Dùn Cuithir archeological walk, Allasdale

Summary

A rough moorland walk on the western side of Barra, exploring several archaelogical sites. The route is waymarked with posts - there is mostly no path- although these have a tendency to be knocked down by grazing cows, so careful navigation is required at times.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grassy moorland, becoming increasingly rougher and heather-covered; boggy in places. Mostly pathless but waymarked by posts, some of which are knocked down by cows.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Parking by the cemetery at Allasdale.

Public Transport

Bus around the west side of Barra will stop at the cemetery on request.

Start Grid Ref

NF661035

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3.5 - 4.5 hours
Ascent: 194m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Park at the large cemetery beside the road between Tangasdale and Cuithir. Begin the walk by starting southwest along the road very briefly then going through the pedestrian gate into the field on the left. Head up through the field past the telegraph pole; the first marker post is just to the right of the low crags. Continue following the line of posts which lead up onto an open grassy ridge with rocky outcrops; there are great views looking back over Allasdale beach.

Stage 2

The route passes to the right of the uppermost rocky mound of Dun Cuithir; to visit the broch, continue past it before climbing back up the far side. The outline of the curtain walls is clear, as is a small part of the original stonework of this iron age defensive structure. It commands a wonderful outlook over the beaches and coastline.

Stage 3

Return back down to the last post. Several posts were fallen on the next section at the time of our visit; the route heads roughly SSE into the glen before the posts are picked up once more as the route heads up the glen, to the north of the burn. At post 10 it bears right, reaching post 11 just before a footbridge over the burn (not visible from any distance) and then continuing south up the opposite slope to reach post 12, which is beside the first of the remains of several blackhouses. By post 12 turn left (ESE) once more, crossing an old drystone dyke and climbing uphill past more posts. There are several more blackhouse remains - this area must once have been home to a community.

Stage 4

The route continues in the same general direction - crossing a couple of short boardwalks but otherwise pathless, though marked by posts - until post 24. The route returns to this post shortly, but before doing so continue ahead to visit Tigh Talamhanta. The route crosses a tiny burn and aims to the right of an old sheepfold. Continue in the same direction, uphill and then across some wet ground, to reach the green moud of Tigh Talamhanta, scattered with tumbledown stones. Set at the foot of Grianan, Tigh Talamhanta was an iron age aisled farmhouse though it is difficult to ascertain the layout; it was excavated in 1953. Retrace your steps back to post 24 (do not try to shortcut this corner as the ground between is very boggy).

Stage 5

Once back at post 24, the route climbs very steeply southwest at first. Continue following the posts higher up as they contour the slope, gradually heading south to reach the bealach, where a stile leads over a fence. Just beyond is Dun Bharpa - the oldest of the archeological remains on this walk, being a bronze age chambered cairn. From here the walk becomes much rougher - you could return the same way. Otherwise, pass to the left of the cairn and follow a fence to reach and cross a stile.

Stage 6

From the stile the route contours the rough slope to the left for some distance - with widely spaced posts - before dropping steeply down to the derelict house in the glen. The house was the last thatched house in Barra and was inhabited until around 1970; later it served as a museum before falling into dereliction - little of the roof remains. The highest hill on Barra - Heaval - looks very impressive from here. Turn right and follow the good track down the glen, eventually reaching the scattered houses of Baile na Creige.

Stage 7

The track becomes tarred and eventually meets the A888 island circular just beyond a school. Turn right and follow this road - taking care with traffic - back to the start. The distance is just under 2km but the magnificent beaches on the left enliven the walk.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Barra cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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