Carn na Mairg Broch (Cairn Merk)

There must have been quite a community of Picts living around Westerdale for so many brochs to be clustered so closely together. I'm of the mind that Westerdale may well have been an important Pictish HQ. I'm sure they had many happy days despite the Romans and their lust for one world governance.

There are eight brochs clustered together around Westerdale that I can count, four near the bridge, and it's possible to visit these four in a single outing. There is a stile with wooden steps beside the bridge allowing access to three of the brochs, and a track from the main road all the way to Carn na Mairg. You will have to look for parking and walk a little bit, but that's not really a problem as Westerdale is beautiful.

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

Carn na Mairg broch photographs

Cairn Na Mairg 01

Cairn Na Mairg 02

Cairn Na Mairg 03

Cairn Na Mairg 04

Cairn Na Mairg 05

Cairn Na Mairg 06

Cairn Na Mairg 07

Cairn Na Mairg 08

Cairn Na Mairg 09

Cairn Na Mairg 10

Cairn Na Mairg 11

Cairn Na Mairg 12

Cairn Na Mairg 13

Cairn Na Mairg 14

Cairn Na Mairg 15

Cairn Na Mairg 16

Cairn Na Mairg 17

Cairn Na Mairg 18

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.