Upon leaving the island capital of Stornoway, travel across to the island’s beautiful west coast and to Callanish. Described as Scotland’s Stonehenge, the Callanish Standing Stones date from around 3,000 BC. There is a total of 32 stones in a circular and avenue design. It is thought that the site, one of several in the area, was constructed for astronomical observations. The stones stand like a petrified forest on the flat top of a peninsula which reaches out into East Loch Roag. Visit the excellent visitor center to learn more about the site and venture among the stones to experience their mysterious atmosphere.

Continue around the west coast to the site of Dun Carloway Pictish Broch. Probably built sometime in the last century BC, it probably served as an occasional defensible residence for an extended family, complete with accommodation for animals on the ground floor level. It must have been a visible statement of power and status in the local area.

Re-join your bus and travel north to Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a reconstructed settlement with traditional blackhouses where people and animals lived in close proximity. The houses were made using dry stone masonry and have thatched roofs, distinctively weighted down with rocks. Visit the small museum, enjoy a display of a typical crofting activity like weaving or butter-making (subject to availability), and take in the views of this dramatic site on the wild Atlantic coast.

Complete your circular drive as you head back across moorland to Stornoway.