Tulach Buaile a Chroic Broch (Westerdale 2)

A grassy mound which has been cut into by the River Thurso at some point in the past. 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.

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.

Tulach Buaile a Chroic Broch photographs

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 01

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 02

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 03

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 04

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 05

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 06

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 07

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 08

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 09

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 10

Tulach Buaile a Chroic 11

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.