West Side tour
Posted: Monday, 12 June 2006 |
Last week, I went on a bustour of the West Side. If you work the timetable, it is actually possible to do a whistlestop tour of the five main tourist sites - Callanish, Dun Carloway Broch, Gearrannan Black House Village, Shawbost Norse Mill and Arnol Blackhouse Museum - within 10 hours. A 拢6 busticket will serve all the way. You leave Stornoway at 9.10 am and return at 7.10pm. The trick is to go to the Broch first, double back to Callanish and carry on from there to Gearrannan and points east. Don't forget some of the places are up to 10 minutes walking time from the drop-off point for the bus. A few pictures to whet the appetite.
Callanish is going to be busy on the day of the summer solstice with sun worshippers. Pity they are not aware that the Stones and associated 20 other megalithic monuments (all within a 3 mile radius) are reckoned to be a lunar monument, rather than a solar one. Oh dearie me. Last night (Sunday 11/6/06), the moon could be seen skirting the tops of the "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" at 12.30 a.m. (courtesy )
This skylark was so busy singing its heart out on the post, that I could approach it to within 20 feet to take this picture.
The bridges at Carloway. You see the Pentland Road snaking across the Carloway River, to join said river passing under the bridge carrying the main A858 road through Carloway.
The Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan [Garenin], seen from the bottom of the village. Most of the houses are in use as self-catering units for visitors; there is a youth hostel, a museum plus interpretative centre and a toilet block. The entry to the Village is free, the museum carries an admission charge.
These two small buildings were in use as a watermill and a kiln until recently. A lade was diverted off a small stream to power the watermill.
Callanish is going to be busy on the day of the summer solstice with sun worshippers. Pity they are not aware that the Stones and associated 20 other megalithic monuments (all within a 3 mile radius) are reckoned to be a lunar monument, rather than a solar one. Oh dearie me. Last night (Sunday 11/6/06), the moon could be seen skirting the tops of the "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" at 12.30 a.m. (courtesy )
This skylark was so busy singing its heart out on the post, that I could approach it to within 20 feet to take this picture.
The bridges at Carloway. You see the Pentland Road snaking across the Carloway River, to join said river passing under the bridge carrying the main A858 road through Carloway.
The Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan [Garenin], seen from the bottom of the village. Most of the houses are in use as self-catering units for visitors; there is a youth hostel, a museum plus interpretative centre and a toilet block. The entry to the Village is free, the museum carries an admission charge.
These two small buildings were in use as a watermill and a kiln until recently. A lade was diverted off a small stream to power the watermill.
Comments
Notwithstanding your incomer status, A.L., you probably could qualify as one of the best guides on the island!! Thanks for sharing. Are the seats on the buses comfortable, or do you rely on Sitzfleisch?
mjc from NM,USA
Arnish Lighthouse: did you happen to take any pictures of the the church in Carloway and/or the cottages next to it? I lived with my Gran in the far cottage in 1985/6 and would love to see what it looks like now. I used to meet my friends at the bridge. Thank you for bringing back some great memories.
Aileen from Ontario
I never knew the Black village existed - it looks fab. is it expensive to stay? and is it ok for real folk or just for keen tourists? wait a minute! just read the text again - 'there's a toilet block' - no showers? no washing machines? no restaurant? no....
scallowawife from shetland
I hasten to clear up an omission (thanks Scallowawife): The Gearrannan Blackhouse Village also has a restaurant (very good!) and a youth hostel. Several of the blackhouses can be rented (have a look at www.gearrannan.com) as self-catering units, housing 2 to 16 people each. They conform to 21st century standards, and have showers, washing machines &c.
Arnish Lighthouse from Stornoway
I have been in Lewis since late 2004 and am observing life on this fascinating island from an outsider's perspective. I look out at the lighthouse every day - as it looks out over the island and the sea. 
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