Cairnholy Chambered Cairns (Scotland) – Tips + Photos

The Cairnholy chambered cairns are a great example of tombs for the Neolithic period.
They are one of the highlights of the coastal track in South Scotland, 
Early farmers built them to bury their dead over centuries. 
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.

Why visit the Cairnholy Chambered Cairns in Scotland?

The 2 tombs were built by early farming people living in the area during the Neolithic period between 6000 and 4000 years ago.
They were designed to house the remains of many people and were in use over many centuries.
They may not have been built at the same time but seem to have been used during the same period.

Chambered Cairns are common to part of Scotland, Ireland and the Atlantic coast of Europe.
Those Stone cairns required a major building commitment by the community.

As written on the boards: "Little is known about the burials themselves because the acid soil conditions have dissolved almost all the bones before the excavations in 1949. But objects buried highlighted long-distance contacts for these primitive people."

Below is a short video to give you an idea of what your visit could look like - get a virtual tour!

More photos after the planning tips.

PLANNING TIPS & Map - Cairnholy near Dumfries

Getting to the Cairnholy Chambered Cairns location - Map

• On the coast between the town of Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas
• Near the village of Kirkdale, just East of the village of Carsluith (and the ruins of the Castle)
• Dumfries to Cairnholy = 1h drive
• Once on the small road to Cairn Holy, first pick the right-hand path, then at the next Y pick left and at the last Y pick right. There are signs but some are really small
• Below is a map to help you locate them:

The GPS coordinates and location on a practical map are available in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you plan your Scotland itinerary:

Visit Tips

• Last minute of driving is on a small road
• Small carpark
• Cairnholy I is next to the carpark
• Cairnholy II is 150 meter up the track - easy walking
• You may notice a man taking measurements and writing notes. He is surnamed Cairnholy Joe (Joseph). He is a regular on the site and may want to share some of his theories about the Cairns with you. We saw him (I assume it was him) but did not exchange.
• No amenities
• Free entrance
• Check out the best rated accommodations around Dumfries

Where to stay in Scotland?
My tips:

• Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city - see best rated accommodations
• Portree central to explore the isle of Skye - see best rated accommodations
• Glencoe to take the time in the magnificent valley - see best rated accommodations
• Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 - see best rated accommodations
• Thurso for the North coast and ferry to the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
• Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys - see best rated accommodations
• Inverness for the famous Speyside whiskies - see best rated accommodations

Find more inspiration in my article about where to stay in Scotland

Reaching the Chambered Cairns - Access road

The cairns are indicated from the main coastal road A75.
From there, it is a 5 min drive on a single-track road to reach the carpark.
But as it is not a main touristic site, you will not cross many people.

Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:

• Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Scotland

Cairnholy tombs - history, facts and location

Here are a few facts worth knowing before visiting the site to better understand what you are looking at:

• Located on a hillside
• Overlooking Wigtown Bay - beautiful views on a clear day!
• Age - Built during the Neolithic period, between 6000 and 4000 years ago (4000 to 2000 BC)
• Most of the covering stones are not here anymore, probably used for other constructions
• Excavation - Both tombs were partially excavated in 1949 by Stuart Piggott (a British archaeologist) and Terence Powell.
• What was found is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

Cairnholy I in pictures

Both tombs are essentially very similar, built to the same basic design.

Cairnholy I is more important and with a curved facade of standing stones around the forecourt in front of the tomb.
It measures 50m by 15m (164ft by 49ft).
The tomb has two chambers. The outer one was entered through the façade and the inner chamber was only accessible from the outer one.

Here are some pictures:

Cairnholy II

A short track leads to the second chambered cairn.
Smaller but on higher ground and with great views!

Cairnholy II is simpler than the other chambered tomb.
The entrance is between two large portal stones which lead to an antechamber.
Beyond is a seal chamber covered by a capstone.

Its size is 20m by 12m (66ft by 39ft).

Some say it is the burial place of Scottish King Galdus...

A beautiful surrounding scenery

I also recommend getting up there on a clear day for the surrounding scenery: the green hills and farming land, and views over the South Scottish coastline.

Other highlights of South Scotland to consider visiting:

• The fascinating triangular castle of Caerlaverock - read article
• The charming ruins of Sweetheart Abbey - read article
• The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
• The inspiring Scott's view - read article
• And the impressive forts, East of Edinburgh: Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out my guide to help you plan your road trip:

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