Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A Remarkable Bronze Age Burial Monument in the Scottish Highlands

Explore the ancient Corrimony Chambered Cairn, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site surrounded by standing stones in scenic Glen Urquhart.

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Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Nestled in the tranquil Glen Urquhart near Inverness, Corrimony Chambered Cairn is a well-preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back over 4,000 years. This Clava-type cairn features a circular stone mound surrounded by 11 standing stones, some adorned with cup and ring markings. Visitors can explore the central chamber through a low passage, experiencing a direct link to Scotland’s ancient past amidst scenic Highland surroundings.

A brief summary to Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Inverness, IV63 6TW, GB
+441667460232
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Free
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 trousers if you plan to crawl through the low passage into the chamber, as the rough stones can be tough on bare skin.
Visit during daylight hours for the best experience, as the site is outdoors and open year-round with no entrance fee.
Take time to appreciate the surrounding nature reserve, home to rare birds like black grouse and Scottish crossbill.
Respect the site by staying on marked paths and avoid climbing on the cairn to help preserve its structure.

Getting There

Car

Driving from Inverness, the journey to Corrimony Chambered Cairn takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes via the A831. There is a gravel car park near the site with free parking available. Note that the access road is a minor single-track road, so drive cautiously.
Bus

Local bus services connect Inverness to Drumnadrochit, approximately 12 km from Corrimony. From Drumnadrochit, a taxi or rideshare can be arranged for the 15-minute drive to the cairn. Bus frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.
Walking

Visitors staying in nearby Glen Urquhart villages can reach the cairn by foot via well-marked rural paths. The terrain is mostly flat but may be uneven in places, requiring moderate fitness and sturdy footwear.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn location weather suitability

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Discover more about Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Ancient Origins and Archaeological Significance

Corrimony Chambered Cairn dates from around 2000 BC, belonging to the Clava group of Bronze Age burial monuments unique to the Scottish Highlands. The site consists of a large circular mound approximately 18 meters in diameter, constructed from water-worn stones and edged by a kerb of larger upright stones. At its core lies a circular burial chamber, originally roofed with a large decorated capstone bearing prehistoric cup marks. Excavations led by Professor Stuart Piggott in 1952 uncovered a crouched burial, likely a high-status woman, beneath flagstones in the chamber, alongside a bone pin—the only artefact found. This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the funerary practices and social structures of early Scottish societies.

Distinctive Architecture and Surrounding Features

The cairn’s design demonstrates remarkable Neolithic engineering and planning. Unlike many similar monuments, much of Corrimony’s passage roof survives, allowing visitors to crawl through a narrow entrance passage about one meter high to reach the chamber. Surrounding the cairn is a circle of 11 standing stones, some featuring enigmatic cup and ring markings that hint at ritualistic or symbolic significance. The cairn’s southwest-facing passage may align with celestial events such as solstices, although this remains unconfirmed. The site is fenced and well maintained, preserving its integrity while allowing open access.

Setting Within Glen Urquhart and Natural Environment

Set in the peaceful Glen Urquhart, Corrimony Cairn is enveloped by birch woodland, cultivated farmland, and the Corrimony Nature Reserve, a haven for rare Highland wildlife including black grouse and Scottish crossbill. The surrounding moorland and remnants of Caledonian forest create a serene backdrop that enhances the cairn’s mystical atmosphere. The reserve is part of ongoing reforestation efforts to restore native woodland. This landscape context not only enriches the visitor experience but also reflects the ancient connection between the cairn’s builders and their environment.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Visitors can freely explore the site year-round during daylight hours with no admission fee. A gravel car park lies a short walk from the cairn, which is accessed via a small footbridge and gate. While the passage into the chamber requires crawling and may be challenging for those with mobility issues, the surrounding stone circle and cairn can be viewed externally. The site offers a quiet, contemplative atmosphere ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Informational signage provides context, though no on-site guides are present.

Cultural and Historical Context

Corrimony Chambered Cairn is part of a broader tradition of Clava cairns that mark a shift in Bronze Age burial practices towards monuments situated near settlements on fertile land. This reflects evolving attitudes toward death and community in prehistoric Scotland. The cairn’s alignment and symbolic stone art connect it to ancient cosmological beliefs. Nearby Glen Urquhart also holds layers of history from early Christian missions to later Highland clearances, situating Corrimony within a rich tapestry of Scottish heritage.

Preservation and Modern Stewardship

Designated a scheduled monument in 1994, Corrimony Chambered Cairn is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, ensuring its protection and upkeep. Conservation efforts include structural reinforcements to the passage roof and maintenance of the surrounding grounds. The site remains a vital educational resource and a tangible link to Scotland’s distant past, inviting visitors to reflect on the lives and beliefs of those who shaped the Highlands millennia ago.

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Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A Remarkable Bronze Age Burial Monument in the Scottish Highlands

A brief summary to Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Local tips

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Getting There

Car

Bus

Walking

Corrimony Chambered Cairn location weather suitability

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Ancient Origins and Archaeological Significance

Distinctive Architecture and Surrounding Features

Setting Within Glen Urquhart and Natural Environment

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Cultural and Historical Context

Preservation and Modern Stewardship

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Fort Augustus Lighthouse

Bridge of Oich

Drumdevan Country House, Inverness

Lochardil House

Highland Scenery

Castle Leod

Circle of Wise

Ness Islands

Torrish at Ness Walk

Ness Walk Hotel - 5 Star Luxury Inverness Hotel

Eden Court Inverness

Rowan Guest House Group Ltd

Great War Memorial

Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel Inverness

Unmissable attractions to see

Dog Falls

Glen Affric

Plodda Falls

Nessieland

Loch Ness Hub & Travel

Great Glen Distillery - Scotlands Smallest Craft Distillery

The Loch Ness Centre

The Clog & Craft Shop

Loch Ness Viewpoint

Summer House

Urquhart Castle

Falls of Foyers

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Highland Discovery Transfers and Tours

Loch Ness Statue

Essential places to dine

The Struy Inn (Casa Mia)

Fiddlers Highland Restaurant

The Lewiston

The Boathouse Restaurant

The Moorings Restaurant

The Lock Inn

Downright Gabbler

The Dores Inn

Coul House Hotel

Loch Ness House Beefeater

Black BX Food

Emily's Byre

Contrast Brasserie Inverness

The Waterside Restaurant

Hou Hou Mei

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Loch Ness Gifts

Great Glen Gifts

Loch Ness Nessie Shop

That Cute Little Highland Shop

Ness Gifts

James Pringle Weavers

Dalneigh Stores

The Merchant

Highland House of Fraser

James Pringle Weavers of Inverness

GLENEAGLES OF SCOTLAND