Callanish Stone Circle

Callanish Stone Circles: The most enigmatic Stone Circle (Callanish Main or No 1) that exists in the whole of Britain, its sheer magnitude overpowering Stonehenge, Avebury or Brodgar. Here the massive stones, placed in the pattern of a Celtic Cross, majestically look down on the rather bleak, tortured, sea pitted landscape of inlet and moor.

Half mile east, south east two more excellent, smaller stone circles exist (Nos 2 &3), plus a further similar circle 3 miles south east that crowns a moorland rise beside B 8011 (No 4).

The imposing main site consists of a ring of huge menhirs enclosing a small burial cairn with a trailing 'tail' of dual stones stones leading in from the north. Some stones tower over 15ft tall and the circle is 37ft in diameter, formed by numerous naturally patterned megaliths, that reflect the different lighting conditions famous in this region. Providing the sun is shining, this site is absolutely magical no matter what time of the day you visit.

Even when it is dull the monoliths become dramatic and atmospheric. You can speculate as to the reasons for its existence all you like, but it is probably over 5000 years old, and set up to worship either the moon, sun or earth, with pagan sacrificial overtones.

The Gaelic term for the site is Fir Chreig or 'False Men' and links the site to legends connected to the Druids, who could turn men to stone! Even the three lesser sites (Nos 2,3 &4) are worth visiting, as they contain near complete circles of smaller stones set out on flat topped hillocks offering commanding views.

A small museum accompanies the site, plus a nearby tea room set up in a welcoming crofters cottage.

Location: All close to A 858 and Callanish (Calanais) Village, Lewis, Western Isles of Scotland.

Rated for a visit: 10/10.