The Clava cairn is a type of Bronze Age circular chamber tomb cairn, named after the group of three cairns at Balnuaran of Clava, to the east of Inverness in Scotland. There are about 50 cairns of this type in an area round about Inverness.
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"I visited Clava Cairns on a whim, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip to Scotland! This ancient Bronze Age site is steeped in history and mystery, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in archaeology, history, or the supernatural.
As I walked through the site, I was struck by the eerie beauty of the cairns and the surrounding landscape. The site consists of three large cairns, each with its own unique character and history. The largest cairn, the Clava Cairn, is particularly impressive, with its intricate stone passageway and mysterious symbols.
What really made my visit special, though, was the atmosphere. The site has a palpable energy, and it's easy to imagine the ancient rituals and ceremonies that took place here. Even on a sunny day, the site feels mysterious and otherworldly.
Highlights of my visit included:
The incredible history and archaeology of the site The eerie beauty of the cairns and the surrounding landscape The mysterious symbols and markings on the stones The palpable energy and atmosphere of the site
If you're visiting the Scottish Highlands, Clava Cairns is an absolute must-see attraction. Be sure to take your time exploring the site, and don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild!
Tips:
Take a guided tour to learn more about the site's history and significance Be respectful of the site and its history – it's a sacred place for many people Take your time exploring the site, and don't rush – the atmosphere is worth savoring Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and mysterious symbols
I'd highly recommend Clava Cairns to anyone interested in history, archaeology, or the supernatural. It's a truly unforgettable...
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A Portal to the Past - Clava Cairns, Scotland
Our NC500 road trip took us to many incredible places, and Clava Cairns was undoubtedly one of the most unique. Nestled in a peaceful woodland setting near Inverness, these prehistoric burial cairns offered an intriguing glimpse into Scotland's distant past.
Upon arrival, we were instantly captivated by the atmospheric site. The three well-preserved cairns, each surrounded by a ring of standing stones, create a hauntingly beautiful landscape. The tranquillity of the location allows for quiet reflection and instills a deep sense of connection with our ancestors.
Walking around the cairns, we found ourselves contemplating the people who built these structures and the ceremonies they might have performed here. The placement of the cairns and stones, which align with the midwinter sunset, speaks to the ancient knowledge and rituals that we can only guess at today.
The site is well maintained and respectfully presented. Interpretative panels provide valuable insights into the cairns' construction, their likely use, and the people who built them. However, the true beauty of Clava Cairns lies in the mystery that still surrounds them.
Accessibility is excellent with a nearby parking lot and clear footpaths leading to the cairns. Despite being a popular site for Outlander fans (due to its connection with the series), the site never felt crowded during our visit.
In conclusion, Clava Cairns is a fascinating and evocative stop on the NC500 route. It's a place that stirs the imagination and invites contemplation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an Outlander fan, or simply curious, Clava Cairns offers a profound connection to Scotland's...
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Very fascinating. Easy to get to. Need to mind the roads and go slower. I love going fast! But there are many options of “passing places” essentially pull off spots to share the road. Almost only one car width the whole way from main, two lane “proper” roads. Interesting and adds to the allure. The site dates back to 2000BC. And I wonder why the heck the Druid’s or the spiritual based beliefs of the people would drive them to do this. It is known the area was a graveyard. But the gargantuan effort needed to create these massive gravesites is unfathomable. Life would have been tremendously labour intensive for mere survival yet the people found resources to build these cairns. Really makes one ponder the significance. Providing for one’s survival must have gone down the list somewhat to be able to accomplish. Well worth seeing this marvel. Really very clever alignment of the entrances and the larger upright stones. Very, very interesting! No issue with parking. Level entry but once inside careful when walking around if you have any sort of mobility issue. Stoney (OBVIOUSLY) surfaces. Uneven and easy to trip or stumble if you’re not paying decent attention to where you are going. Which, is easy to since there is a lot going on in there. No bathroom or any type of facility of that nature. No waiting and lots of room to roam around. Someone had a drone in operation the day we were there. I don’t mind too much but is a little distracting. We even got a distant picture of hairy coo along the back road way back to our hotel Courtyard Marriott airport location. Inverness. Amazing and deeply interesting place to visit. Close to Culloden battlefield. Easy to do both in...
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