Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis (Scottish Highlands and Islands)
A cross-shaped setting of standing stones erected around 3000 BC
Summary
- Gift shop
- Information provided
- Free car parking (on site)
|
Food and Drinks
|
Introduction
Calanais comprises a late Neolithic stone ring and associated lines of standing stones. Situated on a prominent ridge, it is visible from miles around.
History to the present day
Excavations have revealed that the ring was set up between 2900 and 2600 BC, making it earlier than the main circle at Stonehenge. It has a unique arrangement, with lines of stones radiating in four directions from the ring. It is not fully clear whether the stone alignments were constructed at the same time as the ring, or later. The layout of the site, along with many others across the British Isles, appears to have an association with astronomical events, the precise nature of which cannot be determined.
Between 1000 BC and 500 BC, the stones were enveloped by peat, and it was not until 1857, when the peat was cut, that their true height was once again revealed. In the landscape around the ring are at least eleven other stone circles and settings that hint at how important the area was to prehistoric peoples. The existence of Bronze Age monuments in the area imply that Calanais remained an active focus for prehistoric religious activity for at least 1500 years.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis, Scottish Highlands and Islands, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 April - 30 September: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 10.00am - 6.00pm
1 October - 31 March: Wed Thu Fri Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm
Admission prices:
Free admission all year
Directions: 12m west of Stornoway off the A859, Isle of Lewis.
Public transport: Regular ferries from Ullapool to Stornoway. Take Caledonian MacBrayne ferry no 26 (Lewis) to Stornoway (2.25 hrs). Walk 4 mins to Stornoway. From Stornoway bus station, take Galson Motors bus no W2 to Calanais visitor centre (30 mins).
