Discover the Inverness winter solstice at Clava Cairns. The Solstice is a magical event that blends ancient history, Celtic traditions. A touch of modern pop culture thanks to its connection with the Outlander books and TV series. Located near Inverness, Scotland, Clava Cairns is a prehistoric burial site that dates back over 4,000 years. It’s composed of a series of passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stones, similar in layout to the famous Stonehenge. During the winter solstice, the site aligns with the setting sun, creating a mystical experience that has drawn visitors for centuries.
What is the Winter Solstice and why visit Clava Cairns?
The Winter Solstice, which occurs annually around December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s a significant event in many cultures, especially for ancient Celtic societies, as it symbolizes the rebirth of the sun. The Celts believed the solstice was a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was at its thinnest. This makes it ideal for honouring ancestors and seeking guidance from the spirits. The winter solstice is celebrated just outside Inverness at Clava Cairns.
Clava Cairns and Its Winter Solstice Connection
Clava Cairns is one of the best places in Scotland to experience the solstice. The layout of the cairns and standing stones is thought to have been designed to align with the winter solstice sunset, a feature it shares with other ancient sites like Newgrange in Ireland. As the sun sets on the shortest day of the year, it casts a golden glow through the passageways of the cairns. The ancient tombs fill with light in a symbolic gesture of life returning after the darkness of winter.
This alignment has led to speculation about the spiritual significance of Clava Cairns to the ancient people who built it. The alignment may have been a way to mark the solstice and honour the return of longer days. Celebrating the cycles of nature and the eternal balance of life and death.
Celtic Celebrations at the Winter Solstice
For the Celts, the Winter Solstice was a time for communal celebrations. Bonfires were lit, and feasts were held to encourage the return of the sun. Offerings were made to the gods, and special rituals were performed to ensure prosperity in the coming year. At Clava Cairns, these traditions come alive as modern-day visitors gather to celebrate the solstice. This is done using music, storytelling, and spiritual reflection.
While the site itself is not an official venue for large-scale events, small groups often visit on solstice day to witness the sunset and connect with the ancient traditions of the area. Visitors are encouraged to come early, as parking can be limited, and to dress warmly for the winter conditions.
Clava Cairns and Outlander
Fans of the Outlander series will recognise Clava Cairns as the inspiration for Craigh na Dun, the fictional stone circle where Claire Randall first travels through time. The actual scenes were filmed in Perthshire. Clava Cairns bears a striking resemblance to the fictional location, and many Outlander fans visit the site to experience its mystical atmosphere. The connection between Clava Cairns and Outlander adds a modern layer of cultural significance to the site, drawing visitors from around the world.
Practical Information: Dates and Times
The 2024 Winter Solstice will occur on Saturday, December 21st, with sunset around 3:30 PM at Clava Cairns, just outside Inverness. It’s advisable to arrive at least an hour before sunset to fully experience the changing light and explore the site. Visitors should remember that Clava Cairns is an ancient, fragile site, so it’s important to be respectful of the environment. Follow any guidelines provided by Historic Environment Scotland. Cath has been a guide since 2018 and has heleped to preserve this ancient site. To book and find out more follow this LINK
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Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Clava Cairns
Whether you’re a fan of ancient history, Celtic traditions, or the Outlander series, the Winter Solstice at Clava Cairns is a uniquely enchanting experience. The combination of the site’s mystical past, its solstice alignment, and its connection to Scottish lore makes it a must-visit for those looking to celebrate the season in a meaningful way.
For more information on visiting Clava Cairns or to book a guided tour, check out Historic Environment Scotland and plan your magical winter solstice adventure today!
How to Get There
If you want to see the Winter Solstice, Clava Cairns is located about 6 miles east of Inverness, making it an easy day trip for those staying in the city. The site is free to visit. Although there are no official tours on the solstice, Cath often offers private winter solstice tours, providing historical insights into the cairns and their significance.
Cath’s Inverness Solstice Tour
The Inverness Winter Solstice Tour is an enchanting journey that captures the magic of ancient traditions and historical landmarks. A visit to Clava Cairn, a prehistoric burial site featured in Outlander, connects visitors to mysterious stone circles. See the sun setting into the main burial cairns. The tour takes you to Urquhart Castle, a majestic ruin overlooking Loch Ness, steeped in history and lore. The mystical Clootie Well offers a spiritual stop, where colourful rags tied to trees symbolise wishes and healing. These iconic locations, rich in Celtic history, make the Winter Solstice tour an unforgettable, mystical experience blending the past with present-day magic. Winter Solstice is on the 21st of December, tours will also operate on the 22nd and 23rd. Sunsets approx. 15.30. You can book HERE – just add a note that you want to take part in the Winter Solstice Tour.