Discover the Ancient Mystique of Clava Cairns
Explore Clava Cairns: A journey through Neolithic Scotland’s ancient burial practices amidst stunning Highland scenery.
Clava Cairns is a remarkable historical landmark located just a stone's throw from Inverness, Scotland. This ancient site, dating back over 4,000 years, showcases a series of burial mounds and standing stones that are emblematic of Neolithic architecture. Visitors are drawn to the atmospheric landscape, where they can wander among the meticulously arranged stones and burial chambers, each telling a story of the ancient peoples who once revered this sacred ground. The site comprises three primary cairns, each encircled by a circle of standing stones. The most notable feature is the central cairn, which is a passage grave, allowing visitors to peer into the past and contemplate the rituals and beliefs of those who laid their loved ones to rest here. The surrounding scenery adds to the allure of Clava Cairns, as it is nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, providing a tranquil backdrop for reflection and exploration. Tourists can enjoy the site's accessibility and the well-preserved nature of the stones, which have withstood the test of time. Additionally, there are informative plaques that enhance the visitor experience by providing insights into the archaeological significance of the cairns. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful place to connect with nature, Clava Cairns offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland's ancient heritage.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and magical light for photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the site, as it offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven around the cairns.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to dress appropriately for the Highland climate.
- Take your time to explore the entire site, as each cairn has its own unique features and history.
A brief summary to Clava Cairns
- Inverness, IV2 5EU, GB
- +441667460232
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Bus
From Inverness city center, head to the bus station located on Margaret Street. Look for the Stagecoach bus service that goes to Culloden Battlefield. Board the bus and purchase a ticket to Culloden. The bus ride will take approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Culloden Battlefield, disembark and head towards the visitor center. From there, you can follow the signs to Clava Cairns, which is about a 20-minute walk away. You will need to walk along the road and take a right at the fork, continuing straight until you reach the site.
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Walking
If you prefer to walk from Inverness, start at the Inverness Castle, located at Castle Street. Head down Castle Street and take a left onto Bridge Street. Continue straight until you reach the A9 road. Carefully cross the A9 and follow the signs for the B9006 towards Culloden. This route is approximately 5 miles (8 km) and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Upon reaching Culloden, you can follow the previous directions to Clava Cairns from the visitor center.
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Bicycle
If you're up for a bike ride, rent a bicycle from one of the local shops in Inverness, such as the Bike Shed on Academy Street. From the city center, cycle towards the A9 road, then take the B9006 towards Culloden. The route is relatively flat and is about 5 miles (8 km). The bike ride will take approximately 30-40 minutes. Once you reach Culloden, follow the signs to the visitor center and then to Clava Cairns, which is a short walk away.
Attractions Nearby to Clava Cairns
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Culloden Viaduct
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Cumberland Stone
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CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD AND VISITOR CENTRE
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Culloden Battlefield
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Culloden Monument
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Culloden Wood
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Culloden Clootie Well (St. Mary’s Well)
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Milton of Leys viewpoint
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Walker park
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St Stephen's Church Inverness
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Frankie + Lola's Inverness
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National memorial of Scotland
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Unicorn Statue
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Egypt War Memorial
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The Victorian Market
Landmarks nearby to Clava Cairns
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Leanach Farm
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Milton of Clava
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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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Visit Inverness Loch Ness
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Cheese & Tomatin
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Girvans
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Inverness Scotland
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HMP Inverness