History & archaeology
A place made over generations
Balnuaran of Clava was created around four thousand years ago and later reused, with additional smaller monuments built roughly a millennium afterward. It gives its name to a regional group of around fifty distinctive Clava-type cairns.
Two passage graves and a central ring cairn are each surrounded by standing stones. The monuments share a north-east to south-west alignment, and their passages and tallest stones focus attention toward the midwinter sunset. Reused stones bearing cup marks preserve traces of still earlier activity.
Stories, beliefs & mysteries
Meaning through time
The architecture strongly connects death, stone, light and the midwinter horizon. Only a small number of people were probably buried here, perhaps indicating high status, but their identity and the words or beliefs accompanying burial are unknown.
Clava's atmosphere has inspired modern supernatural associations and is widely linked by visitors with the fictional Craigh na Dun of Outlander. That is modern popular culture rather than an ancient local tradition: there is, unsurprisingly, no archaeological evidence of time travel.
Plan a visit
Walk gently into the landscape
The site is free and normally open year-round, with a dedicated car park off the B9091 about 300 metres east of Culloden Battlefield. Paths are short but can be uneven; protect the monuments by keeping off the cairns and never moving stones.
Do not climb, move stones, light fires or leave offerings. Follow current access signs and take everything home.
Sources & further reading
Follow the evidence
Historic Environment ScotlandClava Cairns↗This introductory record was last reviewed in August 2026. Access details can change; consult the site manager before travelling.
The marker shows the monument, not a parking space. A postcode is only a navigation aid; check current access and parking information before travelling.