Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The tiny, turf-roofed
Doune Broch Centre
(
01851-643338; admission free;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat Apr-Sep)
nearby has interpretative displays and exhibitions about the
history of the broch and the life of the people who lived there.
CALLANISH (CALANAIS)
The
Callanish Standing Stones
, 15 miles west of Stornoway on the A858 road, form one
of the most complete stone circles in Britain. It is one of the most atmospheric prehistoric
sites anywhere; its ageless mystery, impressive scale and undeniable beauty leave a lasting
impression. Sited on a wild and secluded promontory overlooking Loch Roag, 13 large
stones of beautifully banded gneiss are arranged, as if in worship, around a 4.5m-tall cent-
ral monolith. Some 40 smaller stones radiate from the circle in the shape of a cross, with
the remains of a chambered tomb at the centre. Dating from 3800 to 5000 years ago, the
stones are roughly contemporary with the pyramids of Egypt.
The nearby
Calanais Visitor Centre
(
01851-621422;
www.callanishvisitorcentre.co.uk
;
admission free, exhibition £2.50; 10am-9pm Mon-
Sat Apr-Sep, to 4pm Wed-Sat Oct-Mar; )
is a tour de force of discreet design. Inside is
a small exhibition that speculates on the origins and purpose of the stones, and an excel-
lent
cafe
(mains £5-7)
.
If you plan to stay the night, you have a choice of
Eshcol Guest House
(
01851-621357;
www.eshcol.com
;
21 Breascleit; r per person £43; )
and neighbouring
Loch Roag Guest House
(
01851-621357;
www.lochroag.com
; 22a Breascleit; r per
person £40-55; )
, half a mile north of Callanish. Both are modern bungalows with the
same friendly owner, who is very knowledgeable about the local area.
GREAT BERNERA
This rocky island is connected to Lewis by a bridge built by the local council in 1953 -
the islanders had originally planned to destroy a small hill with explosives and use the ma-
terial to build their own causeway. On a sunny day, it's worth making the long detour to
the island's northern tip for a picnic at the perfect little sandy beach of
Bosta
(Bostadh).
In 1996 archaeologists excavated an entire Iron Age village at the head of the beach.
Afterwards, the village was reburied for protection, but a reconstruction of an
Iron Age
house
(
01851-612331; Bosta; adult/child £2.50/50p; noon-4pm Mon-Fri May-Sep)
now sits nearby. Stand around the peat fire, with strips of mutton being smoked above,
while the custodian explains the domestic arrangements - truly fascinating, and well
worth the trip.
