Ancient Standing Stones & Arnol
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Port
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$129.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
A panoramic drive across the center of the Isle of Lewis leads through a landscape of rolling moorland, low-lying hills and innumerable tiny lochs. Past the fishing village of Garynahine, you'll find Loch Roa — an inlet on the Atlantic Ocean. Just north of here, the Callanish Standing Stones form an extraordinary henge that is the most remarkable antiquity in the Western Isles. These stones are surpassed in importance only by the world-famous Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire. But, the Callanish Stones are, in fact, older than Stonehenge. Callanish is a dramatic place, set in moorland overlooking the loch and surrounded by hills.
There is a well-marked megalithic avenue comprised of 19 monoliths and ending in a circle of 13 stones, with rows of other stones fanning out and forming the remains of additional circles.
There are 47 stones remaining at Callanish — the tallest is around 15 feet. Within the central circle is a cairn where the remains of a cremation were found. In 1857, when five feet of peat was dug away and the original height and extent of the stones were revealed. Various theories exist regarding the purpose of this monument, with an astro-archaeological explanation seeming the most plausible.
During your visit to this extraordinary site, walk around the field-like terrain for close-up views of the Stones and take advantage of great photo opportunities.
Continue along the coastal route to Arnol to see the Blackhouses. These thatched-roof structures were warm, dry and quiet residences for the crofters of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will also see the newer "Whitehouses" that have replaced them.
The dominant feature of Lewis is the dark, undulating central peat moor, scattered with hundreds of shallow lochs. Peat is still used for heating in some homes, and you'll pass areas where it is cut and gathered as your circular route continues. The cutting takes place in the early summer, when the moor becomes alive with families engaged in this work.
From Arnol, take a different route back to the pier to see how the landscape changes from south to north.
Notes:
Tour sequence may vary. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf.