Callanish, Calanais, Lewis: Standing stones

Standing Stones of Callanish, Lewis, The Hebrides. 

Above Loch Roag. 

 Standing stones:  the cluster here at the top is Callenish.

 Compare them to the isolated forms at the Ring of Brodgar, in the Orkneys, where we found no such large, complex forms as at Callenish.  See http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk/scotland/western-isles/featured-sites/callanais-callanish-stone-circle.html
Ring of Brodgar, Standing Stones, Orkney

























 See //www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/c-nish.htm. See also www.stonesofwonder.com/callanis.htm and //www.isle-of-lewis.com/history/standing-stones.htm".

Either way, we preferred the wild setting of the outlying stones, rather than the manicure of Stonehenge. There also is a comfy visitors' center here.

Viewpoint: These things are more impressive when it takes some pilgrimage to get to, and not just be available for an easy drive up on the motorway. Walk out there, feel the wind and the salt. Think. Fold your arms and look out a long way back.

Amhuinnsuidh Castle -

Our photo has disappeared. Until we locate it, see www.castles.org/Chatelaine/AMHUINN.HTM" for Amhuinnsuidh Castle. This is out a long way down a road that has no connection to another road back, so be prepared to backtrack.

We thought from the map that it is open to tourists, as any other castle. When we got there, however, it was rented to some artists who were very friendly and let us use the restroom, take a quick look and leave. Would not miss the road out there. How else see the island?