Clava Cairns: Mystical Bronze Age Burial Cairns Near Inverness
Explore Clava Cairns, a mystical 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site near Inverness, famed for its ancient stone circles and celestial alignments.
Clava Cairns is a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex near Inverness, Scotland, dating back around 4,000 years. Comprising three main cairns—two passage graves and one ring cairn—each encircled by standing stones, the site reflects ancient burial rituals and astronomical alignments, notably with the midwinter sunset. Set in a tranquil woodland, it offers a powerful connection to prehistoric life and inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun in the Outlander series. Open year-round with free access and parking, it remains a serene and evocative historic landmark.
A brief summary to Clava Cairns
- Inverness, IV2 5EU, GB
- +441667460232
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 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 due to uneven terrain and natural stone surfaces.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no food or drink facilities on-site.
- Visit during quieter times early or late in the day to enjoy a more tranquil experience.
- Combine your visit with nearby Culloden Battlefield for a comprehensive historical day trip.
- Respect the site by staying on paths and not climbing on the stones.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Parking
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Inverness, the journey to Clava Cairns takes approximately 15–20 minutes via the A96 and B851 roads. Free on-site parking is available but limited, especially during peak times. Coaches are not recommended due to parking constraints.
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Bus and Walk
Take a regional bus from Inverness to Culloden Battlefield, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, a 20–30 minute walk along rural paths leads to Clava Cairns. The terrain is uneven and may be challenging for some visitors.
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Guided Tour
Join a guided Highland or Outlander-themed tour departing from Inverness, typically lasting 4–6 hours and including Clava Cairns and nearby Culloden Battlefield. Prices range from £40 to £70 per person depending on the provider.
Clava Cairns 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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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Clava Cairns
Ancient Origins and Archaeological Significance
Clava Cairns, located near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, is an exceptional prehistoric site dating back approximately 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BCE. The complex consists of three primary burial cairns arranged in a northeast to southwest alignment. Two of these cairns are passage graves featuring stone-lined passages leading to central chambers, while the third is a sealed ring cairn without an entrance. Each cairn is surrounded by its own stone circle, highlighting the sophisticated architectural and ceremonial practices of the era. The site is part of a broader prehistoric landscape with over 50 similar cairns identified in the region, underscoring its cultural importance.Celestial Alignments and Ritual Purpose
The layout of Clava Cairns reveals an advanced understanding of astronomy by its builders. The two passage graves are aligned toward the southwest, corresponding with the setting sun at the winter solstice, suggesting the site’s use in ancient ceremonial and calendrical functions. The standing stones encircling the cairns are graded in height, with the tallest stones facing the midwinter sunset, reinforcing the connection to celestial events. This alignment may have symbolized death and rebirth cycles, reflecting spiritual beliefs about the afterlife and seasonal change.Atmosphere and Landscape Setting
Nestled in a peaceful woodland setting near the River Nairn, Clava Cairns offers a mystical and tranquil atmosphere that draws visitors into a deep sense of connection with the past. The uneven terrain and natural surroundings enhance the feeling of stepping back in time, where the weathered stones stand as silent sentinels to ancient rituals. The site’s quiet ambiance is often described as soul-stirring, inviting reflection on the lives and beliefs of Scotland’s early inhabitants. Nearby, the smaller cemetery at Milton of Clava features additional cairns and the remains of a medieval chapel, extending the historical narrative of the area.Modern Cultural Resonance and Visitor Experience
In recent years, Clava Cairns has gained wider cultural significance as the inspiration for the fictional Craigh na Dun in the popular Outlander series. This connection has attracted fans worldwide, adding a layer of storytelling magic to the site’s ancient presence. Visitors typically spend one to two hours exploring the cairns and reading the interpretive information boards, absorbing the sense of mystery and history. The site is free to visit, open 24/7 year-round, and managed by Historic Environment Scotland, though it offers no visitor centre, toilets, or cafés, preserving its untouched and natural character.Practical Considerations for Visitors
Clava Cairns is accessible via a small car park with free parking, including spaces suitable for minibuses, though coaches are not recommended. The terrain is uneven and may present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. There are no onsite facilities such as restrooms or food services, so visitors should plan accordingly. The site’s open access allows for flexible visiting times, but peak periods can fill the limited parking quickly. Combining a visit to Clava Cairns with nearby attractions like Culloden Battlefield offers a rich historical journey through Scotland’s layered past.Enduring Legacy of Scotland’s Prehistoric Heritage
Clava Cairns stands as a testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and craftsmanship of Bronze Age societies in Scotland. The carefully constructed cairns and their celestial alignments invite ongoing exploration and interpretation, connecting modern visitors with a lineage stretching back millennia. The site’s evocative power lies in its ability to transcend time, offering a tangible link to ancient human experience and the mysteries of life, death, and the cosmos.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Leanach Farm
0.6 km
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Milton of Clava
0.8 km
Explore ancient Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones in a serene Scottish setting near the historic Culloden Moor.
Culloden Viaduct
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Culloden House Hotel
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Holiday Inn Express Inverness, an IHG Hotel
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Inshes Gate Brewers Fayre
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Kingsmills Hotel
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The Broad Stone, Inverness
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Silverstrands Guest House
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The Corriegarth
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St John's Scottish Episcopal Church, Inverness
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Cheese & Tomatin
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Girvans
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Inverness Scotland
8.9 km
Inverness, the vibrant Highland capital, offers historic charm, stunning river views, and easy access to Loch Ness and Scotland’s majestic landscapes.
Water filling station
9.0 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Cumberland Stone
1.1 km
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Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
1.2 km
Explore the haunting moor where the 1746 Battle of Culloden ended the Jacobite Rising, with immersive exhibits and historic memorials.
Culloden Battlefield
1.4 km
Explore the haunting moor where Scotland’s last pitched battle unfolded, with immersive exhibits and poignant memorials.
Milton of Leys viewpoint
6.3 km
Discover stunning Highland panoramas and tranquil natural beauty at Milton of Leys viewpoint just outside Inverness.
Inverness Shopping Park
6.3 km
A spacious and accessible retail park offering diverse shops, dining, and entertainment just east of Inverness city centre.
Bannatyne’s Health Club And Spa
7.2 km
A modern health and wellness sanctuary in Inverness offering gym, spa treatments, heated pool, and a stylish café bar for complete relaxation.
North Coast 500 Moto Experience
8.0 km
Premium motorbike hire in Inverness, your perfect start to the iconic North Coast 500 adventure through Scotland’s stunning Highlands.
Walker park
8.2 km
A spacious, family-friendly city park in Inverness offering vibrant play areas, peaceful green spaces, and community spirit year-round.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness
8.7 km
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St Stephen's Church Inverness
8.7 km
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Frankie + Lola's Inverness
8.9 km
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HMP Inverness
8.9 km
Scotland’s smallest local prison, blending historic architecture with modern rehabilitation in the heart of Inverness.
Eastgate Shopping Centre
8.9 km
A vibrant shopping hub in Inverness offering diverse stores, local markets, and convenient amenities in a welcoming city-centre setting.
Market Brae Steps
8.9 km
Historic stone steps linking Inverness’s vibrant Crown district with its rich market heritage and scenic urban views.
Falcon Square
9.0 km
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Essential places to dine
Frankie & Benny's
6.3 km
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D'Lish Restaurant and Bar
7.3 km
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The Fluke
7.6 km
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Heathmount Hotel
8.6 km
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Little Italy
8.8 km
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Fig & Thistle
8.8 km
Cozy modern Scottish bistro in Inverness serving fresh, locally sourced dishes with warm hospitality and a boutique atmosphere.
Loch & Larder
8.9 km
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Lorimers Family Restaurant
9.0 km
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Ash
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Number 27 Bar and Kitchen
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Aye Eat
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Cafe 1
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La Tortilla
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Kool Runnings
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Salt’N’Fire
9.1 km
The UK’s first fully vegan takeaway, serving bold, globally inspired street food in the heart of Inverness’s Victorian Market.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Range, Inverness
6.4 km
A versatile homewares and lifestyle store in Inverness Retail Park offering furniture, garden, pet, lighting, toys, and art supplies under one roof.
F&F Clothing
7.0 km
Affordable fashion for the whole family at Inverness’s Inshes Retail Park, open daily with a broad selection from F&F Clothing inside Tesco Extra.
Farm & Household Stores
8.6 km
Inverness’s largest independent homewares store offering quality kitchenware, furniture, and household essentials with a family-run touch.
The Drawing Room
8.7 km
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White Stuff Inverness
8.8 km
Discover stylish, affordable clothing and accessories for the whole family at White Stuff Inverness, nestled in the vibrant Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Unique Ness
8.9 km
Discover Unique Ness, Inverness’s boutique home furniture shop offering distinctive pieces and creative homeware in Eastgate Shopping Centre.
Souvenir & Gift shop
9.0 km
A convenient Highland gift shop in Inverness’s main shopping district, offering tartan souvenirs, Nessie memorabilia, and traditional Highland wear.
Harris Tweed Isle Of Harris
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Highland tweeds Inverness
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Keepsake Scotland
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Isle of Skye Candle Company - Inverness
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The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
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The Highlander Store
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The Works
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Rouge Boutiques
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Snow Goose
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Dows Bar
8.0 km
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The Imperial
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The Tooth & Claw
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Three Witches
9.1 km
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Platform 8
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The Exchange
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Caledonian
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Playback
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The Gunsmiths Bar
9.1 km
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Lauders
9.1 km
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MacCallums Bar
9.1 km
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Revolution Inverness
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Market Bar
9.2 km
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The Malt Room
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Private Eyes Inverness
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Xplosive Discos
14.7 km
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Seaforth Club
17.5 km
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The Ross Shire Club
25.3 km
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the Balavoulin
34.4 km
A lively, dog-friendly pub with hearty meals and cozy rooms, perfectly placed for exploring Aviemore and the Cairngorms.
The Winking Owl, Craft Ale Pub & Bar
34.4 km
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The Vault
34.7 km
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Mambos
34.9 km
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The Aviemore Inn pub and grill
35.7 km
Experience the warmth of Scottish hospitality at The Aviemore Inn, the perfect pub and grill in the heart of Aviemore for travelers and locals alike.
Woodshed Bar
36.9 km
Experience the warmth and charm of Woodshed Bar in Aviemore, where delightful drinks and a cozy atmosphere await you.
SUIE BAR
39.4 km
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The Pine Marten Bar
40.8 km
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Shmelgin
49.0 km
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Moray Jazz Club
49.0 km
Discover the vibrant live music scene at Moray Jazz Club in Elgin, where talented musicians create unforgettable performances in an intimate setting.
Zed Bar
49.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Zed Bar in Elgin, where great drinks and lively atmosphere await every visitor.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
