Grey Cairns of Camster: the best prehistoric site in Caithness

Caithness is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, and the Grey Cairns of Camster are among its most impressive archaeological sites. These Neolithic chambered tombs - located in the sweeping Flow Country - are over 5,000 years old, making them some of Britain’s best-preserved prehistoric monuments. Remote yet accessible, they offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient funerary practices and early farming communities.

Grey Cairns of Camster

The two cairns, known as the Long Cairn and the Round Cairn, sit about 180 metres apart in a sheltered hollow amidst boggy moorland. The Long Cairn stretches approximately 60 metres in length and features two internal chambers, while the smaller Round Cairn spans 17 metres in diameter and contains a single chamber. Both cairns boast corbelled dry-stone roofs, reconstructed to evoke their original Neolithic form. Visitors can explore their interiors by crawling through narrow passages, an experience that brings the ancient world to life.

The cairns are thought to have been used for complex burial rituals, including excarnation (the removal of flesh after death) and secondary burial. Excavations have uncovered burnt animal and human bones, pottery fragments, flint tools, and seated skeletons. These findings reveal fascinating insights into the beliefs and practices of early farming communities, who lived in what is now Scotland’s remote Flow Country.

To visit, take the A9 to Lybster and follow the signposted single-track road for approximately five miles. On-site parking is available, and entry is free year-round. The nearest major road is the A99, which offers stunning views of the Caithness coastline on the return journey. From Wick, the cairns are about 20 miles north (30 minutes by car), while John o' Groats is 25 miles northeast (40 minutes by car).

Key Takeaways

• The Grey Cairns of Camster date back to 3800-3500 B.C., pre-dating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
• Visitors can enter the cairns by crawling through narrow passages into the chambers - a unique and atmospheric experience.
• The cairns are free to visit and open year-round; allow 30-60 minutes for exploration.
• Wear sturdy boots for the moorland terrain, and plan your visit during daylight hours as mobile signal is unlikely.
• Ideal stop to explore Neolithic history while touring the Caithness heritage route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the Grey Cairns of Camster? Yes, visitors can crouch and crawl through the narrow passages into the chambers of both cairns. It’s an exciting experience that requires some agility, but children and adults alike can enjoy this unique opportunity.

How old are the Grey Cairns? The Grey Cairns of Camster were constructed approximately 5,000-6,000 years ago, around 3800-3500 B.C. This makes them older than famous landmarks like Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Visiting the Grey Cairns of Camster is more than just a stop at an ancient site - it’s a journey into the roots of prehistoric Scotland. Add them to your Caithness itinerary for a memorable and atmospheric exploration of the past.