The Clava Cairns were once well off the beaten track but the success of Outlander has put these stunning cairns firmly on the tourist map.  It’s a place to go early or later to avoid the crowds. They are open anytime and admisssion is free.

Cairn means pile of stones in Scots. The entrances to these cairns are aligned to the midwinter solstice sunset.

Sitting in a lovely spot near Culloden are a group of well-preserved burial cairns, parts of which date back to 2000BC. This particular area of the Clava Cairns is known as Balnuaran of Clava. Two of the cairns are lined up to mark the winter solstice and there are other intriguing features including cup marks (small indentations) common to other ancient monuments. Unlike Culloden which can gets very busy, the Clava Cairns still tend to be less busy. There are picnic tables beside the car park. It’s just a short walk to another part of the Clava Cairns called Milton of Clava. There you will find the remains of another cairn and a medieval chapel.

Access to Clava Cairns is free and they are open all year round. From Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre, turn right onto the B9006 and right at the crossroads. Follow the road round then take first right after Clava Lodge.