Photos and the City

Tag: UK

Arnol

I arrived in Arnol, a little village on the Isle of Lewis to visit the Arnol Blackhouse, but was too early for my slot. And little did I know that there are so many remains of Blackhouses in Arnol. I used my time to walk around the village and look for all the blackhouses and how they are used today.

Parked at the Arnol Blackhouse and started my walk around…

Arnol is situated on the west coast of Lewis and is a pretty typical settlement, maybe except for the number of blackhouses that are still to be found.

The older ones have rounded ends and appear as a series of conjoined cells typically with a central living area/byre with a porch and barn on either side. The later ones can be identified by their gabled end walls and the presence of a stone dividing wall between living area and byre. (Wikipedia)

The Arnol Blackhouse museum at No 42 is a great example of how people used to live, it is still in the conditions after the former residents moved out in the 1960s. Around this time the Historic Environment, which cares for the Arnol Blackhouse, asked the residents to not destroy the other remains of blackhouses or reuse the stones for other buildings.

But the blackhouses are still in use, one of my favourite ones is used as a playground, and others offer storage or just walls for sheep to stay on.

09/02/2023
Traigh Shanndaigh – Eoropie

Eoropie – the most northern village in the Isle of Lewis. I basically came for two things, the beach and St Moluag’s church.

Teampall Mholuaidh (St Moluag´s church)

Constructed somewhen between the 12th and 16th century, this little church looks so whimsical, sitting within all the wildflowers. I couldn´t go inside as the church was closed but enjoyed a little walk around the church.

The church is associated as a place with healing powers, especially for mental health.

Many people were brought here in the hope of healing, and even those who could not reach the church sent wooden effigies of their afflicted parts. (wikipedia)

A visitor in 1603 noted that people had sent portions of their lame arms or legs to have lain under the saint.

Eoropie Beach

The first thing you see, even before reaching the dunes is a huge playground. It really is a huge and fabulous playground for all ages. During the week there even seems to be a little kiosk for hot drinks and snacks.

I walked through the dunes and arrived at the endless (and pretty empty) beach.

You will understand the next photo if you have read the “Lewis Trilogy” by Peter May – in these books set in Lewis he always talks about the big churches “looming” over the villages and while driving through Lewis I really understood these words.

07/02/2023
Butt of Lewis

From Ness I continued to drive towards the Butt of Lewis – there is also a stunning walk all around the coastline but I decided to do this another time and just walk along a few stops.

Port Stoth

Along the single track to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, I found one of my favourite beaches – Port Stoth. White shell beach and turquoise water.

Because of it’s proximity to the lighthouse and lack of roads, all the materials for the construction (between 1859 and 1862) were brought by ship and landed in here. (Visit Outer Hebrides)

Spot the cute dog.

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

I parked the car at the lighthouse and continued walking along the cliffs toward the site of Eoropie. Just watching the bird and the waves.

Europe’s most northwesterly point can be pretty wild. I saw images of waves coming over the cliffs. The Butt of Lewis is also the most northern tip of the Outer Hebrides and according to the Guinness Book of Records the windiest place in the UK. So be careful when you open your car doors!

The lighthouse was built in 1862 by David and Thomas Stevenson.

This remote location is a rugged and wild landscape. The Butt of Lewis is a collection of rocks and sea stacks with cliffs that rise 20-30metres above the boiling sea below. Even on a calm day the water smashes into the rocks and the wind howls across the cliff tops. (Meanderingwild.com)

02/02/2023