Calanais II (Cnoc Ceann a' Ghàrraidh)

Calanais II (Cnoc Ceann a' Gharaidh) is one of the many ancient stone monuments that form part of the remarkable Calanais complex on the west coast of Lewis. Situated on a ridge overlooking Loch Roag, just 90 metres from the water's edge, the site lies only a short distance from Calanais III and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's prehistoric past.

The monument consists of an oval stone circle originally formed by seven standing stones, five remain upright today while two have fallen. The stones range in height from 2 to 3 metres, creating an impressive presence within the landscape. A flat stone slab lies before the western stone, pointing towards the centre of the circle.

At the heart of the monument is a cairn approximately 8.5 metres in diameter, suggesting the site may have served both ceremonial and burial purposes.

Today, Calanais II stands as an important part of the wider Calanais landscape, revealing how this sacred area evolved over thousands of years as successive generations created monuments in stone and timber.

Download Callanish walking leaflet here.