Exploring other Calanais Sites
Beyond the main Calanais Stone Circle (Calanais I), there are several other stone circles distributed in the vicinity. At least twelve other stone circles and nine standing stones were erected across the Lewis landscape, with a notable concentration around Loch Roag.
Calanais II (Cnoc Ceann a’ Gharraidh)
Located between Calanais I and Calanais III, this site has 5 standing and 2 fallen stones in an oval, plus a smaller stone pointing toward the centre. It may once may have contained around 18 stones, forming a circle twice the size of Calanais I. From here, you can view Calanais I, while Calanais III is silhouetted against the horizon in the opposite direction.
Calanais III (Cnoc Bhileabhair Bheag)
Perched on a ridge upslope from Calanais II, this secluded circle offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere. It features 2 concentric, unevenly oval settings: the outer circle retains 8 upright and 5 fallen stones, while the inner has 4 upright stones, though both likely held more originally. From this vantage point, you can look out toward Calanais II and Calanais I.
Calanais IV (Ceann Thulabhig)
A stone ring with 5 standing stones and a fallen stone. A small central cairn includes a little standing stone.
Calanais VI (Cul a’ Chleit)
The remains of this once large stone circle overlooking the Blackwater River is thought to be situated along an important routeway connecting east and west Lewis.
Calanais IX (Druim Nam Bidearan)
The spectacular location of this site takes in the whole Calanais landscape with circles I, II, III, IV, VI, X, and XI all visible.
Calanais X (Na Dromannan)
Peat removal in the early 2000’s of this mostly fallen site revealed two concentric circles with a short avenue.
Calanais XI (Airigh na Beinne Beige)
Geophysical survey revealed a single standing stone was once the remains of a circle. An extraordinary anomaly thought to be a lightning strike was found at the centre, an event perhaps memorialsed by the construction of the circle.
