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Camster Cairns

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Moorland

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Libasstref / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

The Grey Cairns of Camster are two ancient burial cairns standing on a bleak stretch of moorland in the flat, boggy country of Caithness. They are among the oldest stone monuments in Scotland, built more than five thousand years ago in the Neolithic, and they survive in great heaps of grey stone out...

1

Parking nearby

2

Food Spots nearby

1

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

1 overnight parking

The Smiddy Inn – Thrumster, Portland Arms Hotel Bar – Lybster

North Star Glamping

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Camster Cairns?
Caithness stone monuments lie waiting in the far north of Scotland on a lonely expanse of moorland. Adventurous drivers can follow the single track road out into the peat bogs to track them down.

What type of place is Camster Cairns?
Camster Cairns is a pair of prehistoric neolithic tombs in the Highlands of Scotland.

When is the best time to visit Camster Cairns?
Spring through to autumn offers the most reliable daylight for exploring the remote countryside. Low afternoon sun during these months casts fantastic long shadows across the ancient stone walls.

What can you do at Camster Cairns?
Stepping inside the vaulted chambers allows you to experience absolute silence away from the winds outside. Crawling through the low entrance tunnel requires waterproof clothing and a dependable headlamp.

How long should I spend at Camster Cairns?
An hour usually provides enough time to look around both structures properly. Hikers often stay longer to combine the visit with a proper walk across the surrounding heather fields.

Where do I park at Camster Cairns?
A single spot provides overnight parking for one vehicle nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Camster Cairns?
The Smiddy Inn in Thrumster and Portland Arms Hotel Bar in Lybster offer two places to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Camster Cairns?
North Star Glamping provides a place to stay overnight for those visiting the vicinity. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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