Unstan Chambered Cairn is a Neolithic tomb located on the Mainland island of the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The cairn dates back to around 3400-3200 BC and is one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient monuments in the Orkney Islands. It consists of a large circular mound of stones, approximately 20 meters in diameter, surrounded by a ditch and bank. The tomb has four chambers, each with its own entrance, and is believed to have been used for the burial of important individuals or families. The cairn's architecture is unique, with a complex system of passages and chambers that are aligned with the movements of the sun and moon. The site is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is a popular tourist destination.
Glad I have stopped en route to Stromness to have a look. Follow the drive up and there is car parking at the end. Walk the short path up to the cairn and you can let yourself in. Be aware the passage is very low and may be unsuitable for those not able to bend their back and knees very low. Once inside there is excellent headroom and plenty of natural night. Fascinating to look at, where else could you just go in and look at a tomb older than the pyramids in your own time and by yourself!
Fabulous to visit. Some are a bit scary to go in but this is in a fantastic location. Was easy to enter and a nice light due to glass bricks in the ceiling.
Unstan is just round the corner from Broadgar. If you are visiting the ring and standing stones, this is an easy add on if you have a car. Its down a narrow track, with parking at the end. The place is fascinating, and if you are willing to go on hands and knees (or are very short), it's worth going inside. The fact this was used as a burial mound 5000 years ago is amazing. Its older than Stonehenge. If you like history, there are few older manmade places in the world. Well worth a visit.
Such an awesome chambered cairn to go into. You have to duck really low. Once inside you can stand up. Grateful that this one is free and open.
A really interesting burial cairn, older than the bigger and more famous Maeshowe. The roof has had to be replaced but that means light gets in. Well worth seeing. Easy to park a car.
Great cairn to visit. Easy to park and a short walk to the tomb. Informative displays, good to see where the main Neolithic pottery was first found.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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Glad I have stopped en route to Stromness to have a look. Follow the drive up and there is car parking at the end. Walk the short path up to the cairn and you can let yourself in. Be aware the passage is very low and may be unsuitable for those not able to bend their back and knees very low. Once inside there is excellent headroom and plenty of natural night. Fascinating to look at, where else could you just go in and look at a tomb older than the pyramids in your own time and by yourself!
Fabulous to visit. Some are a bit scary to go in but this is in a fantastic location. Was easy to enter and a nice light due to glass bricks in the ceiling.
Unstan is just round the corner from Broadgar. If you are visiting the ring and standing stones, this is an easy add on if you have a car. Its down a narrow track, with parking at the end. The place is fascinating, and if you are willing to go on hands and knees (or are very short), it's worth going inside. The fact this was used as a burial mound 5000 years ago is amazing. Its older than Stonehenge. If you like history, there are few older manmade places in the world. Well worth a visit.
Such an awesome chambered cairn to go into. You have to duck really low. Once inside you can stand up. Grateful that this one is free and open.
A really interesting burial cairn, older than the bigger and more famous Maeshowe. The roof has had to be replaced but that means light gets in. Well worth seeing. Easy to park a car.
Great cairn to visit. Easy to park and a short walk to the tomb. Informative displays, good to see where the main Neolithic pottery was first found.
