Dun Carloway - Dùn Chàrlabhaigh

Dun Carloway (Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Chàrlabhaigh) is the best preserved broch in the Outer Hebrides, also known as the Western Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Na h-Eileanan Siar). It is situated on the west coast of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas). Dun Carloway is built on a rock and parts of the wall on the east side remain over 30 feet (9.2 metres tall). The external diameter is approximately 47 feet (14.3 metres). The thickness of the walls vary from over 10 to 12 feet.

Dating from about 2,300 to 1,900 years ago, with many built 100 BC to 100 AD, brochs are amongst Scotland's most impressive prehistoric monuments. Most stood from over 16 feet to 42.5 feet (five to 13 metres) high. They are a circular, multi-storey, drystone building, with a single door at ground level. Inside was a main chamber from which smaller cells branched off, which could be either built into, or against, the wall. Within the broch's double walls was a winding, stone staircase, leading to higher floors and the top of the structure. They are mainly found in the north and northwest of Scotland. They were thought to be primarily dwellings for those of high status within the area and would at times have provided some protection against sporadic raiding parties.

This is an impressive site to visit as it is both remarkably well preserved and in a beautiful location overlooking Loch Roag. The site is located southwest from Carloway /Carlabhagh off the A858 north from Callanish/Callanais.