The Clava cairn is a type of Bronze Age circular chamber tomb cairn, named after the group of 3 cairns at Balnuaran of Clava, to the east of Inverness. There are about 50 cairns of this type in an area round about Inverness.

At Balnuaran of Clava itself there is a group of three Bronze Age cairns which lie close together in a line running north east to south west. The tombs at either end are of the passage grave sub-type. The central cairn is of the ring cairn sub-type, and uniquely has stone paths or causeways forming 'rays' radiating out from the platform round the kerbs to three of the standing stones. The cairns incorporate cup and ring mark stones, carved before they were built into the structures. The kerb stones are graded in size and selected for colour, so that the stones are larger and redder to the south west, and smaller and whiter to the north east. All these elements seem to have been constructed as one operation and indicate a complex design rather than ad hoc additions.

The ring round the northern Balnuaran of Clava cairn was measured and analysed by Professor Alexander Thom. He found that the ring was slightly egg-shaped with a complex geometry of circles and ellipses which could be set out around a central triangle, using sizes which are close to whole multiples of what he called the Megalithic yard. While the geometry of the shape is generally accepted, the Megalithic Yard is more controversial.

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Monika Cardová (6 months ago)
Really nice historical place. And for Outlander fans it has even bigger meaning ❤️ It is not far away from Culloden Battlefield - I walked there alone about 35 minutes, there is mostly no pavement but the street is not busy so you do not have to be afraid to walk there if you are without car. For those who drive a car, there is a parking place right next to the place.
Allyssa Gregory (6 months ago)
Beautiful spot. The grounds and parking are free. There are interpretative signs explaining the sites history and activities. It's close to Culloden battlefield and museum. Definitely worth a stop if you're near Inverness.
Melanie Winton-Holmes (6 months ago)
A truly spiritual place set amongst beautiful scenery. Take a moment to sit quietly and ponder why humans have to believe in unseen things so much they create visible, earthly structures as foundations.
Jeremy Hannaford (7 months ago)
I have to say, seeing a 4,000-year-old cairn is pretty freaking cool. There are a couple of them here along with some other small cairns. It's definitely a surreal experience! Check it out if you are in the area! It's free and there a are ton of informative plaques!
Jon Martin (7 months ago)
Very cool historical site. They have some informational stands around with interesting bits. Humbling to be standing in the same spot as others did generations before. Quick stop that I recommend. I suggest you get there early in the day before the tour busses show up. The parking lot is not that large and has limited Motorhome spots.
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