After two days in Ullapool, we took the ferry to the Isle of Lewis and Harris. We arrived in the port of Stornoway and began our drive through the countryside.
Our first stop was at the Callanish stone circles, which according to the linked article, is the most prehistoric site in Scotland. The summer solstice occurred while we were there and according to the same link, “Callanish has become a focus again for visits at the summer solstice, by those perhaps hoping to see the ‘shining one’ who according to local legend walks up the avenue on the midsummer dawn. These visits are the continuation of a Lewis tradition (carried on in spite of the church’s opposition) which also saw the stones attended on May day.”
We weren’t able to be there for the actual sunrise on summer solstice but if any of you have read Diana Gabaldon’s historic romantic series “Outlander,” it would have been interesting to have been there.
We passed several other smaller stone circles along the way to our accommodations at a lovely inn (Ardhasaig House) outside of Tarbert. The owner was a professional chef and we had some of the best food while staying there. She also opens the dining room to the public for dinner.
One thing you will see a lot of while is Scotland is sheep. They are everywhere. And along the coast you will see lots of seagulls.
We had the opportunity to do visit a shop where they spin their own wool before we went on several small walks t including Seilebost Beach, St. Clements Church in Rodel, and another longer hike along the coast.
It is often very windy out in the islands. I didn’t take too many photos the beach because of the howling wind. But it was beautiful.
Next we take the ferry to the Isle of Skye.
Maralee
Through My Lens 
When were you in Scotland ????? Stunning photos – love the first and the two boats – nice that you tell the story … around your photos. Beautiful post.
Thanks, Viveka. We were there about 6 years ago. I’ve gone back to some old photos for my posts because I’ve been suffering from a horrible summer cold and haven’t been able to get out and take new photos. 🙂
Maralee, I think it’s wonderful that you are sharing memories … it doesn’t have to be new photos all the time – stunning. Keep them and their story coming.
These are stunning photos that really seem to capture the personality of Scottish islands. I look forward to seeing how you captured Skye because I have such fond memories.
Thanks, Pat. I’ll probably be doing Skye in two separate posts . . . I think it was my favorite island.
Makes me wish I was in Scotland right now! Beautiful photos.
Thanks, Judy. It makes me want to go back again.
I love that you are sharing this trip… such lovely photos of all the places you visited… you should have been at the stone circle at midnight you might have had a good story to share… I’m really enjoying this trip with you… lovely…
Thanks, Rob. I would have loved to have gone to the stone circle at midnight to see what would happen. Next time . . .
Was in Scotland for a weekend a long time ago. Now I see I need to go back. Wonderful pictures.
I’d like to go back and spend much more time. There is so much to see and do.
I agree with everyone else. Thanks for sharing these photographs and memories of your trip. Hoping to be able to take a trip to Europe once my children are old enough to appreciate it. 🙂 Lovely images.
Thanks, Marcus. You and your kids will love it when you have the chance to go. There is so much history there and it is so wonderful to be introduced to different cultures.
I love the picture of the abandoned house.
It would have been fun to be able to go down and explore around it a little bit, but we were on a time schedule and didn’t have time.
Another Wow.
Thank you, David.
I’m loving the warm hues in these castle and countryside photos. I imagine you are enjoying re-living this trip through photos and story. That is some loom she’s weaving on!
After doing this series, I want to go back and spend more time there. They had a lot of hand made wool products in Scotland and I bought a beautiful sweater at a small shop run by local weavers. Trouble is it is almost too warm to wear here – even in the winter. I need to move to a cooler climate to wear it. 🙂
All the Scottish pictures were great