Clach an Tiompain – The Eagle Stone
A 7th-century Pictish symbol stone with an eagle carving and a Highland prophecy, standing on a hill above Strathpeffer.
Clach an Tiompain, known as The Eagle Stone, is a small but striking 7th-century Pictish symbol stone standing on a rocky mound near Strathpeffer in Easter Ross, Scotland. Carved from blue gneiss, it bears a finely incised eagle and an enigmatic horseshoe-shaped symbol on its southeast face. Local tradition links the stone to a 15th-century clan battle between the Munros and MacDonalds, while the 16th-century Brahan Seer prophesied that if the stone fell three times, the valley would flood and ships would anchor on it. Now set firmly in concrete after two recorded falls, it offers a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into Pictish art and Highland legend.
A brief summary to Clach an Tiompain
- Strathpeffer, IV14, UK, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 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
- Visit in daylight for the best view of the carved symbols; the eagle and arc are easier to see with good light.
- Combine your visit with the Highland Museum of Childhood at the Old Station in Strathpeffer, which has exhibits on local history and culture.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the path to the stone can be muddy, especially after rain.
- Read about the Brahan Seer’s prophecy before you go; it adds a layer of intrigue to the stone’s story.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Strathpeffer
From Strathpeffer village centre, follow the main road east for about 5 minutes, then take a minor track leading into the field where the stone stands. The path is short but can be muddy; allow 10–15 minutes total from the village.
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From the Old Station car park
Park at the Old Station in Strathpeffer, then walk about 500 metres along the road and a short path to the stone. The route is well signposted and takes roughly 10 minutes on foot.
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By bus to Strathpeffer
Regular local buses serve Strathpeffer; from the bus stop in the village, walk east along the main road for about 5–10 minutes to reach the stone’s field entrance.
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From Inverness
By car, the drive from Inverness to Strathpeffer takes about 30–40 minutes. Park in the village or at the Old Station, then walk to the stone as described above.
Clach an Tiompain location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Clach an Tiompain
A Stone from the Pictish World
Clach an Tiompain, or The Eagle Stone, is a Class I Pictish symbol stone dating from around the 6th–7th century AD, a time when the Picts were carving mysterious symbols into stone across northern and eastern Scotland. Standing about 81 cm high, it is made of blue gneiss and bears two clearly incised symbols on its southeast face: a horseshoe-shaped arc, possibly representing an arch, rainbow, or ceremonial object, and below it, a detailed eagle with folded wings, sharp talons, and a strong beak. As a Class I stone, it was carved on a natural, unshaped boulder, typical of early Pictish monuments that predate the Christian cross-slabs. The meaning of these symbols remains unknown, but they likely held deep significance for the people who created them—perhaps marking territory, commemorating a leader, or serving a ritual or funerary purpose. The stone’s Gaelic name, Clach an Tiompain, is often translated as 'The Sounding Stone', though some interpretations suggest 'The Stone on the Ground'. Its current form shows damage to the upper right corner, where the arc symbol has been partially broken, a reminder of the centuries it has stood exposed to the elements.From Valley to Hilltop
The Eagle Stone did not always stand in its present location. Tradition holds that it originally stood in an old churchyard at Fodderty, further down the valley towards Dingwall, and was moved to its current hilltop site in 1411. Local lore connects this move to a battle between Clan Munro and a branch of Clan MacDonald, in which the Munros claimed victory. The eagle on the stone is thought to echo the Munro clan crest, leading to the belief that the stone was repositioned to mark the graves of fallen Munro warriors or to commemorate their triumph. Whether the stone was originally a Pictish territorial marker later adopted by the Munros, or if it was already associated with the clan before the 15th century, is unclear. What is certain is that its current position on a small rocky mound—sometimes identified as a tumulus—gives it a prominent, almost sentinel-like presence above the Strathpeffer valley, with sweeping views down towards Dingwall and the coast.Prophecy and the Brahan Seer
The Eagle Stone is closely tied to the legends of Coinneach Odhar, the 16th-century Brahan Seer, a Highland prophet whose predictions were said to have foretold events like the Highland Clearances and the construction of the Caledonian Canal. One of his most famous prophecies concerns this very stone: he declared that if Clach an Tiompain were to fall three times, the surrounding valley would be flooded and ships would sail up to Strathpeffer, anchoring on the stone itself. Over the centuries, the stone is believed to have toppled twice, prompting locals to set it firmly into a concrete base to prevent a third fall. This precaution reflects both the enduring power of Highland folklore and the deep connection between landscape and story in the region. Standing here today, the stone feels like a threshold between the ancient past and the living traditions of the Highlands.Visiting the Stone
The Eagle Stone stands in a small, fenced enclosure in a field at the eastern end of Strathpeffer, easily accessible from the village. It is approached via a short walk from the main road, passing through a gate and along a track that leads to the stone on its rocky mound. A nearby information panel provides context on the Pictish symbols, the Munro tradition, and the prophecy of the Brahan Seer, enriching the visit without overwhelming the quiet atmosphere. The site is free to visit and open at all times, making it a peaceful stop for those exploring the Highlands. The surrounding landscape is gently rolling, with views across the valley and a sense of isolation that enhances the stone’s ancient, slightly mysterious character. It is a place that invites quiet reflection, a moment to stand where Picts once carved symbols and clans once fought, and to feel the weight of centuries in a single, weathered slab of stone.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
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- Myth & Legends
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- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
