Caisteal Bharraich, Tongue

Caisteal Bharraich (or Castle Varrich) is a prominent ruined castle in a superb prominent position overlooking the Kyle of Tongue. It gives a very pleasant short walk from Tongue village.

Terrain

Excellent path with some ascent; final few yards to the ruin are rougher.

Public Transport

Bus to Tongue.

Start

Tongue. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Grade (key)

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2.75km / 1.75 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 111m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC591566

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Caisteal Bharraich (or Castle Varrich in English) is a dramatic ruined castle or tower house, well seen from Tongue and its approach roads as it sits atop a wooded hill rising straight from the Kyle. It can be visited by following a well-made path from Tongue village. There is parking in the centre of the village opposite the Ben Loyal hotel; begin the walk by heading back towards the main A838 but turning left onto a footpath signed 'Castle Varrich', soon heading through the trees.

Stage 2

The path briefly joins a tarmac lane that comes in from the right; leave this as it bends right and continue straight ahead. On the right hand side of the path is a reed-bed system that helps clean the sewage for the village. Looking over the wall to the left there are good views of the dramatic rocky peaks of Ben Loyal. At the bottom of the field the path goes through a gate and turns left upstream. Soon the path crosses the Rhian Burn via a wooden footbridge.

Stage 3

On the far side go through the gate and follow the surfaced path - wide as a track at times - which swings right and then begins a zig-zag ascent of the woods. Varrich woods are an attractive mix of birch, sycamore, ash and some oaks. There are three benches on the way up giving a chance to catch your breath or enjoy the view back over Tongue.

Stage 4

The path eventually reaches a bealach, fenced on the far side with a dramatic view down to the Kyle of Tongue. Two separate paths both lead up the short final ascent to the keep of the Castle. There are numerous theories as to the origin of the building, from an 11th century Viking stronghold to a seat of medieval bishops. It is thought that the name may mean Castle of the Lochaber Man - a reference to Iain Abrach, a chief of Clan MacKay and a hero in that region.

Stage 5

The castle ruins have been stabilised and restored by local landowners Wildland Ltd with the aid of Historic Environment Scotland; an iron staircase has been installed to enable visitors to climb and enjoy the views from the keep.

Stage 6

The best way back to Tongue is to reverse the outward route. The track shown on OS maps, leading south via Rhian Cottage, has long since become overgrown and is hard to find on the ground.

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