Portgower Broch (Midgarty)

Word of mouth is the only documentation that this is in fact the site of a broch. All that is there now is a grassy circular mound and the only way to prove this was a broch would be with an archaeological dig. Having said that, it is perfectly sited to continue the chain of brochs with line of sight from Skelbo Wood to Helmsdale.

Not easy to get to this one, as it's either take the shore and find a way across the railway or it's across fields with livestock with many fences and stone dykes in the way. The best approach is probably from the shore. If you decide to cross fields with animals in them, get permission from the farmer first so he knows you're on his land.

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

Portgower broch photographs

Portgower 01

Portgower 02

Portgower 03

Portgower 04

Portgower 05

Portgower 06

Portgower 07

Portgower 08

Portgower 09

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.