How to visit Craigh na Dun from Outlander
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For my fellow Outlander fans, this is exactly how to visit Craigh na Dun on your next trip to Scotland!
Spoiler: “Craigh na Dun” is a fictional location.
However, the stone circle in the tv show was modeled after a very real Neolithic Age stone circle on the Isle of Lewis. More about that below!
Whether you’re a fan of Outlander or not, there is something truly magical about visiting standing stone circles in Scotland. And there are many of them around the country. These stone circles date back as far as 3000BC! That’s older than Stonehenge.
So, you can absolutely still have a Craigh na Dun-inspired experience during your trip to the Scottish Highlands. Here are 2 of the best standing stone circles to visit on your next trip to Scotland:
Calanais Standing Stones
To visit the stones that were used as an exact model for Craigh na Dun in the show, you’ll need to venture out to the Isle of Lewis.
LOCATION: Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis (also known as the Callanish Stones)
HOW TO GET THERE: Save this Google Maps link for later planning. Option one: Drive to the ferry terminal in Ullapool for a 2 hour and 45 minute ferry ride into Stornoway, the capital of Lewis. Then, it’s a 30 minute drive from Stornoway to the Calanais Standing Stones.
Option two: If you’re already visiting the Isle of Skye, you can take the ferry from Uig to Tarbert on the Isle of Harris. From Tarbert, it’s a 1 hour drive to the Calanais Standing Stones. The Isle of Lewis and Harris are connected, so this gives you the opportunity to visit both!
ADMISSION: Free, year-round
MORE INFO: The Calanais Standing Stones were erected over 5000 years ago! This formation of stones is one of Scotland’s best-preserved Neolithic monuments.
Clava Cairns
If you don’t have time in your itinerary for a journey out to the Isle of Lewis, another fantastic option in the Scottish Highlands is Clava Cairns. Since Inverness is likely on your itinerary anyways (or should be!), this spot will be very easy to work into your plans.
LOCATION: Clava Cairns, Inverness
HOW TO GET THERE: This is only a 15 minute drive from the city center of Inverness! Save this Google Maps link for later planning.
ADMISSION: Free, year-round. Be aware that the parking lot is small, and can fill up quickly in peak season.
MORE INFO: Clava Cairns are actually a 4000 year old Bronze Age cemetery, consisting of various cairns and standing stones.
While you’re in Inverness, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit two more Outlander locations!
After visiting Clava Cairns, take a short 5 minute drive to Culloden Battlefield. Spend some time walking around the historic battleground, passing the clan memorial stones and restored 18th century thatched cottage. Don’t forget to experience the visitor center, as well - they have a 360-degree battle immersion theater that will leave you speechless.
For updated admission times and prices, click here.
After that, it’s another short 10 minute drive to Culloden House Hotel. This is where the real Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed during the Battle of Culloden! Today, it is a luxury hotel for your stay in Inverness. Upon walking in the front door, you truly feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. If you don’t book a stay there, it is still worth a visit to the grounds for a photo!
