Calanais on the Isle of Lewis is a crofting township and the standing stones Calanais I – III near the township are part of a complex of standig stones and burial tombs, forming one of the most remarkable concentrations in the British Isles.
As I visited the standing stones in 2018 I was very impressed and want to show you the beauty of the area with the tasks to solve at this virtual cache.
Logging this virtual cache requires answers of the following questions at the three different sites with standing stones, a mail with the answers to greendragon68@gmx.de and a photo of you/your GPSR at Calanais I.
Calanais III - Cnoc Fhillibhir Bheag
The standing stones Cnoc Fhillibhir Bheag is a consists of 12 stones, up to 3 metres tall, which can be seen as a flattenend ring with four stones inside it.
Task 1
Go to N 58° 11.735 W 006° 43.450 (center oft the standing stones), go ahead 21 metres in direction 246°. Here you find a rock at the ground with a carved symbol. Name the symbol or describe it.
Calanais II - Cnoc Ceann a Ghàrraidh
The standing stones Cnoc Ceann a Ghàrraidh is a consists of 5 standing stones, up to 3,3 metres tall. Two more stones have fallen down. From the standing stones you have good views to the near waters of Loch Reag.
Task 2
From the center of Calanais II at N 58 11.675 W 006 43.744 go 40 meters diretction 210° (stop at fence!). You see an old abandoned house. How many windows are visible in the wall in the northwest?
Calanais I – Calanais Standing Stones
This is the major site at Calanais and has different elements. There is a slightly flattenend ring of 13 stones around a huge central stone. Inside this ring is a small chambered tomb.Outside the circle are four rows laid out almost at right angles. The northern row is double, longer than the others and looks like a ceremonial avenue which narrows as it approaches the centre.
Task 3
The pictures A-D show four eye-catching stones at Calanais I.
Also are four different coordinates given.
Your task is to assign the pictures to the right coordinates. For example like this: Picture A belongs to coordinates I
- Coordinate I: N 58° 11.852 W 006° 44.723
- Coordinate II: N 58° 11.857 W 006° 44.700
- Coordinate III: N 58° 11.869 W 006° 44.691
- Coordinate IV: N 58° 11.835 W 006° 44.709
Task 4
Finally make a picture from yourself or your GPSR at this main Calanish Standing Stones and add this picture to your log when you write a foundlog. You and a part of the standing stones must be clearly visible. I don't need the picture in the messagecenter when you send the answers.
Reminder!
It is not allowed to touch the stones and it is not nessecary to solve the tasks.
The area
Near Calanais I you can see some old blackhouses which were typical for the Isle of Lewis in former times. If your are lucky you can see a golden eagle, because two pairs are nesting in the area.
Parking:
There is a small parking area at the A858 near Calanais III or a greater parking area at the Visitor Centre near Calanais I.