Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A Bronze Age Burial Monument in Glen Urquhart

Explore the 4,000-year-old Corrimony Chambered Cairn, a stunning Bronze Age burial site encircled by standing stones in tranquil Glen Urquhart.

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Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Corrimony Chambered Cairn is a remarkably preserved Bronze Age burial site located in Glen Urquhart near Inverness, Scotland. Dating back around 4,000 years, this Clava-type cairn features a circular mound of water-worn stones, a central burial chamber with a surviving roof passage, and is encircled by 11 standing stones, some bearing ancient cup and ring markings. It offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric Scottish burial practices and ceremonial life amid tranquil Highland surroundings.

A brief summary to Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Inverness, IV63 6TW, GB
+441667460232
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
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

Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the standing stones and the intricate cup and ring markings.
Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain around the cairn is natural and can be uneven.
Respect the site by staying on marked paths and avoiding climbing on the stones.
Bring a camera for capturing the scenic Highland setting and the ancient stone circle.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions in Glen Urquhart, such as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Getting There

Car

Driving from Inverness to Corrimony Chambered Cairn takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes via the A82 and minor roads. Parking is limited near the site, so arrive early during peak season. No parking fees apply.
Bus

Local bus services run from Inverness to Drumnadrochit or Beauly, with a journey time of about 1.5 to 2 hours. From there, a taxi or a 30-minute walk on uneven terrain is required to reach the cairn. Bus service frequency is limited, so check schedules in advance.
Walking

For experienced walkers, a scenic hike from Glen Urquhart village to Corrimony Cairn takes about 1 to 1.5 hours over natural, uneven paths. Suitable footwear and good weather conditions are recommended.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn location weather suitability

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Discover more about Corrimony Chambered Cairn

An Ancient Testament to Bronze Age Scotland

Corrimony Chambered Cairn stands as a significant prehistoric monument dating back approximately 4,000 years, belonging to the Clava type of circular chambered cairns unique to the Scottish Highlands. This burial mound, constructed from a vast assemblage of water-worn pebbles and boulders, is edged by a kerb of larger upright stones. At its core lies a circular burial chamber, originally roofed with a large capstone decorated with cup-marks, some of which remain visible today. The cairn’s passage, unusually well-preserved compared to similar sites, leads to the chamber and aligns roughly southwest, suggesting possible celestial or seasonal significance.

Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Insights

Excavations conducted in 1952 by Professor Stuart Piggott revealed a crouched burial of a woman beneath flagstones in the central chamber, accompanied only by a bone pin, indicating the individual’s probable high status. The absence of other artefacts and the cairn’s elaborate construction hint at complex social and ritual practices of Bronze Age communities. The surrounding circle of 11 standing stones, some bearing enigmatic cup and ring markings, further enriches the site’s symbolic landscape. These stones may have served ceremonial or calendrical functions, possibly marking solstices or seasonal cycles.

Setting Within Glen Urquhart’s Natural Landscape

Nestled in a peaceful glen surrounded by birch woodland and cultivated farmland, Corrimony Cairn is part of a landscape that likely supported prehistoric settlements. The fertile land around the cairn contrasts with earlier burial sites that were often isolated, reflecting evolving attitudes toward the relationship between the living and the dead. The tranquil Highland environment enhances the site’s contemplative atmosphere, inviting visitors to connect with Scotland’s ancient past amid natural beauty.

Architectural Features and Preservation

Measuring about 18 meters in diameter and 2.5 meters high, the cairn’s structure exemplifies skilled prehistoric engineering. The drystone walls of the burial chamber and the surviving roof passage demonstrate sophisticated construction techniques. While the original roof slab has eroded and collapsed, the passage’s roof remains intact, providing a rare insight into the cairn’s original form. Some of the standing stones around the cairn are modern replacements, but the overall layout preserves the monument’s historic integrity.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Corrimony Chambered Cairn is more than a burial site; it embodies the ceremonial and spiritual life of Bronze Age Scotland. The alignment of the passage and the presence of cup and ring marks suggest a connection to prehistoric cosmology and ritual observances, possibly linked to solar events like the winter solstice. The cairn’s location on arable land indicates its importance within a living community, marking a shift in burial customs and social structures during this era.

Legacy and Protection

Recognized as a scheduled monument since 1994, Corrimony Chambered Cairn is protected for its archaeological and cultural value. Although it lacks a visitor center, interpretive signage at the site helps visitors appreciate the cairn’s history and significance. It remains a compelling destination for those interested in ancient Scotland, archaeology, and the enduring mysteries of prehistoric ritual landscapes.

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Great War Memorial

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Great Glen Distillery - Scotlands Smallest Craft Distillery

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The Loch Ness Centre

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A Bronze Age Burial Monument in Glen Urquhart

A brief summary to Corrimony Chambered Cairn

Local tips

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Getting There

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Discover more about Corrimony Chambered Cairn

An Ancient Testament to Bronze Age Scotland

Archaeological Discoveries and Historical Insights

Setting Within Glen Urquhart’s Natural Landscape

Architectural Features and Preservation

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Legacy and Protection

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