Category Archives: Hebrides

Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis

Our next destination was Calanais Standing stones on the Isle of Lewis. I was very curious about these stones. They dated back thousands of years with very little knowledge about the reason for their exitance.

We continued our journey along the coast of Lewis. As if by request, our surroundings were moody, enchanting and mysterious. It was fitting for the location we were going to.

Then suddenly we saw them.

The Calanais Standing Stones are an extraordinary cross-shaped setting of stones erected 5,000 years ago. They predate England’s famous Stonehenge monument, and were an important place for ritual activity for at least 2,000 years. We don’t know why the standing stones at Calanais were erected, but our best guess is that it was a kind of astronomical observatory
Historic Environment Scotland

How majestic they looked. This Neolithic Monument really made me wonder about its potential meaning. I am sure the same holds true for all those who visit.

I found more about its history on the Calanais Standing Stones site. I was intrigued that similar stones can be found erected in Western Scotland and Orkney.

A local did share that the stones are often referred to as “giants” with their own personalities. Love that!

Well I have seen Outlander and so I also gently rubbed the stones but nothing happened 😆

Bosta Beach, Bernera Isle of Lewis

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We were exploring the Northern coast of the Isle of Lewis. Having visited the beaches in Harris we were intrigued by Lewis’ offering. We had already visited Dalmore Bay. On this trip, we headed to Bosta Beach.

Bosta beach is located on a small island that is linked to Lewis via a bridge. So it is really another small island called Great Bernera.

Below is a brief description of our destination:

Bosta (Bostadh) Beach is situated on Great Bernera – a small island connected by a short bridge to the north of the Isle of Lewis.Set in a valley, the beach is made up of fine, pale golden sand. Numerous islands in the bay and beyond break up much of the Atlantic swell making this much more sheltered than other north coast beaches. Bosta is also home to an Iron Age village which was only recently discovered after it emerged from the sands following a storm. Along with the well-preserved village is a replica house, complete with thatched roof, overlooking the beach.
The Beach Guide

As is the norm on these islands, upon arrival we had to pass the village burial ground to access the beach.

But just walking through the grounds we knew we were in for a treat. The view!

Wow! It was amazing. The sand was so white and the water was a beautiful blue-green. It was up there with the beaches of Harris.

Truly spectacular.

Dalmore Bay, Isle of Lewis

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Isle of Lewis has beautiful beaches too! we were off to explore one or two. On this journey, Dalmore Bay (Traigh Dhail Mhor) was our destination.

Dalmore bay is located on the north coast of Lewis across Stornoway. Below is a more formal description taken from The Beach Guide:

Set on the exposed north coast of the Isle of Lewis the next stop is Iceland. This secluded section of the coast takes the full brunt of the Atlantic swells. The beach is made of a good stretch of golden sand flanked by rugged cliffs. At the north eastern end of the beach are a couple of sea stacks.
The Beach Guide

As we approached the bay we could hear the water. We noticed that there was often a burial ground near the coast. I have since learned that is because the land near a beach is easier to dig compared to the rocky inland locations.

It was windy and the water was “ choppy”. The waves were strong. The beach was lovely. Beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. A little cold but lovely nonetheless.

The surrounding view was rejuvenating.

It was a good stop.

Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis

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Another grey day on the Isle of Lewis but that was to be expected. It was October after all. We were making our way to the infamous Blackhouse village.

The Gearranan Blackhouse Village is a coastal crofting village located in a secluded bay within the district of Carloway, on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis.

Isle of Lewis with the location of Blackhouse Village

Today the village is designated for a variety of self-catering vacation cottages.

The local community trust Urras nan Gearrannan Hu (the Garenin Trust) has carefully restored these once derelict properties to recreate an authentic blackhouse village. It feels like stepping back in time but with the local resident sheep on guard 😆

Traditional methods have been used to recreate the drystone masonry and thatched roofing of the original croft cottages.

What an experience to walk through the village.

What a great thing to have done, to have preserved these homes and given them another life.

So authentic including the sheep!

Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis

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Another overcast day and another adventure on the Isle of Lewis.

Our next stop was the ruins of Dun Carloway. We were heading to see a historic roundhouse known as a broch.

As we got closer we could see the structure in the distance. It looked like a stone beehive. As we did the climb towards the ruins, l looked up information about this broch. I found the following on the Visit Scotland site:

At Dun Carloway, we can get an excellent cross-section of a broch – a type of structure found only in Scotland. At 9m tall it still stands close to its impressive full height. The broch was probably constructed about 200 BC. Broch-building ceased around AD 100, but they may have continued in use. Evidence from excavations suggests Dun Carloway may have been used until about AD 1000. It’s also said to have been used as a stronghold by members of the Morrison Clan during the 1500s.
Visit Scotland

I had no idea that these were that old, tracing back to 200BC. It is truly amazing.

I was quite taken aback by the size. I wondered about the challenge of building it. There were a lot of stones in this structure and it was built on quite a hill. It was extraordinary.

We ventured inside to get a better feel of the place. It was very windy but once inside there was a sense of calm. The difference was striking. I could see for miles. I was left in wonder about what life would have been like living there.

The Wonder of The Golden Road in the Isle of Harris

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Did you know that the beautiful Isle of Harris and Lewis is the largest Island in Scotland and the third largest in the British Isles? Well, it is. There are many photos of the beautiful beaches in West Harris. But what about East Harris?

On this trip we decided to travel to the east; to explore the Golden Road.

The Golden Road starts at Meabhag nam Bhaigh, Plocreapool, Scadabay, Grosebay and Kyles Stockinish, before rejoining the main East Coast road at Leacali in Harris.

I have been told that the road got its name because of the extremely high cost of building it.

The road was built in 1897. Farmers were moved with their families from the west to the east.

With the prospect of farming in such a harsh environment, the families were promised a road. A road to provide access and to ease their trepidation. Hence, the Golden road was built.

Despite the desolate nature of the area, I found it uncannily beautiful. Yes, beautiful. I had not seen anything like it before. It was both barren and mesmerising.