Summary
The Standing Stones of Callanish are one of the most important prehistoric sites in the UK, with the 5,000 year old central circle and avenues of impressive upstanding gneiss being the most iconic image of the Isle of Lewis. This walk combines the main site with two further stone circles nearby.
Grade (key)
Bog Factor (key)
- 4/5
Rating
Terrain
Path around stones, tarmac road, very boggy approaches to the two smaller stone circles.
Public Transport
Bus to Callanish visitor centre.
Start
Callanish visitor centre. Open in Google Maps.
Walk Statistics
- Distance
- 3.75km / 2.25 miles
- Time
- 1 hour
- Ascent
- 48m (Profile)
- Start Grid Ref
- NB214327
Mapping and GPS
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Accommodation
- Outer Hebrides Hotels
- Isle of Lewis cottages
- Outer Hebrides hostels
- Glamping and Camping
Stage 1
The walk begins from the visitor centre car park. The centre - a striking curved stone building that blends wonderfully with its surroundings - has a cafe and shop as well as an exhibition giving background on the stones; exactly why they were erected remains a mystery though there are many theories about celestial alignments. To reach the stones, take the path through the gate to the right of the centre. This climbs gently, soon reaching another gate giving access to the enclosure containing the main Callanish site.
Stage 2
There is a tightly-packed stone circle at the centre with massive upright stones, some over 4.5m tall and weighing in at 5 tonnes, with beautifully rough and intricate surfaces. Within the circle are the remains of a chambered cairn added later, whilst outside are avenues of stones giving the whole complex the shape of a cross, with 50 stones in total. The path passes to the right of the complex of stones at first before switching to the left and going through a gate to reach a minor road. Turn right along the road, giving good views back of the stones.
Stage 3
Turn left when a t-junction is reached, and continue to the main road by the concrete four-directional bus shelter - a common sight on Lewis and testimony to the power of the winter storms. Go straight ahead on the main road briefly before taking a lane on the right, signed for Callanish II (Cnoc Ceann a' Gharraidh). Continue to the end of the road, then go through a gate and across a muddy field towards the obvious standing stones ahead. A stile gives access to the site, with five stones still standing from a 18m circle of ten.
Stage 4
From here the next circle, Callanish III, can be seen over to the left (east). Follow the wet path, making use of several boardwalks, to reach a gate in a fence and then climb up to reach the circle. This site - Cnoc Fhillibhir Bheag in Gaelic - has twenty stones in a double circle, an impressive sight and a welcome retreat from the crowds at Callanish I on a busy day. The path back to the road isn't clear at first - head north towards the wooden chalet. Once at the main road turn left along it, then simply follow the signed road back to the visitor centre.
Route Profile
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Walking can be dangerous and all walkers must take personal responsibility for their own safety. You should always carry a backup means of navigation and not rely on a single phone, app or map. Walkhighlands strives to provide accurate information but cannot accept responsibility for changes, errors or omissions.
