Ousdale Broch, near Berriedale

Summary

Following the completion of excavation work in 2020, Ousdale Broch now ranks as perhaps the finest example of these distinctive iron-age defensive structures in Caithness. The short walk to it across the moorland passes the Borg, the scant ruins of a nineteenth century settlement which was a victim of the Highland Clearances.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Well constructed footpath; downhill to broch, ascent on return.

Getting there

Start

Small parking area off old section of A9.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

ND063189

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km / 1.25 miles
Time: 45 minutes
Ascent: 110m (Profile)

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Explorer 444 - Helmsdale

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

There's a small dedicated parking area at ND063189 reached off an old section of the A9. The walk begins down the constructed path opposite, descending gently across the moorland and passing beneath the power lines.

Stage 2

The winding path comes close to a fence, and there's a stile which gives access to the ruins of the Borg on the far side. Two families were evicted from here between 1792 and 1816, though some fields were cultivated until early in the 20th century. It's well worth also visiting nearby Badbea for an example of the sites some villagers were moved to following Clearances. After inspecting the ruins, return to the constructed path.

Stage 3

The path eventually leads through a small gate and then ends when it reaches the entrance to Ousdale Broch, now seen at its best for many years following excavations and stabilisation work in 2019-20. The walls are around 4m thick and contain three cells; they originally stood to a height of 6m and contained a stairway up to roughly the current top level.

Stage 4

The broch is on the John o' Groats Trail long distance path, which continues from here by making a steep descent to the Ousdale Burn and footbridge. That's a much more strenuous outing, however, and for this walk it is best to simply return the same way.

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