Last updated: October 2026
Without hesitation, Outlander includes some of the most captivating moments on television. One of the most unforgettable scenes is when Claire secretly observes the ancient ritual at Craigh Na Dun. You can almost feel the magic of that mysterious Outlander stone circle radiating through the screen. If you are planning an Outlander-inspired trip to Scotland, discovering these legendary standing stones is an absolute must.
Are you looking for your own Craigh Na Dun on your journey through the Scottish Highlands? Here is everything you need to know about the real filming locations, the real-life stone circles that inspired Diana Gabaldon, and how to visit them today.
| Stone Circle / Site | Outlander Connection | Location in Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Kinloch Rannoch (Tullochcroisk) | Real TV Filming Location for Craigh Na Dun | Perthshire (Highlands) |
| Clava Cairns | Primary Inspiration for Diana Gabaldon | Inverness (Highlands) |
| Callanish Standing Stones | Visual Design Inspiration for the TV Show | Isle of Lewis (Outer Hebrides) |
| Standing Stones of Stenness | Ancient Henge & UNESCO World Heritage Site | Orkney Islands |
| Kingarth Stone Circle | Secluded & Atmospheric Stone Circle | Isle of Bute |
Where are the Outlander stones located?
Would you like to step through Craigh Na Dun just as Claire did? We regret to inform you that the physical stone circle seen on screen does not exist in real life. The stones used in the show were prop replicas crafted in a studio using fiberglass and styrofoam molds!
However, we have fantastic news: the breathtaking hill where the scene was filmed is 100% real. The filming site is located at Tullochcroisk Farm in Kinloch Rannoch (Perthshire). While the prop stones were removed immediately after shooting, the hill itself offers pristine panoramic views over Loch Rannoch and the surrounding Highlands.
Additionally, if you are looking for a location with a name almost identical to Craigh Na Dun, you can visit Craigh Dunain just outside Inverness. This hill overlooks the city and offers sweeping views of the city lights below, just as described in Diana Gabaldon’s novels.
If you want to experience real ancient standing stones where you can feel the true magic of Scotland, you can visit dozens of incredible historic sites across the country.
The best real-life Outlander standing stones in Scotland
Callanish Standing Stones (Isle of Lewis)
The Callanish Stones are perhaps the closest match to the visual design of Craigh Na Dun. In fact, set designers for the Outlander TV series used Callanish as their primary visual model. Arranged in a Celtic cross shape with a central 4.8-meter monolith, these 5,000-year-old megaliths evoke an undeniable sense of wonder.
Local Gaelic folklore refers to these monoliths as fir bhrèige (“false men”). Legend tells that these stones were once giant inhabitants of the island petrified by Saint Kieran for refusing to convert to Christianity. Whether giants or ancient astronomical markers, Callanish is an essential pilgrimage for any Outlander fan.
Clava Cairns (Inverness)
Located just outside Inverness and a short drive from Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns is arguably the most famous Outlander-connected site in the Highlands. Author Diana Gabaldon famously stated that Clava Cairns closely mirrors her vision of Craigh Na Dun, despite only visiting the physical site after writing her first book.
Dating back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age, this complex features chambered cairns, passage graves, and prominent standing stones. Set in a peaceful woodland alongside the River Nairn, Clava Cairns is easily accessible on our guided tours from Inverness.
Kingarth Stone Circle (Isle of Bute)
If you envision Craigh Na Dun as a quiet, mysterious site tucked away from the crowds, Kingarth Stone Circle (also known as Blackpark) on the Isle of Bute is a hidden gem. Tucked beside a dark forest, three standing stones remain upright out of the original seven, measuring over two meters in height.
The short walk through the trees toward this secluded monument offers an atmosphere of solitude, quiet history, and mystery that feels straight out of an Outlander episode.
Standing Stones of Stenness (Orkney Islands)
Dating back over 5,000 years, the Standing Stones of Stenness are among the oldest henge monuments in the British Isles. Recognized as part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ultra-thin monoliths reach heights up to 6 meters while being only 30 centimeters thick.
Originally consisting of 12 stones surrounded by a large ditch and bank, Stenness remains one of the most imposing prehistoric sites in Scotland, conveying ancient history and mystery to all who visit.
Ready to explore the real-life locations of the Scottish Highlands? Check out our Loch Ness & Highland Day Tours to start your own Scottish adventure!
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