June 25 Isle of Lewis

 

It was a long ride into the landing

Our next stop as we continued to head north was the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Following the last Ice Age, 14,000 years ago, the sea level rose, creating the lochs and drowned valleys of the Western Isles. We boarded the zodiacs to visit the island via Loch Roag which is one of those large sea lochs on the west coast of Lewis, about 16 km long. The quietness of the whole area was a delight. On the way we pased salmon farms and an undulating landscape. This morning we were on our way to see the legendary spectacular Stones of Callanais which stood out on the skyline as we approached the shore. 

Neolithic people erected these monolithic stones over 5,000 years ago. So they are believed to be older than Stonehenge and certainly the Great Pyramids. Although the stones served as a hub for ritual activities for at least a millennium, their exact purpose is unclear. The most prevalent theory, based on recent archaeological excavations, holds that the monoliths acted as some sort of astronomical observatory or a celestial calendar. Certainly they indicate the importance of the lunar cycle and changing seasons to life, growth and fertility for the people of that period. Numerous other ritual sites remained within a few kilometres of this particular site including at least three other stone circles.

Rows of stones stretch out from a stone circle to form a rudimentary cross. A chambered tomb is nestled within the circle, as if being guarded by the stones. Some think a king was buried there. The amazing thing was that we could walk where we liked and could even touch the huge stones.  The sheer size of those monoliths made you wonder just how they were erected but more importantly how they were transported there. Fascinating!

Some of the group visited two other prehistoric sites on the island while some, including me, explored the flora and landscape. Then it was time to get back on board for lunch and move on. After lunch, a couple of landings were made before continuing en route northeast towards Sula Sgeir. 

Lowtide and the shoreline was blanketed in seaweed

Finding a vantage point to view the Stones

The Callanais Stones

Quite staggering to think that these huge stones had been placed there by humans

An ancient tomb chamber built in the centre of a circle of stones which looked like sentinela

Some of the group heading off for another of the ancient stone circles

Who could resist a roadside like this? The flowers were gorgeous

L: a delicate Marsh Orchid. R: a rose by any other name!