Images (9)
Fieldnotes (1)

Images

Image of Alltbreac (Broch) by LesHamilton

Alltbreac broch sits on a bracken-surrounded knoll beyond this gate, which gives access to the structure.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

First sighting of some of the impressively large ground level stones, on approaching the broch.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

The initial view across the interior of the broch after negotiating the surrounding bracken.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

The ground level course is almost complete around the broch and consists of impressively large stones.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

A section of the ground level composed of large blocks.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

This is a composite image showing the spread of tumbled masonry within Alltbreac broch.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

Possibly the terminal section of an intramural gallery.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

A possible intramural chamber.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

Part of the 4 metre wide broch wall covered by tumble.

Image credit: Les Hamilton

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

Articles

Alltbreac

Broch

LesHamilton Jun 17, 2023

Visited: June 13, 2023

Alltbreac broch is located in Dalchork Wood, a short distance north of the town of Lairg. To visit the broch, on entering Lairg from the east follow the A836 Tongue road for approximately 4½ kilometres, and about 200 metres north of the Dalchork Bridge, then follow the forestry track on the right-hand side of the road. There is space to park a vehicle there (marker ‘P’).

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At the present time, although most of Dalchork Wood has been clear-felled, the broch is not actually visible from the track. To reach Alltbreac Broch, walk about 1¾ kilometres along this road until you encounter a gate on the left hand side. Through this gate a rough path leads uphill past a drystone enclosure towards a knoll topped by bracken within which stands the broch (marker ‘B’).

The broch measures approximately 10 metres in diameter with walling generally close to 4 metres in width and about one metre in height. It is extremely ruinous, and the interior is a pretty disorganised rubble-pile.The ground level course is impressive and encircles the broch with large boulders, but within, the eye of faith can just about discern what might have been intramural cavities .

Interestingly, Alltbreac broch is not surrounded by a rubble pile: most probably much of the broch debris was harvested long ago to build the neighbouring walled enclosure.