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Scotland
SgarastaStanding Stone / Menhir
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Visited 29.5.12 It was a beautiful day and the beach at Bagh Steingidh is simply stunning so we stopped for a few hours for fun and frolics. The fact the beach is overlooked by an impressive standing stone is of course a welcome bonus! I first approached the stone from across the rocks on the beach but later went back for a second visit and this time chose the easier way from the main road. I am glad I did this as there is now a very good information board near the gate giving access to the field. It appears the highland cow is now housed in the field on the opposite side of the road – next to the house. The standing stone is approx 2 metres tall x 1.3 metres across. ‘Hairy’ green lichen covers the stone on the side facing the sea. I counted 6 fallen stones sticking out of the grass – 1 large and the rest just the tips of stones. These were part of the original stone circle as described on the information board. The information board also refers to a cairn next to the standing stone. There is a mound visible approx 10 metres across x 0.5 metres high - more pronounced on the seaward side. The views from the stone are fantastic. Blue skies, white sand and clear turquoise water. The scenery is spectacular. Harris really is a beautiful place. I took this opportunity to ask Karen a very important question – I am pleased to say I received a positive response. No doubt I will remember this visit for a long time! |
Posted by CARL 28th June 2012ce Edited 28th June 2012ce |
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Visited 5th August 2004: On the Ordnance Survey map Sgarasta looks pretty accessible, sitting as it does just off the A859. I hadn't anticipated the cows though. The farmer had kindly placed a 'Beware Highland Cattle' sign on the gate as a warning, but the presence of the cows on the other side of the wall rendered it unnecessary. In the sunshine the stone and the views looked gorgeous, and I wasn't about to back down. The cows watched me intently as I climbed over the gate and after a moment of hesitation I decided not to run for the stone. I casually strolled in a respectful arc around the cattle and kept up the same sort of pace until I got to the stone (it unnerved me having my back to them). What a great stone! What a great view. The mountains and the sand make for a staggering back-drop. I nearly forgot about my bovine audience. Despite the road, this place has a real feeling of solitude. Not much time to enjoy the ambience though because everyone else was waiting in the car. We spent the afternoon on the beach (Bàgh Steingidh) within site of the stone. Highly recommended! |
Posted by Kammer6th April 2005ce Edited 6th April 2005ce |
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After the slightly "over the top" nature of Lewis and its many sites, coming across this stone on Harris was refreshing and exciting. We actually drove straight by this site, so unobtrusive it appears and yet right by the road... The backdrop of sea, sand and cliffs was perfect (with the highland cattle close by for a truly Scottish moment!) The lichen almost covered the stone on both sides - a testimony to the endurance of the site. Despite the rain, I was quite happy to just stand there, taking in the landscape and the elements... I would strongly advise any travellers who make it over to Lewis to visit the Callanish sites, to also make the journey south to Harris. You will find incredible landscapes and a couple of sites that are well worth the visit - and with no other tourists for miles around! |
Posted by Vicster17th December 2003ce Edited 12th January 2004ce |
| A glorious place looking out towards Taransay and northwards to Lewis. This lichen covered wonder really has one of the best outlooks of any other in Britain. The sunset from here is inspirational. |
Posted by David Milner21st September 2003ce Edited 22nd September 2003ce |
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On the top of a high stone in Scaristavor parks, the raven will drink its fill of men's blood [..]From p274 of 'Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland' by John Gregorson Campbell (1900). http://www.archive.org/stream/cu31924029909896#page/n297 |
Posted by Rhiannon18th April 2011ce Edited 18th April 2011ce |
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Canmore NMRS NG09SW2 This 2m high stone is said to have been part of a stone circle as other prostrate stones, probably not in their original position, are lying nearby. |
Posted by greywether15th August 2004ce |
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