Isle of Lewis Tours Historic Island Loop

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Callanish Standing Stones

  We will have around 45 minutes at this site to allow you to explore them to their fullest. There is a gift shop, cafe / restaurant, exhibition and toilets at this stop. There is a fee for the exhibition but not (currently) for access to the Stones. This, globally unique, site allows you to experience megalithic stones at one of the United Kingdoms most amazing historic sites. The Stones lie in the shape of a cross, as we know the Christian Cross today, but of course, 5,000 years ago, this symbol was not associated with Christianity. Even more exciting for us is that they are older then the stones at Stonehenge. Currently the Visitor Centre is being renovated and may not be operational but the Stones can still be visited. If you are not back at the vehicle on time then, for the sake of other guests, we will assume you have opted to make your own way back. It is important to consider this point prior to joining any long lines at cafes or attractions.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 2
  Carloway Broch

  We have 45 minutes at this location. Toilets and a small visitor centre are usually open at this site. There is no fee to access this site but donations are encouraged for upkeep. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dun-carloway/ Growing up, this was favourite attraction to visit. In those days visitor numbers were very low and we were able to play here all day pretending it was castle. Things have changed just a bit. This monument, built around 200 BCE, lasted as a home and defence for around 100 years but Dun Carloway may have been used for almost 1000 years which is very impressive. For those with the surname Morrison, it is thought that this was a fortress for your clan as late as 5000 CE. If you are not back at the vehicle on time then, for the sake of other guests, we will assume you have opted to make your own way back. It is important to consider this point prior to joining any long lines at cafes or attractions.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3

  We will spend around 45 minutes at this site. There is a gift shop, a cafe and toilets at this location that are usually open. There is an entrance fee. https://www.gearrannan.com/ Here you get the chance to see a whole village of Blackhouses (as you saw a single example on other tour). There are often examples of crofting activities, such as weaving, shearing or herding. They also have a shop and a café to enhance your visit. If you are not back at the vehicle on time then, for the sake of other guests, we will assume you have opted to make your own way back. It is important to consider this point prior to joining any long lines at cafes or attractions.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• 4

  We will spend around 30 minutes at this stop. There are no facilities at this stop. There is no entrance fee. This stop involves a short, 10 min walk, across a rough walk way. My family were engaged, in the 1960s, renovation of this site, and so we honour it with a stop on tourer service. Currently it is without funding to operate safely and has been closed for internal access. However the buildings themselves are worth a visit to see the thatching and stream system that was built to help Vikings grind their cereals. If you are not back at the vehicle on time then, for the sake of other guests, we will assume you have opted to make your own way back. It is important to consider this point prior to joining any long lines at cafes or attractions.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5

  We will spend around 20 minutes at this site. There is no entrance fee. There are no facilities at this site. This Sheiling is a fine example of an early house, built from stone, that crofters would use during the summer when they spent long period of time away from home, cutting peats to bring home. This structure is perhaps more elaborate than most of the ones we saw as children out on the moors but nonetheless is worthy of a stop and review. If you are not back at the vehicle on time then, for the sake of other guests, we will assume you have opted to make your own way back. It is important to consider this point prior to joining any long lines at cafes or attractions.

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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