A lovely walk along the shore of Loch Duich, with good views of Eilean Donan Castle, to the slipway and cottage at Totaig and then uphill to the impressive remains of an iron age broch.
Summary
Minor road alongside Loch Duich and then a clear path with stepping stones over a small stream. To access the broch you need to climb up a grassy bank.
Terrain
Letterfearn on the south side of Loch Duich
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. If driving, park in Letterfearn opposite the post box. Walk west along the road, passing the boat hire centre on the right. There are lovely views across Loch Duich to the Five Sisters of Kintail. The road hugs the coastline, where herons and other wildlife can easily be seen. After passing Druidaig Lodge the road enters mature, mixed woodland and rises away from the shore. Through the trees, Eilean Donan castle near Dornie can be seen across the loch.
2. Continue on the road, which by now has grass growing in the middle, to Totaig where there is a slipway and small house. Go through the gate next to the house and follow the track, passing a small bothy on the left. Continue on the track as it starts to climb gently uphill. Ignore a wooden farm gate on the right and continue straight ahead.
3. The path narrows and passes through a wooden kissing gate. Follow the path as it climbs uphill and emerges from the woodland. There are good views back over Dornie and Eilean Donan castle. Continue on the grassy track and cross a small stream on stepping stones. Soon after the stream, the broch, which looks like a large pile of stones with a tree in front of it from this angle, can be seen up on the left hand side. There is a faint, steep, path up to the broch which is well worth exploring.
4. The broch, an iron age defensive home, has an impressive triangular lintel. Venturing inside you can see the double-walled structure with steps remaining and a still-covered passageway between parts of the walls. The broch has not been restored and the moss and other plants growing on the ruins make the place very atmospheric.
5. The broch stands on on a hill called Faire an Duine which means the Watchplace of the Tower. Caisteal Grugaig is said to be the home of the witch Grugaig, who was the mother of the giants Telve and Todder who built the Glenelg brochs.
6. Back on the path below the broch, it is possible to continue up the track for some distance to get a fine view. Otherwise turn back downhill and follow the outward route back to Letterfearn.
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