The Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age cemetery complex near Inverness, Scotland, featuring three burial cairns and standing stones dating back approximately 4,000 years. This guide covers opening times, admission prices, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting this ancient archaeological site.
The site is a major stop on a day tour from Inverness that also includes a Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle, Culloden Battlefield and Beauly Priory.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening times | Open year-round, 24 hours a day. No staff on site. |
| Admission price | Free entry. Free parking. |
| Address | Clava Cairns, near Inverness, IV2 5EU |
| Getting there | 6 miles east of Inverness. Follow B9006, then single-track road. No direct public transport. Grid reference: NH 752 439 |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour for most visitors. |
Clava Cairns opening times
The Clava Cairns is an open-air site accessible 24 hours a day, year-round. There are no gates, staff or visitor centre. The site can be visited at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and to appreciate the setting fully.
The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland but operates as an unstaffed monument with free public access.
Why book the Loch Ness, whisky & Outlander day tour from Inverness?
- Explore legendary Loch Ness: Visit the world-famous freshwater loch, take in its dramatic scenery and search for signs of the elusive monster.
- See Urquhart Castle ruins: Wander the atmospheric remains of this historic fortress overlooking Loch Ness and learn about its turbulent past.
- Whisky distillery visit: Enjoy a stop at a traditional Highland distillery with a chance to sample fine Scotch and learn about whisky making.
- Outlander filming locations: Pass by or visit sites featured in the hit series, with commentary that brings the landscapes to life for fans.
- Guided full-day experience: Includes transport from Inverness and commentary from a knowledgeable guide, making for a stress-free and informative outing.
Clava Cairns admission prices
Entry to the Clava Cairns is completely free. There are no tickets required and no admission charges. Parking is also free. As a Scottish charity site, Historic Environment Scotland welcomes donations to support heritage conservation. Opening times and admission information were checked and updated January 2026.
How to get to the Clava Cairns
From Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, take the B9006 towards Culloden. Follow brown tourist signs marked “Clava Cairns”. The final approach requires navigating single-track roads through a residential area. The access road has a 17-tonne vehicle weight restriction and is not suitable for coaches.
There is no direct public transport to the Clava Cairns. The nearest bus services stop at Culloden Battlefield, approximately 1 mile away. Visitors without cars typically drive, take taxis from Inverness (approximately 15-20 minutes), or join guided tours that include the site.
Parking at the Clava Cairns
A small free car park is located on site. The surface is compacted gravel and can have puddles after rain. Parking bays are not formally marked. The car park accommodates standard cars and minibuses but is unsuitable for coaches due to access road restrictions.
Disabled parking spaces are available, with approximately three dedicated spaces close to the entrance. The car park can fill quickly during peak times, particularly when tour groups arrive, typically mid-morning to early afternoon.
How long to spend at the Clava Cairns
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour exploring the Clava Cairns. The site consists of three main cairns, standing stones and information boards. The compact layout means the site can be seen relatively quickly, though those interested in archaeology or photography may prefer longer.
Walking between all visible monuments and reading interpretation boards typically takes 30-45 minutes. The nearby Milton of Clava site, a short walk away, adds approximately 15-20 minutes if visited.
Accessibility at the Clava Cairns
The terrain at the Clava Cairns is uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The site is 4,000 years old and was not designed for modern accessibility requirements. The ground consists of grass, rocky areas and uneven surfaces.
From the car park, the distance to the outer boundary is approximately 50-100 metres. Visitors can view the cairns from the perimeter fence or enter the site through a metal gate. The best approach for wheelchair users is to stay on grassier areas rather than rocky outcrops.
Dedicated disabled parking is available close to the entrance. The site is generally flat but requires careful navigation. Sturdy footwear is essential, particularly in wet conditions when paths become muddy.
What to see at the Clava Cairns
The three primary Bronze Age cairns are arranged in a northeast to southwest alignment. Two are passage graves (at the northeast and southwest ends), each with an entrance passage and central burial chamber. The central cairn is a ring cairn without an entrance passage.
Each cairn is surrounded by its own stone circle, with standing stones of varying heights. The tallest stones face southwest, aligning with the midwinter sunset. The passages of the two outer cairns also point southwest, suggesting astronomical significance.
Information boards throughout the site provide historical context and explain the Bronze Age burial practices. Visitors can walk between the monuments and view the interiors of accessible cairns. The site features cup-and-ring carvings and carefully selected stones of different colours.
Milton of Clava, a short distance up the valley to the west, contains additional standing stones, smaller cairns and the remains of a medieval chapel.
Practical tips for visiting the Clava Cairns
| Tip |
|---|
| Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups, which typically arrive mid-morning to early afternoon. |
| Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the ground is uneven and can be muddy after rain. |
| There are no toilets, café or visitor facilities on site; plan accordingly before arriving. |
| The access road is narrow and single-track with limited passing places; drive cautiously. |
| Visitors are permitted to touch the stones and enter some cairns, but should treat the site respectfully as a 4,000-year-old burial ground. |
| Children should be supervised and should not climb on the cairns or standing stones. |
| Do not remove stones or other materials from the site. |
| A picnic area is located beside the car park. |
Facilities at Clava Cairns
There are no facilities at th eClava Cairns. The site has no toilets, visitor centre, café, shop or staff. Visitors should use facilities at nearby Culloden Battlefield (2 miles) or in Inverness (6 miles) before arriving.
Information boards are the only interpretive materials on site. The Historic Scotland mobile app provides additional information about the cairns and can be downloaded before visiting.
Frequently asked questions about the Clava Cairns
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Clava Cairns suitable for children? | Yes, children can visit but should be supervised. The uneven terrain requires careful walking. Children should not climb on the cairns or stones. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Clava Cairns? | No. The site is free to access at all times with no booking required. |
| Is the Clava Cairns open on Sundays? | Yes. The site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. |
| Are dogs allowed at the Clava Cairns? | Dogs are generally permitted but should be kept under control and on leads. Check current guidance on site. |
| Is the Clava Cairns the same as Craigh na Dun from Outlander? | No. Clava Cairns inspired the fictional Craigh na Dun in the Outlander books but was not used for filming. The TV series used a purpose-built set. |
| Can you touch the stones at the Clava Cairns? | Yes, visitors are allowed to touch the standing stones and enter accessible cairns, unlike many restricted heritage sites. However, the site should be treated with respect. |
Connection to Outlander
The Clava Cairns is widely believed to have inspired Craigh na Dun, the fictional stone circle in Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series where the protagonist Claire Randall travels through time. The author has acknowledged that sites like the Clava Cairns influenced her descriptions.
The connection has increased visitor numbers significantly, with many fans visiting to recreate photographs from the series. The site was not used for filming; the TV production created a purpose-built stone circle elsewhere.
Things to do near Clava Cairns
Culloden Battlefield (2 miles) is the site of the 1746 Jacobite Rising defeat. The visitor centre includes a museum, 360-degree battle immersion theatre, café and shop.
Culloden Viaduct (1.5 miles) is a 19th-century railway viaduct visible from surrounding roads. It can be viewed from public paths.
Fort George (12 miles) is an 18th-century artillery fortification built after Culloden. The site includes The Highlanders’ Museum.
Cawdor Castle (7 miles) is a 14th-century castle with gardens and café. Open seasonally from spring to autumn.
Inverness city centre (6 miles) offers Inverness Castle (with new visitor experience), Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, Inverness Cathedral and riverside walks.
