Ballantrushal, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0RG

Clach an Truiseil Standing Stone

Prehistoric

Source image

4.8

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

Check

Cost

Atmospheric

Feel

VillageRemote countrysideHistory loversPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

4.8

A solitary monolith rises above the houses of Ballantrushal. At about 5.8 metres above ground, Clach an Truiseil is described as Scotland’s tallest standing stone; archaeological investigation has also found evidence of other stone sockets nearby.

This is a short, focused stop rather than a destination for a long outing: the striking feature is a towering prehistoric stone set within a lived-in Lewis village. Its scale, uncertain origins and traces of a possible wider stone setting give it more to ponder than a quick photograph suggests.

Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling

Find your way

Open map

Ballantrushal, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0RG

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Allow a brief stop to view the monolith and consider the archaeological clues around it. It is a compact heritage visit, not a documented walking route or full-day destination.

Things to do

Take in the stone’s full height

Clach an Truiseil is described as about 5.8 metres high above ground. Step back where access allows to appreciate its height against the village setting.

10–20 minutes

Look for the stones around its base

Britain Express describes two stones lying at the base, one thought to have broken from the top of the monolith and another from its side.

5–10 minutes

Consider the possible stone-circle remains

The heritage account reports three stone sockets found to the north-east and a large recumbent slab about 35 metres away. These are evidence to consider, not proof of the exact original arrangement.

10–15 minutes

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Under 1 hour

A close look at the monolith

01
Reach Ballantrushal using the directions given by Britain Express; its page describes a small parking area opposite the stone.
02
View the standing stone from the approach and observe its scale and tapering form.
03
Look for the fallen stones at its base and the nearby walls described in the heritage account.
04
Stay on permitted access and check local signage before approaching.

Verified history

Clach an Truiseil is a prehistoric standing stone in Ballantrushal. Britain Express gives its above-ground height as over 5.8 metres and reports that archaeological investigations found three stone sockets to the north-east. A separate investigation identified large stones incorporated into nearby walls thought to date from around 1898–1920. These findings support the possibility of a wider stone setting, but do not settle the stone’s original purpose or arrangement.

Folklore & legend

Local tradition offers several explanations for the stone: that it marks a battle between the Macaulays and Morrisons, or the grave of a Norse warrior killed in battle. Another suggestion is that it served as a landmark for sailors. These are traditions and theories, not established history.

Hidden details

The monolith may not have stood alone — Three stone sockets were reportedly found to its north-east. A large recumbent slab about 35 metres away may also have been an outlier. The evidence leaves the form and purpose of any wider arrangement uncertain.

A possible off-centre arrangement — The heritage account says the main stone appears not to have stood at the centre of the possible circle, and may not have been part of it. The arrangement remains an archaeological puzzle rather than a confirmed reconstruction.

When to go

· No specific time is established by the supplied sources.

The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal highlight.

Check local weather and conditions before travelling; the supplied sources do not provide site-specific weather or terrain guidance.

Worth pairing with

Steinacleit Stone Circle

Britain Express lists Steinacleit Stone Circle about 1.3 miles away, making it a relevant additional prehistoric stop. Check its access and current conditions before visiting.

Arnol Blackhouse

Britain Express lists Arnol Black House about 4.9 miles away. It is a possible heritage pairing; check current opening and visitor arrangements before planning around it.

What to look for

01
Notice the stone’s tapering outline and rounded top
02
two fallen stones are described at its base. Look for the parallel stone walls nearby and, around 35 metres to the north-east, a recumbent slab that may have been associated with a stone-circle setting.

The story

Prehistoric archaeology; possible remains of a stone circle

Best time to go

Check conditions before travelling; no particular season is established by the supplied sources.

No best time of day or seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources. Check access and local conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

Under 1 hour

Perfect for

History lovers · Photographers

Before you go

Google Maps

Address

Isle of Lewis HS2 0RG

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.4 · 141 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The stone is visible on a rise behind houses in Ballantrushal. Britain Express describes a small parking area opposite and gives driving directions. Check access and local signage before visiting; the supplied sources do not confirm current access arrangements. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.

Check before visiting

Parking

Britain Express describes a small parking area opposite the stone. Check locally before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Check before visiting. The supplied sources do not establish path surface, step-free access or wheelchair suitability.