Located only a few miles from where we currently live in Nairn, Clava Cairns is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric prehistoric sites. In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting Clava Cairns—from its 4,000-year-old burial monuments and astronomical alignments to what to expect on arrival, how to visit with respect, and nearby historic sites.
Quick Facts
- Name: Clava Cairns
- Location: Balnuaran of Clava, near Culloden, Inverness, Scotland
- Coordinates: 57.4734° N, 4.0718° W
- Type: Bronze Age burial cairns
- Estimated Construction Date: Circa 2000 BCE
- Managed by: Historic Environment Scotland
- Entry: Free; open year-round
- Facilities: Small car park; no toilets or visitor centre
- Official Website: Clava Cairns – Historic Environment Scotland(howardwilliamsblog.wordpress.com)
Getting There
Clava Cairns is located approximately 6 miles east of Inverness. From Inverness, take the B9006 road towards Culloden. After passing Culloden Battlefield, continue for about 1.5 miles and turn right onto a minor road signposted for Clava Cairns. Clear signs guide you to the site, and you’ll find a small car park right beside the cairns.
Getting to Clava Cairns by Public Transport
- Nearest Bus Stop:Culloden Moor Inn
- Served by Stagecoach North Scotland (e.g. Route 112)
- Approx. 22-minute journey from Inverness (e.g. Morrisons stop)
- From the bus stop, it’s a 1-mile (1.6 km) walk to Clava Cairns
- Alternative Bus Stop:Cumberland Stone
- Served by Routes 27 and 253
- Around a 24-minute walk to the cairns
- Check Timetables:
- Taxi from Inverness:
- Approx. 10 minutes by car
- Typical fare: £18–£23
- Guided Tours (optional):
- Highland Experiences include Clava Cairns
- Example: Culloden, Clava Cairns, and Inverness City tour
Facilities
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site. (Disabled Parking, Minibuses. Not suitable for coaches)
- Accessibility: The terrain is uneven and may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- Amenities: There are no toilets, visitor centre, or café on-site.
- Nearby Attractions: Culloden Battlefield, Culloden Viaduct, and Milton of Clava.
- Picnic Tables: to the right of the parking area
Historical Overview
Clava Cairns is a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex dating back approximately 4,000 years. The site comprises three primary cairns arranged in a northeast to southwest alignment: two passage graves at the northeast and southwest ends, and a central ring cairn without an entrance. Each cairn stands within its own stone circle, forming part of a wider prehistoric landscape dotted with more cairns and standing stones..(worldhistory.org)
Construction and Materials
The cairns were constructed using carefully selected stones of varying colours and sizes. Notably, stones were chosen for their colour—red, white, and black—and strategically placed within the structures. Red stones, often sandstone or conglomerate, are predominantly found at the southwest entrances, while white stones, such as quartz or granite, are positioned towards the northeast. Black stones are used sparingly, typically in the deepest parts of the chambers, possibly symbolizing death or the afterlife. (researchgate.net)
The standing stones encircling the cairns are graded in height, with the tallest stones located at the southwest, aligning with the setting sun during the winter solstice. (historicenvironment.scot)
Excavations and Findings
Archaeologists excavating Clava Cairns have uncovered only limited human remains, which suggests the builders used these monuments for selective burials—possibly of high-status individuals.Findings include fragments of cremated bone, pottery shards, and stone tools. The presence of cup and ring marks on some stones indicates a ritualistic or symbolic aspect to the site. (worldhistory.org, en.wikipedia.org)
Cultural Significance
Clava Cairns is part of a broader prehistoric landscape in the Inverness area, with over 50 similar cairns identified. The site’s alignment with the winter solstice sunset suggests its importance in ancient ceremonial practices. Additionally, Clava Cairns has gained modern cultural significance as an inspiration for the fictional Craigh na Dun in the “Outlander” series, attracting fans and tourists worldwide.
Visitor Etiquette
When visiting Clava Cairns, show respect for its sanctity by observing the following guidelines:
- Do not climb on the cairns or standing stones.
- Refrain from removing stones or other materials; local lore warns of bad luck befalling those who disturb the site.
- Stay on designated paths to protect the site’s integrity.
- Leave no trace—take only photographs and memories.
The Role of Rowan Trees in Celtic Tradition
Rowan trees, surround Clava Cairns, hold significant importance in Celtic and early Scottish belief systems. Historically, people associated the rowan with protection, especially against malevolent forces or witchcraft. It was often planted near homes, grave sites, and boundary areas due to its reputation as a protective tree.
The tree’s bright red berries, each bearing a tiny five-pointed star opposite its stalk, were considered potent symbols against enchantment and witchcraft. In ancient practices, rowan wood was used to craft protective amulets and crosses, often tied with red thread, and placed above doorways or carried on one’s person. Its presence this ancient site, Clava Cairns,reflects how we still use natural elements to define sacred or liminal spaces.
Nearby Sites of Interest
- Milton of Clava: Features additional cairns and the remains of a medieval chapel.
- Corrimony Chambered Cairn: A well-preserved Clava-type cairn located in Glen Urquhart.
- Suenos Stone: A Pictish standing stone located in Forres, notable for its intricate carvings.(historicenvironment.scot, en.wikipedia.org)
Corrimony Chambered Cairn: Ancient History & Rare Birds in the Highlands
For more Wee Wild Adventures in Scotland
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Clava Cairns
How to enjoy a Midsummer Adventure at Clava Cairns