Highly rated by guests who stayed at Blackhouse Bothies
wood burning stove
large shower
comfortable bed
panoramic view
"The location was magical, we saw so many animals from the property, rabbits, deer, an eagle, porpoise, otter, seals."
Roswitha from United Kingdom
read full review
"Super wood burning stove heated the room up in no time."
Nicki from United Kingdom
read full review
"The location on the shores of the Loch is very scenic, peaceful and wonderfully isolated"
Ian from United Kingdom
read full review
"The views are breath taking and the silence is incredible allows you to hear any animal noises in the area."
Barrie from United Kingdom
read full review
King Room with Mountain View in a stone bothy on the banks of Loch Seaforth
Accommodation and Grounds
Blackhouse Bothies sits on a working farm in Balallan, on the main road between Stornoway and Tarbert. The property has a large garden, outdoor furniture, a picnic area, and BBQ facilities. Guests have private check-in and check-out, and on-site private parking is free.
Rooms and Amenities
Each bothy is a King Room with Mountain View, featuring a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area. A wood-burning stove provides heat, and the sheltered outdoor courtyard has a hob and cooking area under the bothy roof. The room supplies include tea, coffee, bottled water, and firewood.
Location and Activities
The bothies are 33 km from the Callanish Standing Stones and 27 km from Museum Nan Eilean. Stornoway Airport is 31 km away, and Tarbert is a 30-minute drive south. Guests can hike from the property and access Loch Seaforth directly for canoeing.
Wildlife and Disconnection
Sea eagles, seals, porpoises, and deer are regularly seen from the bothy window and along the loch. The property has no WiFi or television, allowing guests to completely unplug. The surrounding area has no street lights, providing dark skies and quiet nights.
Pet Policy and Hosts
Dogs are welcome at Blackhouse Bothies, and the hosts Joanne and Mark provide recommendations for local walks and attractions. The property has fire extinguishers and smoke alarms for safety. Guests are greeted at arrival and shown the bothy with a clear explanation of all facilities.
Highlights
Rooms: King Room with Mountain View, private walk-in shower
Outdoor: Covered cook area with hob, BBQ, picnic table
Wildlife: Sea eagles, seals, porpoises, deer from window
Location: Midway between Stornoway and Tarbert, 33 km from Callanish
Disconnect: No WiFi, no TV, dark skies
Activities: Canoeing on Loch Seaforth, hiking from door
Pets: Dogs allowed with no extra charge
Must-do experiences
Visit the iconic Gearrannan Blackhouse Village for a history lesson.
Taste fresh seafood at the nearby Balallan's own seafood market.
Hike the scenic trails at the nearby Lews Castle grounds.
Discover the art at An Lanntair, a local cultural hub and gallery.
Enjoy a traditional meal featuring Stornoway black pudding at The Crown.
Select your room type
Blackhouse Bothies offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
King Room Mountain View
2 persons
13 m²
1 King-size bed
Fireplace
Heating
room details
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
Facilities
Blackhouse Bothies offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
VIP check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Sports & Fitness
Hiking
Dining
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Dining table
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Show more
Blackhouse Bothies Location
11B Arivruaich, Balallan, HS2 9LE,
Map view
City landmarks
Landmark
Memorial to the Heroes of Lochs
2.25 km
Landmark
Mackenzies of Seaforth
3.61 km
Landmark
Moonstone Studio
4.78 km
Nearby
Bonnie Prince Charlie Memorial
200 m
Explore Balallan
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bonnie Prince Charlie Memorial
3 minutes' walk
Memorial dedicated to Bonnie Prince Charlie, a significant figure in Scottish history and a serene spot for reflection.
Memorial to the Heroes of Lochs
25 minutes' walk
A tribute to local heroes, this site offers picturesque views and rich history, perfect for a scenic stroll.
Mackenzies of Seaforth
10 minutes' drive
Historic family seat with impressive architecture and landscapes, ideal for history buffs and photography.
Moonstone Studio
10 minutes' drive
Art studio showcasing local artistry, with workshops often available for hands-on creative experiences.
Hiking at Clisham
20 minutes' drive
Challenging hikes with breathtaking views for the adventurous. Accessible with local guided tours available.
Local Market Visit
10 minutes' drive
Cultural experience featuring fresh local produce and crafts. Ideal for immersion in the community's weekend vibe.
Yoga Retreats at Isle of Lewis
15 minutes' drive
Relaxing sessions available, focusing on mindfulness and wellness. Advance booking recommended for these popular classes.
Balallan Hotel Restaurant
5 minutes' walk
Casual dining with local favorites, including fresh seafood. Great atmosphere, and family-friendly options available.
The Scourie Inn
10 minutes' drive
Traditional Scottish cuisine in a cozy setting, featuring hearty dishes and local craft beers. Reservations recommended.
The Croft Cafe
10 minutes' drive
Charming café focusing on farm-to-table ingredients. Perfect for breakfast and light lunches with vegan options.
Community Center
15 minutes' drive
Hosts regular events including film screenings and game nights. A welcoming place for families and social gatherings.
The Nicolson Institute Theatre
10 minutes' drive
Local theater featuring plays and concerts. Offers family-friendly shows and cultural performances throughout the year.
Getting around Scotland
City Centre
Balallan 7 min · 4.6 km
Airports
Stornoway (SYY) 51 min · 33.9 km
Benbecula (BEB) 187 min · 124.2 km
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Unlock exclusive rates on stays across Scotland now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
from 04:00-10:00
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Blackhouse Bothies from previous guests about their experience.
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.3/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Well-stocked cooking facilities
Sheltered outdoor space
Very nice setting
Cons
Small bedroom
Limited seating
Outdoor cooking area
Guest reviews
based on 101 reviews
9.0/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Guest reviews
Loch Awe Hotel
Flodigarry Hotel
The Wellington Glasgow By Adina
Hootananny
Capital Guest House
The West Highland Way Hotel And Retreat Accommodation
Nevis Bank Inn
Kinloch Hotel, Isle Of Arran
Kincraig Castle Hotel
The Pipers' Tryst Hotel
Mhor 84 - Not On The West Highland Way
Ardlui Hotel