Tucked in a quiet glen near the western edge of Loch Ness, Corrimony Chambered Cairn offers more than just a glimpse into ancient history. This atmospheric burial site, built over 4,000 years ago, now lies within a peaceful RSPB reserve — a unique blend of Neolithic mystery and modern conservation success, where rare black grouse now thrive.
How to Get There
Corrimony lies about 13 miles (30 minutes) west of Drumnadrochit, in the Scottish Highlands.
- From Inverness, head southwest on the A82 along Loch Ness to Drumnadrochit.
- Take the A831 west into Glenurquhart, passing through Balnain.
- After around 10 miles, turn left following signs to Corrimony.
- A small parking area is available just before the cairn, and a short path leads to the site.
It’s well-signposted and accessible year-round, though best visited in dry weather.
The Cairn: A Window into the Bronze Age
Corrimony Chambered Cairn is part of the Clava group of burial monuments and dates to around 2000 BCE, placing it firmly in the early Bronze Age. The structure is a passage grave — a round cairn of stones about 11 metres in diameter, surrounded by 11 standing stones, carefully positioned for ceremonial significance.
At its centre is a stone burial chamber, which would once have been roofed and possibly used for multiple burials. Archaeologists believe such cairns were ritual sites used to honour the dead and perhaps mark important seasonal events or celestial alignments.
Unlike tombs sealed away forever, many of these chambered cairns were re-entered repeatedly over centuries, suggesting long-lasting spiritual or communal use. The northeast-facing entrance may also have had astronomical or symbolic meaning, catching the light at particular times of year.
Set in a quiet Highland glen, this structure offers a deeply evocative glimpse into the ceremonial lives and spiritual beliefs of Scotland’s early farming communities.
RSPB Corrimony Nature Reserve
Surrounding the cairn is the RSPB Corrimony Reserve, a 1,530-hectare stretch of Caledonian pine forest, moorland, and peat bogs. It’s part of a major habitat restoration project focused on reviving native woodland and helping wildlife return to the glen.
What Makes It Special?
- Black Grouse: Once declining rapidly across the UK, these elusive birds are now making a comeback here. The reserve is one of the best places in Scotland to see black grouse lekking — the elaborate dawn courtship display where males puff out tail feathers, fan their white rumps, and make bubbling calls.
- Scottish Crossbills, crested tits, and pine martens also inhabit the regenerating pine woods.
- Golden eagles and buzzards often soar overhead, especially from the higher ridges.
There are no formal trails across the reserve, but you can explore small tracks, especially near the cairn and through areas of restored woodland. Guided RSPB walks occasionally take place in spring.
Why Visit Corrimony?
Corrimony offers something rare: the chance to touch ancient stones, listen to the call of black grouse at dawn, and witness the slow healing of a Highland landscape. It’s a place for quiet walks, curious minds, and early mornings with binoculars in hand.
Practical Tips
- Best time to see black grouse: April–May, just after sunrise.
- No visitor centre: Bring snacks, water, and binoculars.
- Combine with: A day trip around Glen Affric, just west of Corrimony — often called the most beautiful glen in Scotland.