks, some quite challenging in the more mountainous areas.
Cycling
In the main, Lewis is fairly flat and this attracts many cyclists. There are of course many routes, however many seem to use the Pentland Road, which extends for approximately 40km between Carlabhaigh and Steornabhaigh. This is a very scenic route which cuts through Lewis's moorland with it's many Lochs and Rivers.
Walking
Tolastadh A Chaolais is off the main road and consequently the road is relatively free of traffic. This makes for an environment in which everyone can explore relatively safely.
If you enjoy walking, the area around the village offers many choices from coastal to moorland and some of the hills offer spectacular views out to sea. As this site develops I will include detailed directions for my own favourite routes, indeed if you contact me with your own experiences I will post those as well. If you feel that you need to explore further, the Island offers many walks, some quite challenging in the more mountainous areas.
Cycling
In the main, Lewis is fairly flat and this attracts many cyclists. There are of course many routes, however many seem to use the Pentland Road, which extends for approximately 40km between Carlabhaigh and Steornabhaigh. This is a very scenic route which cuts through Lewis's moorland with it's many Lochs and Rivers.
By the water .....
Nan eillean fraoich
Lewis is not only surrounded by water but largely consists of it as well. There are hundreds of Lochs and Lochans all over the island, mostly unspoilt and most containing a thriving population of wild brown trout.
The two associated most with Tolastadh A Chaolais are Loch A Bhaille (the village loch, accessible from the rear of our house)and Loch Na Muilne (the mill loch), from which a stream once served an ancient mill. Both of these lochs provide great sport with some excellent specimens throughout the season (Mid March -Mid October). There are of course many others and to those interested I'd be happy to impart some well kept secrets!
The sea around Lewis also provides great fishing from shore or charter boat. The rocks close to the village offer some fine Pollock whilst a wide variety of flat specimens are to be had from any of the beaches.
Beaches
Lewis and Harris are perhaps best known for their vast expanses of sand set alongside bright, clear sea and machair with its many species of wild flowers. There are so many to choose from and they attract everyone from surfers and kayakers to those simply looking to enjoy a day at the beach.
A short walk from the house will take you to the small beaches at the back of the village however a short drive will take you to Dalmore, one of the Island's best surfing beaches which, during the summer months is occupied by many keen surfers in their tents and camper vans.
The two associated most with Tolastadh A Chaolais are Loch A Bhaille (the village loch, accessible from the rear of our house)and Loch Na Muilne (the mill loch), from which a stream once served an ancient mill. Both of these lochs provide great sport with some excellent specimens throughout the season (Mid March -Mid October). There are of course many others and to those interested I'd be happy to impart some well kept secrets!
The sea around Lewis also provides great fishing from shore or charter boat. The rocks close to the village offer some fine Pollock whilst a wide variety of flat specimens are to be had from any of the beaches.
Beaches
Lewis and Harris are perhaps best known for their vast expanses of sand set alongside bright, clear sea and machair with its many species of wild flowers. There are so many to choose from and they attract everyone from surfers and kayakers to those simply looking to enjoy a day at the beach.
A short walk from the house will take you to the small beaches at the back of the village however a short drive will take you to Dalmore, one of the Island's best surfing beaches which, during the summer months is occupied by many keen surfers in their tents and camper vans.
Kayaks
Surf Dudes