Dunbeath Broch

Set within the serene landscape of Caithness, Dunbeath Broch stands as a remarkable testament to Scotland's middle Iron Age heritage. This ancient drystone tower, estimated to be over 2,000 years old, is one of the best-preserved brochs in the region, offering a captivating glimpse into prehistoric life.​

Brochs are unique to Scotland, characterised by their circular design and towering stone walls constructed without mortar. While their exact purpose remains a topic of debate, many scholars believe they served as fortified homes or status symbols for prominent families during the Iron Age. Dunbeath Broch, with its strategic location overlooking the Dunbeath Water, exemplifies this blend of functionality and prestige.

Our Visit to Dunbeath Broch

My wife Janette and I were touring some sights on the NC500. We had just visited the Emigrants Statue, Ousdale Broch and Borg Village, and were keen to see more of Caithness - next up was Dunbeath Broch!

Dunbeath Broch Car Park / Dunbeath Strath Path

Arriving in the town of Dunbeath, we followed the A9 to the far side of the river and then took a left as if we were going to the harbour. Continuing straight on, there is a brown tourism sign named "parking, picnic site, heritage site." This is where to park for Dunbeath Broch.

Also known as the beginning of the Dunbeath Strath Path, the car park is nicely maintained and includes an information board showing the various routes. At the rear of the car park is Dunbeath Mill, an 18th-century corn grinding mill now converted into offices. Standing near the doorway, we could hear water rushing through the mill.

Dunbeath Strath Path

From the car park, we started on the Dunbeath Strath Path, which is a much longer route than just to Dunbeath Broch. The trail is lovely and magical, following the Dunbeath Water and framed by trees arching over the path.

When we visited, the water level seemed very low, and many of the riverbed rocks were visible.

The trail eventually arrives at a wooden bridge used to cross the river. Although it was pretty wobbly as we traversed it, it didn't feel unsafe.

 

The final stretch of the route took us up a hill to the site of the broch itself.

Arriving at Dunbeath Broch

This particular broch is quite unique as it is located at the top of a hill and surrounded by a dry stone wall with trees around it. It kind of looks like a church yard without the church. The broch must have looked impressive, high on the hill and commanding respect from everyone who saw it.

At the entrance is a large informational board packed with fascinating facts on the broch, particularly the conservation work carried out between 2016 and 2018.

 

Only entering the walled yard can you really see the broch properly and get the true scale of this ancient circular structure. It's possible to see features such as:

• The guard chamber leads off the entrance passage.

• Intra-mural cell.

• Gallery steps.

• Part of a clockwise stair.

The broch builders were ingenious with their engineering skills, considering the original building would have been nearly 17 metres tall and weighed around 2300 tonnes!

We walked around the perimeter of the broch and noticed a gate at the far side of the yard, too, for continuing along the Strath Path.

I had a quick drone flight, then we retraced our steps back over the bridge and to the car park.

We next decided to visit Dunbeath Harbour, a short distance away from the broch car park.

The History of Dunbeath Broch

The broch's history is rich and layered. First excavated in 1866 by W.S.T. Sinclair, the site revealed intriguing features such as an entrance passage, a guard cell, and an intramural gallery. Artefacts discovered included animal bones, stone tools, and a small iron spearhead, shedding light on the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. Subsequent conservation efforts in the 1990s aimed to stabilise the structure, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Visitors can access Dunbeath Broch via the picturesque Dunbeath Strath Heritage Trail, which meanders through lush woodlands alongside the tranquil river. The journey offers a connection to ancient history and an immersion into the natural beauty that defines the Scottish Highlands. Nearby, the Dunbeath Heritage Centre provides additional context, celebrating the region's archaeological significance and influence on local culture.​

Restoring Dunbeath Broch: A Community Effort in the Strath of Dunbeath

In 2018, Dunbeath Broch, one of Caithness's finest Iron Age monuments, was given a new lease of life thanks to an ambitious project supported by the Berriedale & Dunbeath Community Council. With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, SSE Beatrice Fund, the Highland LEADER Programme, and Historic Environment Scotland, the project set out to secure the broch's future as an accessible and well-maintained heritage site.

Work began in May 2018, with the main conservation and excavation efforts taking place that August. Throughout the project, there were plenty of opportunities for locals and visitors alike to get involved—whether through hands-on archaeological work, specialist training, or attending community events.

Local primary school children had the chance to step back in time, taking part in archaeology workshops designed to bring the Iron Age to life. The programme also included evening talks and an open day at the broch itself, complete with a living history reenactor who helped set the scene.

Participants could also try their hand at traditional dry-stone dyking, learning techniques that have shaped the Highland landscape for generations. A new drystone seat, built at Dunbeath Heritage Centre, stands as a lasting testament to these skills.

Dunbeath Broch is not only one of the most accessible brochs in the area but also among the best preserved in terms of its surviving stonework. It remains a highlight on the Dunbeath Strath Heritage Trail and draws more visitors than any other broch in the valley. However, the structure had started to show its age, and conservation work was essential to prevent further deterioration and to keep access safe for everyone.

Key Information

• Dunbeath Broch is a ruin of a 2000-year-old Broch near the town of Dunbeath in Caithness, Scotland.

• Parking is available at Dunbeath Strath Path Car Park.

• It's only a short 10-15 minute walk from the car park to the Broch.

• The broch has a great informational board and a well-kept walled enclosure.

• Restored in May 2018 by the Dunbeath community.

Conclusion

If you're new to Brochs in northern Scotland, Dunbeath Broch would be a perfect first visit. With its great car park, peaceful trail, added interest from the river and bridge, and fantastically well-preserved Broch site, Dunbeath Broch is the ideal historical destination.