Lyndon is a detached stone cottage that was originally two single storey cottages on the Islay Estate. The cottage is located on the outskirts of the village of Ballygrant approximately 5 kilometres from the ferry terminal at Port Askaig, and 12km from Bowmore. It overlooks Dunlossit Estate to the front and bounds the Islay Estate to the rear. STB three star rating recommended.
About the Accommodation
Things to see and do
Booking
Useful Links and Telephone Numbers
Lyndon is traditional yet has all modern amenities. The lounge features an open fire place, the well-equipped kitchen has a dishwasher, and there is a shed in the garden for bikes etc. We have garden furniture and picnic crockery (also useful for childrens snacks and nibbles) for you to use. There are 3 bedrooms. One master with en suite bathroom, one twin, and a further double downstairs. The main bathroom has a jacuzzi bath. There is ample parking for 3 or 4 cars and a large fenced garden. Sorry no smoking allowed inside the cottage. One well behaved dog welcome (but not upstairs). Please bring dogs own bedding and do not allow them on the soft furnishings. Sheep and deer ticks are common so we suggest that you ensure your dog is protected before you arrive.
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Ordnance Survey maps (and a waterproof map pocket which we hope you will not need) have been placed in the cottage for your use. Some of our favourite walks are listed below. Please observe local notices re access restrictions. For example a couple of the beaches do not allow dogs at all and some areas restrict them to a lead during April and May due to nesting and lambing.
About 2 to 3 hours (allow longer if stopping at the Hotel). This is a delightful walk from the cottage past Ballygrant Loch to the Port Askaig Hotel where you can stop for lunch or drinks. This walk is suitable for all. There are no stiles and usually your dog can walk off the leash. This also makes a good running route or pleasant way to reach the port without cycling on the road.
About 4 hours (roughly 2 hours each way). This walk passes Finlaggan (see below) so could be combined. Much of the walk is through wood and forest and on a fine day you are rewarded with spectacular views of the sea as you approach Bunnahabhain. Some more difficult obstacles to cross if you take a dog or go by bike (stiles etc). If you want to make it circular you can go out or back via the single track road.
We just want to mention the lovely beach walks at Gruinart. You will need to go by car or cycle there but it is definetly worth it. Often you will get the entire beach to yourself (except for some seals, seabirds, and farm animals!)
The Ancient Seat of the Lords of the Isles is only a 25 minute walk (50 mins return but you will want some additional time to read the interpretation boards and enjoy the scenery) from the cottage and is both scenic and of historic interest.
There are many quiet and beautiful places to cycle. Please see walks and wildlife for examples which are suitable for bicycles. Another interesting cycle is to head towards Ballygrant and take the left turn to Mullindry. Follow the road and where there is a junction in the road keep to the right. You can reach Bridgend for a meal or refreshments at the hotel within about an hour. The views from the top of the hill are wonderful. Return via the 'main' road (about 20 mins) or return the same way. See the maps for more details. Many delightful and interesting routes can be found and it is generally safe to leave your bike whilst you go in to visit a shop or museum.
There are seven distilleries on Islay, and one on Jura, producing a range of distinctive single malts. Even if you are not a whisky fan it is worth visiting the distilleries many of which are located in beautiful settings. Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich, and Bowmore distilleries are all within a 10 minute drive of the cottage.
Islay has a wide range of wildlife and there is an RSPB bird sanctuary at Loch Gruinart approximately 8km from the cottage. For the bird spotting enthusiast the red-legged chough, of which there are only about 80 breeding pairs, can be found on Islay. Buzzards are regulary spotted from the back garden. Islay Birding (see link below) do daily safaris open to all. The common seal and the grey (or atlantic) seal can regularly be seen around the coast of Islay.
There are a range of options for those who wish to fish.
Fishing permits for the beautiful and peaceful Loch nan Cadhan which is within easy walking distance are available from the Dunlossit Estate telephone: 01496-840232. Boat and bank fishing available.
These scenic lochs are within easy reach of the property and permits can be obtained from Islay Estate. Telephone: 01496-810293. Boat and bank fishing available.
Many other fishing options are available. Ballyvicar Farm telephone: 01496-302251. Contact the Tourist Board for more details.
Horse riding, shooting, bird watching tours, guided walks, diving, sea safaris, tennis, stalking, and many other activities available. On Wednesday's during the summer it is possible to take a day trip to the beautiful island of Colonsay - walk, cycle, or drive to Port Askaig to catch the ferry. If it is a fine day you might want to take a packed lunch as there is a lovely walk to the beach at Kildonan that can be done within the day trip allowing time for refreshments at the hotel on the return. There is a range of books and leaflets in the cottage, TV with Sky Freesat channels, a video recorder, and a few films. Also try the weblinks below for more information.
Eating out. There are a range of restaurants and pubs on the island. The nearest pub is a 10 minute walk and at present dogs are allowed in the bar.
The local shop has the basics. It is in Ballygrant approx 15 mins by foot, 5 mins by bike.
Mobile phone reception is generally good on the Island (Vodafone, 1-2-1 and BT Cellnet are fine but we know that you cannot get a signal at the cottage and on some other parts of the island with Virgin and Fresh. If you get stuck with this you can get a reception at Finlaggan - 2 minute drive or 25 minute walk and most parts of the island). There is also a public telephone at Ballygrant village about 15 minutes walk. Internet access is available at the council office in Bowmore (book a time with reception), or at the Cyber Cafe in Port Ellen. Access is available at the Ballygrant Inn.
There is a limited local bus service with a bus stop nearby. There are sufficient buses to make a day trip but there are few buses after 6pm.
Machrie links golf course is both scenic and testing. Telephone: 01496-302310.
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The cottage is available Saturday to Saturday throughout the year. Before booking (particularly at busy periods) we recommend you check ferry availability (see CalMac link at bottom of page).
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Prices vary according to date from £ 350 in low season to £ 550. Short breaks and late booking reductions may be available subject to availability. The cost includes bed linen, one hand and one bath towel per person, and electricity.
To view availability use the link below.
Booked / unavailable = Orange
Available = White
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If you need to cancel, please notify us immediately by telephone, first class mail or email. We will endeavour to re-let for you. If we are successful in re-letting, you will only forfeit your booking deposit. If we cannot re-let, then you will usually be held responsible for payment of the full outstanding amount. We reserve the right to waive this policy depending on individual circumstances of cancellation. Holiday insurance is recommended, particularly in relation to cancellation.
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Some small print. Note that the furnishings of the cottage may vary slightly from the pictures shown but will be of a similar standard. We will update the photographs if there are any significant changes. Please bring your own towels if you need some for the beach and do not use the cottage towels for this purpose.
Please don't be deterred by the thought that the cottage is on the main road from Port Askaig to Bowmore. The road is considerably less busy than many streets in suburban housing developments and the garden has been secured to ensure it is child safe.
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Site Last Updated 15 October 2007