Clava Cairns Tours and Activities
65 Reviews

The Clava Cairns—or the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava—are all that remains of what was once a much larger Bronze Age burial complex. Dating back 4,000 years, the evocative cemetery site retains original features, including passage graves, standing stones, and ring cairns (stone circles).
The Basics
Two parts of the Clava Cairns complex can be visited: the Balnuaran of Clava, which features two passage graves, a kerb ring cairn, standing stones, and a central ring cairn; and Milton of Clava to the southwest, with its ruins of a medieval chapel and a cairn. Visitors will find information boards at the site explaining the significance and symbolism of the ancient stone mounds.
The cairns make for a common stop on guided day trips from Inverness and Invergordon, most of which include round-trip transport and visits to other famous Highland sites, such as Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Culloden Battlefield—the site of a major Jacobite defeat—which is just a 5-minute drive from the Clava Cairns.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Clava Cairns is a must-see for history buffs.
- The area around the cairns can become muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.
- Bring rain gear in case of a downpour, as the open-air site is exposed.
- The surface around the cairns is uneven and may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate.
How to Get There
The Clava Cairns are located about seven miles (11 kilometers) east of Inverness, and are not served by public transport. From the Culloden Battlefield, the cairns are just a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk away. Parking is available at the site.
When to Get There
Because of their off-the-beaten-track location, the Clava Cairns do not attract big crowds. If you want to have the site all to yourself, go early in the morning.
The Mystery and Intrigues of the Clava Cairns
As with many prehistoric burial sites, the Clava Cairns remain somewhat of a mystery. Historians can only theorize about their purpose or meaning. The cairns’ alignment suggest midwinter sunset was an important time for those who built it, but it’s not known exactly why it was so significant. With the sheer amount of effort necessary to arrange the stones for each grave, historians also believe the cairns may have housed important members of society.
Address: Scotland
30 Tours and Activities to Experience Clava Cairns
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Highlander Loch Ness and Culloden Battlefield 8 Seater Tour from Inverness
303
Immerse yourself in Scotland’s spectacular natural landscapes on a day tour of the Scottish Highlands from Inverness. In a small group limited to eight, visit Loch Ness, home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster at Chanonry Point. Plus, stop at the Clava Cairns (Stones of Clava), Culloden Battlefield, and Glen Ord Whisky Distillery.
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From
$84.97
From
$84.97
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City
2
Whether you are looking for 1 day tours from Inverness or simply trying to take in as many of the beautiful sights as possible on your Highland adventure, our Loch Ness tour from Inverness is sure to captivate like no other. Our friendly local guide will pick you up from your place of stay and take you on a tour to remember around some of the most famous, historic and culturally significant
From Inverness we will travel to Loch Ness, home of the romantic and brooding Urquhart Castle (as well as a certain legendary monster!) The tour then turns towards the historic Beauly Priory, before arriving at the Glen Ord Distillery, one of the last remaining single malt scotch whisky distilleries on the Black Isle. Take in the historic and dramatic Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, before heading for nearby Cawdor Castle. Round off your tour in Inverness with St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Ness Islands, before being dropped off at your place of stay. What are you waiting for Book now with us
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From
$396.55
per group
From
$396.55
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns Small-Group Tour from Inverness
3
On this tour, you take the single-track lanes through a Caledonian pine forest to one of the best walks in the region.
But that’s not all, you also get a chance to learn about the last battle fought on British soil at Culloden and discover a Bronze Age tomb at Clava Cairns.
Join this day-tour and explore one of Scotland’s most untouched landscapes.
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From
$48.15
From
$48.15
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Day Tour from Inverness
21
Get out of town and into the scenic countryside—without the hassle of driving—on this guided tour from Inverness. Head for the famed Loch Ness, where you will have the option to join a cruise to the ruins of Urquhart Castle or to explore the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Enjoy some free time in Beauly, visit Culloden battlefield, and join an (optional) tour of a whisky distillery.
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From
$67.98
From
$67.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Scottish Highlands from Inverness: Black Isle, Loch Ness, Outlander and Whisky
54
Celebrate Scotland’s gems with a full-day Highlands and whisky tour from Inverness. Visit the hilly Black Isle peninsula, speckled with prosperous farms, the ancient village of Cromarty and Chanonry Point to watch playful bottlenose dolphins. Honor the historic whisky-producing region with a stop at Glen Ord Distillery for a tour and sample. Cap your day at Loch Ness for a chance to spot the elusive monster, Nessie.
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From
$58.07
From
$58.07
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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GHD Clan tour of OUTLANDER series
3
George will personaly guide you through time pointing out all the references to the Outlander Series in the Highlands. Visit the Culloden Battlefield and other areas where Claire and Jamie travel.
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From
$169.95
Price varies by group size
From
$169.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Clava Cairns -Culloden battlefield-loch ness
Personalised bespoke tour of historic sites around Inverness
Loch Ness, Urquhart castle, Beauly priory, distillery tasting , culloden battlefield and Clava cairns
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From
$424.87
Price varies by group size
From
$424.87
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns & Cawdor Castle
1
Why ‘Go Highlands’?
As a local I love the Highlands as much as I love meeting and showing visitors around our beautiful towns and countryside. I am truly passionate about sharing the culture, history and scenery on offer - which is why I started ‘Go Highlands’ Tours, catering for groups and individuals looking for tours from Inverness and Invergordon.
Go Highlands tours have it all – breath-taking scenery, historical landmarks, famous lochs, castles, gardens and distilleries. Every tour will give you a real Scottish Highland experience. Remember to take your camera… Always a personal tour experience – guaranteed. Tours with that personal touch.
Go Highlands only caters for small groups of 4, 6 and 8 on our tours, which means you always get the absolute best experience.
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From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Full-Day Outlander Experience in the Scottish Highlands from Inverness
28
Discover filming locations from the hit TV show Outlander on this private full-day tour from Inverness and benefit from the inside knowledge of a local guide. Marvel at historic sites such as the Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield; admire natural scenery including the Monadhliath Mountains, Loch Ness, and Fraser Cave; and visit Urquhart Castle, Beauly, and Castle Leoch.
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From
$604.27
per group
From
$604.27
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Urquhart Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness, Inverness, incl. Outlander sites
6
This Half-Day GoHighlands Loch Ness Tour from Inverness promises to be fun, wide awake and full of interesting sections of history. Safe and easy on the feet not a lot of walking just history, Culture and a relaxing time on board.
Kick back and let your driver guide take you there.
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From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Outlander Tour
5
The Outlander TV series has taken the world by storm! Ever since the program debuted in 2014, millions of viewers worldwide have been entranced by the escapades of time travelling World War II nurse Claire Randall & Jamie Fraser, the Highland Jacobite warrior. Now IT Tours brings you the authentic Highlands Outlander Tour experience, one we guarantee you don’t want to miss!
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From
$368.61
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From
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per group

The Quieter side of Loch Ness
No other tour company offers this experience. Being able to slow down and walk through the magnificent forest & waterfall before coming out on the shores of Loch Ness.
Knowing your food and drink is taken care of means you just have to bring yourselves, sit back and relax in our executive VW Caravelle, ensuring maximum space, comfort and visibility!
Get away from the thousands of people that visit the Loch each day by adventuring on the road less traveled.
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From
$127.46
Price varies by group size
From
$127.46
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Outlander sites and Inverness
On this tour we will visit some of the famous sites featured in the Outlander series. This tour can be taken fron your cruise liner port ( Invergordon ) or from your accomodation in Inverness or close by.
Sites include the Priory in the village of Beauly, Wardlaw Mausoleum, the burial place of Lovat Frasers, Inverness for lunch ( optional ), Clava Cairns where the split stone is situated and the Battlefield at Culloden.
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From
$920.56
per group
From
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Elegant Outlander Tour
1
This tour visits many of the actual locations mentioned in the Outlander Novel/TV series. Whilst much of the filming took place in the South of Scotland the true location of the Jacobite Strongholds are to be found in the Highlands.Like all my tours this will be a laid back and relaxed day and flexible in every respect. The tours are conducted in a luxury van type vehicle which has excellent head and leg room and adult sized seats for all occupants. Complimentary water and snacks are carried in the vehicle and WiFi is also available wherever reception allows. Entry tickets are not included but can be obtained in advance for you at cost on request. Lunch stops are at your own discretion however the driver will be able to find you somewhere nice to eat as you require.
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From
$604.27
per group
From
$604.27
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Perfect Pictish, Old and Ancient, Luxury Private Tour for up to 7 Persons
This is another relaxing day out which takes a look back to old and ancient times visiting Ancient Pictish Sites , Old Churches and burial grounds primarily around Ross-shire. The tour is conducted in a luxury van type MPV which has full leather seating for up to 7 adult passengers and the driver is an advanced driver with an excellent knowledge of the area.
Complimentary water, snacks and WiFi.
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From
$604.27
per group
From
$604.27
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Outlander Experience
3
Not only will we take you to the real life locations, we will paint a picture of lasting memories and leave you with the true essence of the Highlands, both past and present.
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From
$659.97
per group
From
$659.97
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Tour the Highlands Culloden, Cairns and Cawdor 2 to 15 passengers
Tartan Tours are exclusive to Avril's Travels where you are personally guided around the highlands by a born and bred highland lass.
Join us as we venture South taking in Beauly, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle* (we will visit Urquhart Castle instead)
Avoid the hustle and bustle of a larger coach group and tour round the highlands in your own 7 or 15 seat minibus. This tour can be customized to your requirements, please get in touch to discuss.
We try to get the most out of your day out so departure times will vary depending on your requirements. We will email you to confirm this.
* Cawdor Castle is not open due to Covid restrictions as an alternative we will visit Urquhart Castle instead.
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From
$155.79
Price varies by group size
From
$155.79
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Outlander 3-Day Tour
Join us for the most complete of all Outlander Short Tours! Over 3 days you’ll get a chance to visit memorable set locations like Lallybroch and Castle Leoch, tour Culloden Battlefield with your private guide and discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
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From
$3,021.33
per group
From
$3,021.33
per group

Culloden Battelfield and Cairngorm Mountain Range
1
Based in the Beautiful City of Inverness, we at Highland Tours 4 You, offer you the opportunity to join us on one of our prearranged tours taking in some of the magical sights and experiences available in this fascinating area. We currently offer One Day tours showcasing some of the most breath-taking scenery and stunning landscapes that the Highlands have to offer. Our 8 seater vehicle offers you that personal experience that we strive to give all our customers.
If there is anywhere not shown that you would like to visit or if you would prefer a Private Tour just give us a call and we will do everything in our power to help meet your needs. Perhaps you fancy a Distillery Tour, a Golf Club Tour, Cocktail Tour, Island Hop, the list is endless, just let us know what you fancy, we are here to help.
We offer a very convenience city centre riverside Pick Up Point.
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From
$113.30
From
$113.30

GHD Clan Tour - 1746 and more
Well... where do we start? Probably one of the most famous Battles faught on British Soil between Scotland (Jacobites) and the English Forces.
This tour with George will help you to relive the run up to the Battle and also point out the changes in Culture after that fateful day.
If you have any particular preferences during the Tour this can also be taken into account.
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From
$169.95
Price varies by group size
From
$169.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Half-Day Tour, Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle & Outlander sites Tour from Inverness
Whether you are looking for half day or full day tours from Inverness or simply trying to take in as many of the beautiful sights as possible on your Highland adventure, our Loch Ness tour from Inverness is sure to captivate like no other. Our friendly local guide will pick you up from your place of stay and take you on a tour to remember around some of the most famous, historic and culturally significant sites anywhere in Scotland.
From Inverness we will travel to Loch Ness, home of the romantic and brooding Urquhart Castle (as well as a certain legendary monster!) The tour then turns towards the historic Beauly Priory, Then on to, We take in the historic and dramatic Cawdor castle, Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns, Round off your tour in Inverness with St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Ness Islands, before being dropped off at your place of stay. What are you waiting for? Book our Loch Ness tour from Inverness and experience the Highlands as you never have before.
…More
From
$111.88
Price varies by group size
From
$111.88
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon
This is the ultimate day tour from Invergordon to Loch Ness, taking in some of the most breathtaking, historic and culturally significant sights available anywhere in Scotland. Our local guide will meet you as you disembark from your cruise ship at the port of Invergordon and take you on your own personal Highland adventure.
Visit some of the most historic and cultural sites in the Highlands starting with Beauly Priory, before moving onto the famous and romantic Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness. See the tranquil Ness Islands and St. Andrew’s Cathedral, before moving onto the historic Culloden Battlefield and the sacred site of Clava Cairns, home of the famous Outlander “cleft stone”. Finally, take in Cawdor Castle, it’s gardens and grounds, before returning to Inverness.
Always a personal tour experience - guaranteed
Tours with that personal touch. We only take small groups of 4, 6 and 8 on our tours, which means you always get the very best experience.
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From
$453.20
per group
From
$453.20
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Outlander Inverness Tour Highlights
I have watched all of the Outlander TV series and read most of the first book, so we can share our enjoyment of the story!
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From
$453.20
per group
From
$453.20
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Half-Day Loch Ness Tour from Inverness with Pick up
2
This Half-Day GoHighlands Loch Ness Tour from Inverness promises to be fun, wide awake and full of interesting sections of history. Safe and easy on the feet not a lot of walking just history, Culture and a relaxing time on board.
Kick back and let your driver guide take you there.
…More
From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
From
$97.72
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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