Overview
Visitors can explore inside the tomb via the raised walkways. Access restrictions remain in place for much of the ground level of the cairn.
Experience one of the finest chambered cairns in Scotland, in its rather unusual setting.
Midhowe is one of 15 Neolithic chambered cairns on the island of Rousay, and by far the largest and the best to visit. A modern hangar protects the tomb from the elements. Visitors can admire the compartments (or stalls) from above by walkways.
Chambered tombs of this kind were communal burial places, frequently visited by the living for new interments and possibly during festivals. The remains of at least 25 humans have been found here.
Other chambered cairns on Rousay’s south coast in our care are, from east to west, Taversoe Tuick, Blackhammer and Knowe of Yarso.
Explore more with Orkney Digital Guide
Discover nearly 5,000 years of Orkney’s history and prehistory, including Midhowe Chambered Cairn, with our Orkney Digital Guide.
Buy Orkney Digital Guide
