The West Side of Lewis

Callanish Stone Circle

(Calanais 1) second only to Stonehenge in importance, has been archeologically of interest to scientists for many a long year, their investigations suggest that the erection of the first stones at Calanais 1 began about 5000 years ago (3000BC)

More than just a circle, the site is shaped, like a large Celtic cross; many theories abound as to the reason(s) for the construction.

In 1988 pollen samples from the post glacial period taken at "Tob nan Leobag" strongly suggest that Lewis was densely forested by Birch, Oak, Hazel, Willow and Elm trees.

Early human habitation is hinted at by the increased incidence of forest fires, clearly shown by charcoal fragments found in the peat, from about 5000 years ago.

6000 plus years of human inhabitation on this most ancient of islands have left their indelible marks

This is portrayed by the huge variety of historical and archaeological sites which dot the island

The island of Lewis is mainly composed of impermeable gneiss, one of the oldest rocks in the world.

5000 + years old

The first stones of the Callanish (1) stone circle were erected round about 3000BC. It would appear that construction started with the tallest of the stones which now form the central monolith, followed by the 13 stones which form a ring around the central cairn.

The rest was added between1800BC and 1000BC together with the burial cairn.  

There is so much more to this enigmatic monolith, the only way to appreciate their beauty and mystery is to stand in their middle and look back across the years.

Callanish Stones

Visitor Centre

Has a café open till 1530 hrs October to March until 1800 hrs in the summer, serves hot home made food,

"I consider they serve the best bacon rolls on the island!"

Please check opening hours.

Composed of gneiss, discovered when the locals were cutting peat for fuel, round about 1923. Situated in the village of Breasclete about 300 – 400 metres from the school on the A858, in the books called Callanish 12

Carloway Broch

or

"Dún Chàrlabhaigh"

Dun Carloway or "Dún Chàrlabhaigh" as it is know in the gaelic, is dry stone structure ( a method of building walls by carefully selecting interlocking stones) some 10 metres in height and about 16 metres in diameter with walls about three metres thick. 

Probably built around the first century BC and last occupied about seven hundred years ago

Situated about six miles from Leumadair Guesthouse going north.

This 2000 years old broch, now has a visitors centre, manned by local volunteers

Clach na Tursa

or

"Trushal Stone"

Large standing Stone, which is possibly related to the rising and setting of the moon at the major standstill.

Café open till 1800hrs serves hot home made food. Serves evening meals on a pre-booked basic Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Small but very good menu . Please check opening times as they are seasonal

Go inside

Stop!!!! and have a look

The jawbone of a blue whale measuring about 20 feet high with the harpoon which eventually killed the whale suspended at the apex. Weight about 4 tons

Well worth a visit go into the visitors centre first. Take some time and walk around the village to look at the old balckhouse ruins

A short walk on a well maintained path

An easy 5 km walk (wear sensible boots and clothing)

Paradise in all seasons

Where Eagles Fly

If you want peace, quite and seclusion, experiencing tranquillity and remoteness, then come to the island on the eastern edge of the mighty Atlantic.

Known by many names, some are the “Outer Hebrides, Western Isles or Na h-eileanan ”, which encompass some 130 miles of mountains, moor-land, sea lochs, freshwater lochs, rugged cliffs and stunning coastlines.

Couple all that with a unique blend of white sandy beaches, surrounded by a land of unspoiled beauty, where a myriad of rare fauna and flora make their home.