Historic site

Clava cairn

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Clava Cairn is a Bronze Age cemetery complex dating from around 2000 BC, located just east of Inverness. The site features three well-preserved passage graves surrounded by kerbstones and standing stones, all aligned with the winter solstice sunset. Visitors can walk among the cairns and enter the central chamber of the largest grave. The setting is atmospheric, with a ring of ancient trees and a peaceful, open landscape. It's a remarkable glimpse into prehistoric ritual and burial practices, and entry is free.

Don't miss

  • Enter the central passage grave and see the corbelled chamber
  • Standing stones and kerb cairns with cup-marked stones
  • Winter solstice alignment visible from the southwest entrance

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Ways to visit Clava cairn

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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