How to visit Craigh na Dun from Outlander (2024 Guide + Map)
For my fellow Outlander fans, this is exactly how to visit Craigh na Dun on your next trip to Scotland!
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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, as well as the filming location for Craigh na Dun in the Outlander series.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Location Option One: Calanais Standing Stones
Location Option Two: Clava Cairns
Location Option Three: Kinloch Rannoch
FAQ about visiting Craigh na Dun
Craigh na Dun Location Map
Location Option One:
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!
> Option three: Book a guided tour. There are plenty of options that leave from Inverness, Stornoway, or other hubs in the Scottish Highlands. This top-rated tour leaves from Stornoway for a 4.5 hour guided trip.
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.
Location Option Two:
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 road trip planning.
>>> Or book a guided tour to visit this spot and other top Outlander locations on a guided Inverness-area trip.
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!
Location Option Three:
Kinloch Rannoch
To visit the exact site that was used as Craigh na Dun during the filming of Outlander, be sure to add Kinloch Rannoch to your Scotland itinerary!
Disclaimer: This site does not have the iconic standing stones in real life. The standing stones in the show (which were modeled after the Calanais Stones, as decribed above) were actually man-made and placed on Kinloch Rannoch Moor.
However, this spot is absolutely worth visiting if you’re an Outlander fan! The land is private property, but you are still able to visit (due to the kindness of the landowner!) by using the small gravel car park and walking a short distance into the site. Since it is private property, please be extra respectful of the land!
Location: Kinloch Rannoch Moor
How to get there: Driving is the only convenient way to get there, as this location is not on any public transportation routes. (Direct Google Maps link)
Admission: Free
More info: This spot is in a fairly remote area with no cell service and no facilities, so plan accordingly!
FAQ about visiting Craigh na Dun
Q: Is Craigh Na Dun a real place?
A: Craigh na Dun is a fictional location created by Diana Gabaldon for her "Outlander" series. It doesn't exist in real life, but it's inspired by various ancient stone circles found throughout Scotland. As mentioned in this guide, the Callanish Standing Stones (Calanais Stones) on the Isle of Lewis were the standing stones used as an exact model for the stones in the TV series.
Q: What does “Craigh na Dun" mean in Gaelic?
A: "Craigh na Dun" loosely translates to "the hill of the hill" in Gaelic. "Craigh" means "hill" or "rock," and "dun" means "hill" or "fort," emphasizing a prominent elevated area.
Q: What stone circle was used in Outlander?
A: The stone circle in the "Outlander" TV series was built specifically for the show. It draws inspiration from real stone circles in Scotland, like the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis and the Clava Cairns near Inverness.
Q: Can you visit the standing stones from Outlander?
A: You can't visit the exact stones from the TV show since they were part of a man-made set. However, you can check out real stone circles and locations in Scotland that inspired Craigh na Dun, such as:
Clava Cairns: Near Inverness, featuring cairns and standing stones from the Bronze Age.
Callanish Stones: On the Isle of Lewis, one of Scotland's most famous stone circles.
Kinloch Rannoch Moor: While not a stone circle, this scenic area was used for filming some "Outlander" Craigh na Dun scenes, and offers the dramatic landscape that you see in the show!
Craigh na Dun Location Map
Save this map to visit any (or all) of the Craigh na Dun locations mentioned in this travel guide!
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How to visit Craigh na Dun from Outlander
