Magnificent, monumental and mysterious, the 5000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones are often described as Scotland’s Stonehenge. Set in glorious scenery, they are the finest examples of their kind in the country, and a must-see if you are on the Isle of Lewis.
The stones form the shape of a “Celtic” cross, though they pre-date Christianity by millennia, and some people feel a spiritual connection by touching, holding and leaning on them. To learn more about their history, check out the “Story of the Stones” exhibition in the visitor centre, with various features and exhibits plus a highly descriptive video, which is beneficial to visually-impaired visitors.
Disabled visitors are asked to park in one of the bus-bays close to the visitor centre, from where a fairly long uphill path leads to the stones. If you are just visiting the stones, follow the signs for the post office to a second tarmac car park allowing direct, level access. This is an ancient monument set in an ancient landscape, but fit wheelchair users will be able to negotiate around without too much difficulty – others may need assistance. The landscape gently undulates and should offer few problems to those with other mobility issues, though it’s worth checking the weather as a peat landscape in rain will affect wheelchair progress. Few sites like this allow such access, so it’s worth the effort.
