Smerral Wood Broch

Smerral Wood Broch

Built on a rocky bedrock ridge, there isn't much to see through the grassy mound, though some of the original stonework does appear in places. There has been speculation about the tumble of stones surrounding the broch perhaps being outbuildings or quarry dumps or something else, but a little local knowledge solved the riddle. While I was there the farmer told me his grandfather had told him the broch was bombed during WW2 by a German aircraft who used it for target practice. He even mentioned shrapnel from the bomb was still embedded in the ruins of a nearby croft house.

Take the single track road from Latheronwheel. As parking in passing places is illegal, you will have to find parking on a verge somewhere (which may not be easy) and walk to the brochs. The brochs are beside the road, but they are on private farmland with livestock so seeking permission for access would be recommended. In any event, make sure you close all gates and use the stiles to negotiate the barbed wire fences.

Smerral Wood broch photographs

Smerral Wood 01

Smerral Wood 02

Smerral Wood 03

Smerral Wood 04

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Smerral Wood 10

Smerral Wood 11

Smerral Wood 12

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.