An Dun Broch, Berriedale (Allt An Duin, Berriedale Water, Berriedale1)

The Berriedale brochs have been plundered to ruins, but An Dun remains perhaps the best preserved. Even though, there still isn't that much to see other than the view down Berriedale Water. Besides the broch, there is evidence of folks living on the banks of Berriedale Water for many centuries. From before the bronze age, through the iron age to the clearances, parents have raised their families here and children have splashed around in the river chasing salmon. It's quite something to be able to stroll through the ruins of history like you can do here.

Access is through the Langwell estate, so you should contact the Factor to arrange access, which would be simple were it not for a few of the footbridges over Berriedale Water having been washed away a few years ago in a spate. It might be wise to park beside the church at the top of north Berriedale Brae, and walk along the track from there and cut down to the banks of Berriedale Water at a suitable spot and return the same way. Walking could be very difficult if you try to follow the river.

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.

An Dun broch, Berriedale photographs

An Dun, Berriedale 01

An Dun, Berriedale 02

An Dun, Berriedale 03

An Dun, Berriedale 04

An Dun, Berriedale 05

An Dun, Berriedale 06

Disclaimer: Some brochs were built with military defensive purpose, and as such can be situated in extremely dangerous areas, such as on the edge of cliffs and ravines. Additionally, these are Iron Age structures, most of them in ruins, and they are extremely hazardous, with crumbling stone walls and hidden chambers. Existing walls, lintels, and passages could collapse at any time. The information here is provided free but it is your responsibility to ensure its accuracy, ensure your own safety, and acquire permissions for access where necessary. Accessing brochs is done entirely at your own risk.