Historic Places I Love: Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
The cultural and historical past has always fascinated me and there are few places more enticing than Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. This magical, mysterious place evokes memories of peoples long lost in the mists of time.
What’s special about it?
Everyone knows about Stonehenge, but the Neolithic Standing Stones at Callanish offers insights into the spiritual and social activities of the peoples who inhabited these beautiful but harsh Outer Hebridean islands.
Why here? What was their purpose? We can only speculate for the most part but when you wander around it becomes obvious that this must have been a special place even back then.
How to get there
My starting point was the ferry terminal in Tarbert but your route depends on whether you arrived here or in Stornoway.
Things to see & do nearby
Dun Carloway Broch
I definitely recommend a trip to Carloway Broch, one of the oldest in Scotland. This Iron Age structure is remarkably well preserved and offers yet more insights about how people once lived on the islands.
Gearrannan Blackhouse Village
To see how islanders lived up in to the 20th century, a trip to the blackhouses is definitely something I recommend. Carefully and lovingly restored the village also offers overnight accommodation (but book very early to make sure you get the place you want). It must have been a harsh but somehow rewarding life living here.
Norse Mill & Kiln
For another fascinating insight into the history of the islands, visit the Norse Mill & Kiln which was used up until the 1930s.
Useful resources
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/calanais-standing-stones/
Final words
The Outer Hebrides contain numerous places worth visiting but I had always wanted to go to Lewis & Harris and especially the Standing Stones at Callanish; I was not disappointed in the least.
If you liked rugged landscapes, natural beauty, history and a deep sense of tradition then a trip here will be well worth it. And be prepared for all kinds of weather. We were there in July and it was cold and wet! Not that it stopped us having a wonderful time!
If you enjoyed this article, see our picks for the best things to see and do in Scotland.
