Gleann Beag brochs, Suardalan and Glenelg circuit

GLENELG PENINSULA


Summary :	A satisfying day walk on fairly easy terrain, allowing exploration of the fantastic remains of iron-age brochs, the open moorland above Gleann Beag, and the pretty coastal village of Glenelg.
Terrain :	Much of the walk is on small roads and landrover track with a boggy section over moorland.
Grade :		Distance :	21km/13 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	6 - 8 hours
Start :	Glenelg	Grid ref :	NG814193
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 413 - Knoydart online	Ascent :	299m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	Bus service to Glenelg, also summer ferry from Kylerhea on Skye.[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. Start from the centre of Glenelg village which has a good shop and pub. The walk begins southwards along the road, passing the Glenelg Inn and a war memorial on the shores of the bay. After 2 kilometres of skirting the coast you will reach a road junction just before a bridge. Don't cross the bridge but instead continue straight ahead on the road into Gleann Beag, signed for the brochs.

Gleann Beag brochs, Suardalan and Glenelg circuit no. 1

2. The road follows the river up the glen reaching the first broch of Dun Telve after another couple of kilometres. The second and perhaps even more impressive broch, Dun Troddan, is a further kilometre along the road on the left. These amazing iron-age fortresses are well worth exploring, more information is on our brochs page.

3. After the brochs, continue until the end of the public road at a farmhouse. Go through the gateway to the right of the farmhouse and follow a track straight ahead. The track fords a stream and then climbs uphill, passing the remains of a third broch, in much more ruinous state, Dun Grugaig, on the right. The track continues to follow the glen which narrows with pretty, native woodland in parts. Continue on the track passing underneath electricity pylons then staying close to the river for a while. The track then branches in two - follow the left hand branch signed for Glenelg and pass through a farm gate

Gleann Beag brochs, Suardalan and Glenelg circuit no. 2

4. Follow the track as it climbs gently onto the open moorland. At the top of the rise you can see Loch Iain Mhic Aonghairs to the left. There is a real sense of being in the middle of a wilderness, continue for another kilometre downhill and divert to the bothy at Suardalan for a rest if need by. The track becomes fainter and boggier traversing the side of the hill and then heading down towards the Glen More river opposite Moyle.

Gleann Beag brochs, Suardalan and Glenelg circuit no. 3

5. Keep above the river and eventually a fence and barn come into view, keep to the left side of the fence and then walk on the remains of a dry stone dyke in otherwise boggy ground. Nearing the river you need to go through a farm gate and then turn left and up the embankment before heading straight for the bridge at Braeside by keeping close to the river bank. Cross the bridge and turn left heading uphill until you reach the junction with the road coming down from the Ratagan pass. Turn left and follow the road downhill for several kilometres keeping left at the fork at the foot of the glen to return to Glenelg.

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