The Callanish Stones (or "Callanish I", Clachan Chalanais or Tursachan Chalanais in Scottish Gaelic) are an arrangement of standing stones placed in a cruciform pattern with a central stone circle. The central monolith is 4.8 metres high.
They were erected in the late Neolithic era, between 2900 and 2600 BC, and were a focus for ritual activity during the Bronze Age. They are near the village of Callanish (Gaelic: Calanais) on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland and are one of my favourite places to go to when I am visiting GB, as I did this summer.
There are at least nineteen other circles and standing stones in the Callanish area.
On the path between the visitor centre and the stones is a memorial bench with one of the best views of any such bench, anywhere in the UK.
David Booth, from Stornoway, was reported missing by his family on 31 May 2013 while known to be travelling in India. Police in India said the 28 year old’s body was found in the Kullu area. Mr Booth's family said: "David was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, brother-in-law and friend. He was a gentle soul and loved life, especially travelling the world to places like Brazil, Eastern Europe and India, where he made many friends. He'll be sorely missed by all that knew him and we take comfort that he died having lived such a full life and in a country he loved travelling in."
Alongside the path are a variety of wild flowers, just a few of which I photographed while we were there this time.
Croft and field dividers on Lewis are mostly wire fences with regular wooden fence posts but around Callanish there are also plenty of dry stone walls, built to an impeccable standard.
Behind GB in the next picture is The Sleeping Beauty, also known as the 'Cailleach Na Mointeach' or 'Old woman of the moors', a skyline of a woman's prone form.
Such a beautiful place, i don't blame the ancients for believing it to be special and sacred.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos The stonewall is impressive.
ReplyDeleteIf ever I have a stone wall, that is what I want it to look like.
I've always wanted to visit this area, thanks for the photos.
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating to see those standing stones. Such a mystery to wonder about and visit. Your pictures are always great. The bench looks like a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the views but how sad about that young man. Hopefully his family finds comfort in the fact that many will know about him and he'll be remembered. My brother is in the UK visiting some friends. He just left Florida and the hurricanes! He lives an adventuresome life! Take care John!
ReplyDeleteI'm always impressed with those standing stones and curious about who raised them and why. I like the look of that bench too, and a good place to sit and contemplate for a while :)
ReplyDeleteThis time a year ago, we were there!! Ah, such fond memories....
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