Clava Cairns Guide
Clava Cairns: Standing Stones Whispering Ancient Secrets Guide
Step back in time at Clava Cairns, a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex. These ancient burial cairns, standing stones, and ring cairns offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who inhabited this area over 4,000 years ago. The atmospheric site is shrouded in mystery and evokes a sense of wonder and connection to the past. The Clava Cairns date back to around 2000 BC. The complex consists of several cairns, each with its own unique features. Some of the cairns have passage graves, while others are ring cairns with a central open space. The standing stones are aligned with the midwinter sunset, suggesting that the site was used for ritual purposes. The purpose and meaning of the Clava Cairns remain a subject of ongoing research and speculation. Visitors can wander among the stones, explore the cairns, and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that took place here thousands of years ago. The site is particularly atmospheric at sunset, when the light casts long shadows and highlights the textures of the stones. There are no specific culinary traditions associated with the site itself, but the nearby Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre has a cafe offering refreshments.
Transportation
Clava Cairns is located off the B9006, approximately 6 miles east of Inverness. The site is best accessed by car. Limited parking is available. Bus service 27 stops at Allanfearn, which is about a 20 minute walk to the Clava Cairns.