Inverness: Glen Affric, Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns Day Trip

Summary

Walk Culloden’s history, wander Glen Affric woods, touch ancient stones

You’ll walk silent forests in Glen Affric, feel history beneath your feet at Culloden Battlefield (with museum entry included), and puzzle over ancient Clava Cairns near Inverness. A local guide shares stories you won’t find in any book — sometimes funny, sometimes heavy. By day’s end you’ll have muddy boots and more questions than answers (in a good way).

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush under those Caledonian pines in Glen Affric. The ground was soft and springy — moss everywhere, even on the rocks. Our guide, Jamie, kept stopping to point out little things: a red squirrel darting up a trunk, the way the light hit Loch Affric through the trees. I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything just an hour or so from Inverness. It smelled like wet earth and something sharp — maybe pine needles crushed underfoot. We walked for a while without saying much; it felt right not to fill that quiet.

Later, at Culloden Battlefield, there was this cold wind that made me zip my jacket all the way up. Jamie handed us our tickets for the visitor centre (included in the tour price), and I wandered through stories of families lost and battles fought — it’s heavy stuff. Outside on the moor, you could hear nothing but wind and distant crows. Someone in our group asked about Outlander; Jamie grinned and said they get that a lot. But he also talked about real people who died here — not just TV characters. That stuck with me.

We stopped at Clava Cairns next — these old stones older than pretty much anything else I’ve ever touched. Lichen everywhere, some stones warm from the sun even though it was chilly. I tried to imagine who built them 4,000 years ago; no answers came but it was weirdly comforting just to stand there. There was one last stop at an old priory hidden down a narrow lane (I nearly tripped over my own feet getting out of the van). Jamie told us monks called it ‘beau lieu’ — beautiful place — which felt about right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Culloden, Clava Cairns, and Glen Affric

• Travel winding back roads
• Discover 4,000-year-old cemetery
• Visit Culloden Battlefield and museum
• Explore historic priory ruins
• Walk among Caledonian pine trees
• Enjoy views over Loch Affric
• See waterfalls and photo spots

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Inverness to Glen Affric and Culloden?

This is a full-day tour departing from Inverness Cathedral bus stop.

Is entry to Culloden Battlefield Museum included?

Yes, admission to Culloden Museum and Battlefield is included in the tour price.

Does this tour include Clava Cairns?

Yes, you visit Clava Cairns as part of the itinerary.

What kind of vehicle is used for this small-group tour?

The tour uses a top-of-the-range Mercedes mini-coach with up to 16 people per group.

Where does the tour depart from in Inverness?

The departure point is next to Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street (IV3 5NS).

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children under 5 years old cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the departure point.

Are admission fees included for all sites visited?

Culloden Museum and Battlefield admission is included; other stops do not require tickets.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by Mercedes mini-coach from central Inverness with a small group, entry fees for Culloden Museum and Battlefield already sorted by your guide, plus stories along every stop — all you need to bring are good shoes (and maybe an extra layer for that Highland wind).