Grey Cairns of Camster: Ancient Neolithic Burial Monuments in Caithness
Explore two of Scotland’s oldest Neolithic chambered cairns set in haunting Caithness moorlands, revealing 5,000 years of ancient burial traditions.
The Grey Cairns of Camster are two remarkable Neolithic chambered cairns located in the remote moorlands of Caithness, Scotland. Dating back over 5,000 years, these prehistoric tombs—comprising a long cairn and a round cairn—offer a rare glimpse into ancient burial practices and architectural ingenuity. Visitors can explore the reconstructed dry-stone chambers and appreciate the haunting landscape of the Flow Country that has preserved these historic monuments.
A brief summary to Camster Cairns
- Unnamed Rd,, Lybster, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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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
- Wear waterproof and sturdy footwear as the site includes wooden walkways over boggy ground.
- Arrive early during peak seasons to secure limited parking near the cairns.
- Be prepared for tight crawl spaces inside the cairns; not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.
- Take time to read the informative signage to fully appreciate the site's Neolithic history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Parking
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Lybster, the Grey Cairns of Camster are approximately a 10-minute drive north via the A99 and a short unclassified road. Limited parking is available near the site; arriving early is recommended during busy periods. There is no parking fee.
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Bus and Walking
Take a regional bus service to Lybster from Wick or Thurso, with journey times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes depending on starting point. From Lybster, expect a 1.5-hour walk north along quiet rural roads and tracks to reach the cairns. The terrain is uneven and may be boggy in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.
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Taxi
Local taxi services can be hired from Lybster or nearby towns, offering a 10-15 minute ride to the cairns. This option is convenient but can be costly, with fares typically between £15-£25 depending on distance and time.
Camster 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 Camster Cairns
Neolithic Heritage Preserved on Windswept Moorlands
The Grey Cairns of Camster stand as some of the oldest stone structures in Scotland, constructed around 3000 BC during the Neolithic period. Situated in the isolated, peat-covered moorlands known as the Flow Country, the cairns have been remarkably preserved by their remote and harsh environment. This area, once fertile farmland in prehistoric times, became boggy peatland during the Bronze Age, helping shield the cairns from modern agricultural damage.Distinctive Dual Cairn Architecture
The site features two main cairns: Camster Long and Camster Round. Camster Long is an elongated cairn approximately 60 meters in length, with distinctive "horns" at each end and two internal burial chambers spaced about 15 meters apart. Originally, these chambers were separate round cairns later combined into a single long cairn, showcasing complex Neolithic architectural development. Camster Round, located about 180 meters away, is a circular cairn with a single chamber subdivided into three compartments. Both structures feature corbelled dry-stone roofs and narrow entrance passages, allowing visitors to crawl inside and experience the ancient burial spaces firsthand.Insights into Ancient Burial Practices
These chambered cairns served as communal burial monuments, reflecting the social and ritual practices of early farming communities in northern Scotland. The internal chambers were used for successive burials, and the cairns likely functioned as territorial markers or ceremonial sites. The design and scale of the cairns reveal a sophisticated understanding of construction techniques and a cultural emphasis on honoring the dead.Modern Preservation and Visitor Experience
Excavated and carefully restored by Historic Environment Scotland in the late 20th century, the Grey Cairns are open year-round free of charge. Wooden walkways provide access across the often wet terrain, and informative signage helps contextualize the site's significance. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear due to boggy ground and to explore the cairns' interiors, though the crawl spaces can be tight. The surrounding landscape offers expansive, haunting views of the Caithness moors, enhancing the sense of stepping back into prehistory.Location and Surrounding Environment
Located about 5 miles north of Lybster and 14 kilometers south of Watten, the cairns lie beside a minor unclassified road. The nearby Camster Burn and Loch of Camster add to the area's natural features. Despite its remoteness, the site is accessible by car with limited parking available. The solitude and windswept ambience contribute to a contemplative atmosphere, making the cairns a unique destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.Significance in Scotland’s Archaeological Landscape
The Grey Cairns of Camster are exemplary of the Orkney-Cromarty type of chambered cairns, important for understanding Neolithic life in northern Scotland. They stand as enduring monuments to early human settlement, ritual, and architectural skill, offering a tangible connection to a civilization that existed over five millennia ago. Their preservation and accessibility provide invaluable opportunities for education, reflection, and cultural heritage appreciation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mackays Hotel
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Whaligoe Steps
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Puldagon Farm Shop & Restaurant
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Caithness Reindeer
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Lybster Harbour
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Castle Of Old Wick
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Pulteneytown and Thrumster Church
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Old Pulteney Distillery
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The Wick Heritage Museum
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Caithness Seacoast Ltd
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Tesco Superstore
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Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archive
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Essential places to dine
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No.1 Bistro
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Riverhouse
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DeVitas Pizzeria & Cafe Bar
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Morags Café and Sweet Shop
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Bord De L'Eau
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The Bay Dunbeath
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Olive
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Pride of Bengal Indian Restaurant and Takeaway
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Y Not Bar & Grill
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Bydand
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The Blue Door Coffee Shop & Diner
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Wick Retail Park
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Lidl
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Highland Gift Shop
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Meiklejohns Confectioners - sweets and tobacco
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The Gift House
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B'Unique
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McAllans
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Far North Gifts and Gallery
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Hallmark
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Eye Candy
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Harpers Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
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
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
