Dun Carloway Broch
A few miles from Callanish, Dun Carloway is one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland and a standout example of these remarkable stone structures found almost exclusively in the north and west of the country.
Rising dramatically from a rocky knoll, the broch dates back around 2,000 years and would once have stood even taller than it does today. Built entirely from stone without mortar, it functioned as both a tower house and a defensive stronghold, offering protection as well as status to the powerful family who lived there.
Inside, you can still clearly see the double-skinned stone walls, internal stairways and chambers that once formed part of everyday life during the Iron Age. These features give a fascinating insight into the ingenuity and engineering skills of the people who built and occupied brochs long before modern tools existed.
One of Dun Carloway’s greatest appeals is its setting. From the site, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Loch Roag and the rugged west coast of Lewis, making it easy to understand why this elevated position was chosen. The surrounding landscape adds to the sense of stepping back in time, especially on a clear day when the light and sky transform the scene.
The site is easily accessible and well worth combining with a visit to the Callanish Standing Stones, making it an ideal stop on a half-day exploration of Lewis’s ancient past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, Dun Carloway offers a tangible connection to island life thousands of years ago.
