Clava Cairns
Mystical 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site with standing stones, inspiring the Outlander's 'Craigh na Dun'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Clava Cairns
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mystical 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site with standing stones, inspiring the Outlander's 'Craigh na Dun'.
"A truly magical and peaceful place, steeped in history and mystery."
🚗 Easy to Find, Free Parking
Accessible via a small residential area. Parking is free and usually plentiful.
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Do not touch or remove stones. Appreciate the history and calm atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ring Cairns
Central area
Three ancient burial mounds, each encircled by standing stones, offering a glimpse into Bronze Age rituals.
Standing Stones
Around the cairns
Mysterious monoliths that may have astronomical significance, adding to the site's enigmatic aura.
Passage Graves
Two of the cairns
Explore the chambers of these ancient tombs, imagining the lives and beliefs of Scotland's early inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Ancient Site
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy to Find, Free Parking
Accessible via a small residential area. Parking is free and usually plentiful.
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Do not touch or remove stones. Appreciate the history and calm atmosphere.
☀️ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Weekdays and early mornings offer a more tranquil experience.
🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Consider visiting Culloden Battlefield and Clootie Well for a fuller historical day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy to Find, Free Parking
Accessible via a small residential area. Parking is free and usually plentiful.
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Do not touch or remove stones. Appreciate the history and calm atmosphere.
☀️ Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Weekdays and early mornings offer a more tranquil experience.
🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Consider visiting Culloden Battlefield and Clootie Well for a fuller historical day.
💧 No Restrooms Available
Plan ahead as there are no public facilities on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Clava Cairns for its serene atmosphere and historical significance, often describing it as a peaceful and mystical place. Many appreciate the free access and the connection to the Outlander series, though some note the lack of facilities and the importance of respectful behavior at this ancient site.
"Even before I read the description here or knew anything of the cairns, I definitely sense the calmness and surreal feeling of this place.
While many tourists were in the rings taking pictures, it just felt inappropriate to do so. This place is to be appreciated and felt."
Tanya Ribeiro
"We stopped here on a weekday. It was easy to find. You have to drive through a small residential area. If you like history you will enjoy this area. The parking was easy and plenty of spaces in the lot. It was free to park. We arrived at 11:30. There were only a few people besides us at that time. We did pass a tour bus on our way in that may have been leaving from the cairns. After you visit the cairns, facing the road, walk out and turn right, walk down the road and then turn
around to see the bridge in the distance."
Lisa B
"The complex is a very cool place to visit if you're interested in history or archaeology. The complex is well maintained and there is information about the possible use and history of the site. It wasn't very busy when we went, and there was plenty of room to wander around the Cairns without being disturbed."
Amy Routledge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clava Cairns is located a short drive east of Inverness, approximately 5 miles. You can reach it by car, following signs towards Culloden Battlefield and then Clava Cairns. Public transport options are limited, so a car or taxi is recommended. Some visitors enjoy a walk from Culloden Battlefield, though this requires planning. +1
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot available at Clava Cairns. It's free to use and generally has plenty of spaces, though it can fill up during peak times. +1
Yes, it's possible to walk between Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. There's a route that goes through Culloden Woods, and some parts are waymarked. It's a scenic walk but requires comfortable shoes and an early start.
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Clava Cairns. Taxis are also an option from Inverness. For those who enjoy walking, a route from Culloden Battlefield is feasible, but it's a longer journey.
Public transport to Clava Cairns is not very direct or frequent. It's best to rely on a car, taxi, or organized tour for easy access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Clava Cairns. Entry to the site and parking is completely free, allowing everyone to experience this ancient monument.
Clava Cairns is an open-air prehistoric site and is accessible at all times. There are no set opening or closing hours, so you can visit whenever you wish.
Absolutely not! Clava Cairns is a free attraction. You can explore the ancient stones and burial chambers without any cost.
To experience Clava Cairns with fewer people, aim for weekday mornings or late afternoons. Early mornings are particularly peaceful.
As an open-air site, Clava Cairns is accessible at any time. However, visiting at night might be challenging due to darkness and lack of lighting, though some find it adds to the mystical atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Clava Cairns features three well-preserved Bronze Age burial cairns, two with passage graves and one ring cairn, all surrounded by standing stones. It's a fascinating archaeological site with a mystical ambiance.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 2 hours at Clava Cairns, allowing time to explore the cairns, read the information boards, and soak in the atmosphere.
No, there are no public restrooms available at Clava Cairns. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive or plan accordingly.
Yes, children can enjoy Clava Cairns, especially if they are interested in history or the 'Outlander' series. It's an open space for them to explore, but supervision is recommended around the ancient structures. +1
The standing stones and cairns are believed to have been used for burial rituals and ceremonies, with some alignments suggesting astronomical significance, particularly with the winter solstice.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are within the ring cairns, capturing the standing stones against the sky or the ancient mounds. Early morning or late afternoon light creates a dramatic and mystical atmosphere.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or Historic Environment Scotland for current rules regarding drone flights over protected heritage sites like Clava Cairns.
While many visitors touch the stones, it's strongly advised against to preserve the ancient structures. Respect the site and avoid touching them.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography at Clava Cairns, casting long shadows and creating a magical ambiance. +1
General photography is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permissions. Always be respectful of other visitors and the site itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
🎬 Outlander Fans
+1🚗 Day-Trippers from Inverness
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Outlander Connection
+1This prehistoric site, dating back approximately 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, offers a tangible link to Scotland's ancient past. The standing stones and ring cairns evoke a sense of mystery and wonder, making it easy to see why it inspired such a beloved story. The atmosphere is often described as mystical and serene, even with other visitors present.
+1For fans, visiting Clava Cairns is more than just sightseeing; it's an immersive experience that brings the world of Outlander to life. The sheer age and enduring presence of these stones create a profound connection to history and the enduring power of storytelling.
Archaeological Significance and Mystery
+3What makes Clava Cairns particularly fascinating is its apparent astronomical alignment. The cairns and surrounding standing stones are thought to have been deliberately positioned to align with celestial events, most notably the winter solstice. On the shortest day of the year, the sun's rays would penetrate the passage graves, illuminating the central chambers. This suggests a deep understanding of the cosmos and its importance in their rituals and beliefs.
+1Despite extensive research, the exact purpose and meaning behind the construction of Clava Cairns remain somewhat mysterious. They were likely used for burials and ceremonies, but the precise nature of these rituals and the society that built them continues to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike. The site's enduring presence and enigmatic nature contribute to its mystical allure.
+1Visiting Clava Cairns: Practicalities and Etiquette
When visiting, it's crucial to remember that this is an ancient and sacred site. Visitors are strongly encouraged to treat the cairns and stones with respect. This means refraining from touching the stones, climbing on them, or removing any artifacts or natural elements from the site. The community has expressed concern over past incidents of disrespect, emphasizing the need for preservation.
To enhance your visit, consider combining Clava Cairns with other nearby historical attractions such as Culloden Battlefield and the Clootie Well. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the region's rich history. Remember that there are no restroom facilities on-site, so plan accordingly before your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit