Cairn o'Get: A Neolithic Chambered Cairn in Caithness
Explore the ancient Neolithic chambered cairn of Cairn o'Get, a 5,000-year-old burial site set in a stunning prehistoric Caithness landscape.
Cairn o'Get is a remarkable 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered burial cairn near Lybster, Scotland. This roofless round cairn features a central burial chamber and distinctive stone 'horns' forming forecourts. Set in a rich prehistoric landscape, it offers visitors a glimpse into ancient ritual practices and the lives of early farming communities in northern Scotland.
A brief summary to Cairn of Get
- Lybster, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the walk to Cairn o'Get crosses rough and sometimes boggy terrain with duckboards in place.
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the open, roofless chamber and the surrounding panoramic views.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique stone ‘horns’ and the picturesque moorland setting near Loch Watenan.
- Combine your visit with nearby prehistoric sites and natural attractions such as the Whaligoe Steps.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Lybster, the cairn is about a 15-minute drive via minor roads. Parking is available at a layby near Loch Watenan, followed by a 15-minute walk across moorland with some boggy sections. No parking fees apply.
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Bus and Walking
Take a local bus to Whaligoe, approximately 3 km from the cairn. From the bus stop, expect a 30-minute walk along marked footpaths over uneven terrain, including duckboards over boggy areas. Suitable for walkers with moderate fitness.
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Walking
From the layby near Loch Watenan, the walk to the cairn is about 15 minutes each way over rough moorland terrain. The path is waymarked but can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Cairn of Get location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Cairn of Get
Ancient Origins and Archaeological Significance
Cairn o'Get is a Neolithic chambered cairn dating back approximately 5,000 years, located near the village of Lybster in Caithness. Originally constructed as a round cairn with walls rising over 3 meters high and sealed by massive lintel stones, it served as a burial site for cremations and inhumations. Excavated first in 1866 by Joseph Anderson, the tomb revealed human and animal bones, Neolithic pottery, and flint arrowheads, offering valuable insight into prehistoric burial rites and ritual beliefs in northern Scotland. The cairn’s central chamber was accessed through a low passage and an antechamber defined by large upright stones, although the roof has long since collapsed, leaving the interior open to daylight.Architectural Features and Landscape Context
The cairn is notable for its 'horned' design, with stone projections creating forecourts at the north and south ends. These architectural elements are characteristic of the Orkney-Cromarty type cairns and highlight the monument’s ceremonial function. The site is part of an extensive prehistoric landscape that includes other burial monuments, hut circles, brochs, and hill forts, such as the nearby Garrywhin hill fort and Loch Watenan. This landscape reflects a long history of human activity and settlement patterns, with the cairn acting as a fixed ritual focal point amid a transitioning society moving towards permanent settlements and intensified farming.Historical Use and Cultural Insights
Cairn o'Get was used over multiple periods, initially as a burial site and later reused for additional interments. Archaeological evidence suggests the cairn was a sacred place where select individuals were cremated or buried, with some remains found in the antechamber and others in the main chamber. The presence of quartz on the cairn’s exterior may have symbolized the glowing of cremated bodies under sunlight, indicating complex ritual symbolism. The cairn’s construction and use reveal connections with broader Neolithic cultural practices across Scotland, including the movement of materials like flint over long distances.Visitor Experience and Setting
Today, Cairn o'Get stands roofless but remarkably intact, allowing visitors to enter the burial chamber and appreciate the scale and craftsmanship of this ancient monument. The site is situated in open moorland near a small loch, offering picturesque views of surrounding hills and the sea. The walk to the cairn crosses rough terrain and includes boggy patches, but duckboards ease access. The atmosphere is tranquil and evocative, providing a direct sensory link to Scotland’s deep prehistoric past.Conservation and Archaeological Research
The cairn has undergone several excavations and conservation efforts, notably coming under guardianship in 1961. Although earlier excavations removed much of the original deposits, limiting some scientific knowledge, later mapping and studies have enhanced understanding of its significance within the wider archaeological landscape. Cairn o'Get remains a protected monument, valued for its contribution to understanding Neolithic life and ritual in northern Scotland.Connections to Broader Neolithic Traditions
Cairn o'Get exemplifies the architectural and spiritual traditions of Neolithic Scotland, sharing features with other chambered cairns and standing stones that symbolize life cycles, death, and rebirth. The structure’s layout, with its winding passage and forecourts, may represent a symbolic journey through life stages. This site, alongside others in the region, helps illuminate the cultural heritage and mythologies of ancient communities, enriching Scotland’s prehistoric narrative.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Lidl
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McAllans
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
