Grey Cairns of Camster
Explore 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered tombs, the Grey Cairns of Camster, offering a unique, immersive historical experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Grey Cairns of Camster
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered tombs, the Grey Cairns of Camster, offering a unique, immersive historical experience.
"A truly cool and impressive ancient site, worth the visit if you're in the vicinity!"
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Waterproof and sturdy footwear is essential for the wooden walkways. Stay on them to avoid wet feet!
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is very limited. Arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Long Cairn
Western Cairn
Crawl inside this ancient tomb for a unique, albeit tight, historical experience. A truly immersive journey into the past.
The Round Cairn
Eastern Cairn
Explore the impressive structure of this well-preserved Neolithic tomb. Offers a glimpse into ancient burial practices.
Informative Signage
Learn about the history and significance of these 5,000-year-old Neolithic monuments through helpful information boards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Accessibility & Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Waterproof and sturdy footwear is essential for the wooden walkways. Stay on them to avoid wet feet!
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is very limited. Arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
🤏 Entry is Tight
Entering the cairns requires crawling. Not suitable for everyone, but still fascinating from the outside.
📜 Informative Signs
Read the signs to understand the history. They provide good context for these ancient structures.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Good Shoes
Waterproof and sturdy footwear is essential for the wooden walkways. Stay on them to avoid wet feet!
🚗 Limited Parking
Parking is very limited. Arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
🤏 Entry is Tight
Entering the cairns requires crawling. Not suitable for everyone, but still fascinating from the outside.
📜 Informative Signs
Read the signs to understand the history. They provide good context for these ancient structures.
📸 Scenic Views
Enjoy the surrounding landscape. The journey to the cairns is as picturesque as the site itself.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Grey Cairns of Camster a fascinating and well-preserved historical site, offering a unique glimpse into Neolithic Scotland. The ability to enter the cairns is a highlight, though the tight crawl space is a noted limitation for some. The well-maintained walkways and informative signage enhance the experience, making it a worthwhile stop for those in the area.
"Very interesting place, some information signs / boards but not many sadly. Well kept roads leading to the cairns, and wooden pathways to cairns maintained, though some slightly wobbly so take care and wear good footwear."
Josie Smith
"Definitely worth a visit if you're in the vicinity. The wooden walkway was great to get to the cairns. There was an small doorway that was open in the long cairn, and since I'm rather small, I was able to fit inside. Really cool! Parking is in a wide area of the road & space very limited."
s lynn
"A very well maintained walkway leads to both cairns making them accessible. We enjoyed reading the history and visiting inside both cairns. Would recommend if you’re in the area or just passing by as well."
Heather Bissett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Grey Cairns of Camster are located in Caithness, Scotland. Well-maintained roads lead to the site, with a designated parking area. It's often visited as a side trip from nearby towns like Thurso or Wick.
Yes, there is a parking area, but it is described as limited. It's advisable to arrive early, especially if you're visiting during busier periods, to ensure you can find a space.
Information on direct public transport to the Grey Cairns of Camster is scarce. It's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to this remote location.
The roads leading to the cairns are generally well-kept, making for a pleasant drive. Follow local signage from the main roads in Caithness.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at the Grey Cairns of Camster site. It's a remote historical monument, so plan accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Grey Cairns of Camster is free. You can visit and explore the ancient tombs without any admission fee.
The Grey Cairns of Camster are an outdoor historical site and are generally accessible at any time. There are no set opening or closing hours.
Yes, it is possible to enter both the long and round cairns. However, the entrance requires crawling through a tight space, which may not be suitable for everyone.
While the site is well-maintained, the cairns themselves are ancient structures dating back over 5,000 years. Some aspects might have undergone preservation work.
No booking is required as it's a free, open-access site. Just plan your visit and head there directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore two Neolithic chambered cairns: a long cairn and a round cairn. Wooden walkways provide access, and you can enter the cairns by crawling.
Yes, there are information signs and boards that provide historical context and details about the cairns, making your visit more informative.
Children might enjoy exploring the area and the novelty of crawling into the cairns, but supervision is essential. The tight entry might be a challenge for some.
The site features well-maintained wooden walkways leading to the cairns. However, the surrounding area can be damp, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
A visit usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you spend reading the information boards and exploring the cairns.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing structures of the cairns against the Caithness landscape. The interior shots, if you can manage the crawl, are unique. Early morning or late afternoon light can be stunning.
Yes, it can be challenging due to the confined space and low light. A wide-angle lens and good low-light performance on your camera or phone are helpful.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at the Grey Cairns of Camster. However, always be respectful of the historical site.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the cairns. A tripod might be difficult to use due to the terrain and tight spaces inside.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check current aviation rules for the area before flying a drone near historical sites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure everyone wears sturdy, waterproof shoes, as the walkways can be damp. The limited parking means an early start is best to avoid stress. While entering the cairns might be challenging for some, the kids can still enjoy exploring the impressive exterior structures and the surrounding open landscape. The informative signs can also make it an educational outing.
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts & Archaeologists
Highlights for enthusiasts: The ability to enter both the long and round cairns (with the caveat of the tight crawl space) offers a unique perspective. Take time to read the informative signage, which details the excavation and historical significance of the camster cairn complex. The remote location also adds to the authentic experience, allowing for a more contemplative exploration of this ancient monument.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Neolithic Scotland
Visiting the Grey Cairns provides a tangible connection to a distant era. The ability to enter the cairns, albeit through a tight crawl space, is a unique experience that many find profoundly moving. It allows for a more intimate understanding of how these structures were used and the effort involved in their construction. The surrounding landscape of Caithness adds to the atmosphere, with its rugged beauty enhancing the sense of stepping back in time.
While the site is free to visit and generally well-maintained, it's important to note that the experience is best suited for those who are comfortable with confined spaces and uneven terrain. The camster cairn complex is a significant archaeological find, and its accessibility, despite the physical challenges, makes it a valuable destination for anyone interested in Scottish history and prehistoric archaeology.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Parking is another key point. The designated parking area is described as limited, so arriving early in the day is a wise strategy, particularly during peak tourist seasons. This avoids potential disappointment and allows for a more relaxed start to your exploration. Remember that this is a remote site, so amenities like restrooms or cafes are not available on-premises.
Finally, accessibility for entering the cairns is a significant factor. The entrance requires a crawl, which is not feasible for individuals with limited mobility or those who are larger-framed. However, even without entering, the external structures and the surrounding scenery are impressive and well worth the visit. The camster cairn site offers a unique historical encounter, and these practical tips will help you make the most of it.
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