Brochs

Dun Telve, one of the best preserved b rochs in Scotland.

"A broch is an Iron Age drystone hollow-walled structure of a type found only in Scotland.  Brochs belong to the classification "complex atlantic roundhouse" devised by Scottish archaeologists in the 1980's.  Their origin is a matter of some controversy."  Wikipedia

Dun Telve from the road.

A passageway between the two walls of dry stacked stones.

Mary in one of the entries to give you an idea of how big this house was!

We always are on the lookout for ancient sites.  While researching one at Dunrobin Castle, Bill found these two listed.  Of course, they were not as easily accessible as the one near the castle.  Dun Telve is considered one of the best preserved of the brochs.  It wasn't excavated, just cleaned out from centuries of rubbish.  The building was in fairly good condition until the 1700's when the rocks were taken to build barracks.

How they think it might have been finished on the inside.

Beautiful dry stacked stones.

Dun Troddan is not as large, but still had lots of room inside.

This area of Scotland is the only place where brochs are found.  They think is was a common building type, with the men going from one place to another to build them.  They are very sturdy, and with the roofs on would have been warm and protective.

Dun Troddan is on top of a hill.

I had to navigate the mud to get to the interior doorway. It rained the entire time we were there.

This shows how the walls lean in.

Finding these places is always an adventure. We drove on one lane roads with "passing places", until we came to a one lane track with no real passing places.  Fortunately, we didn't meet anyone.  Across the road from Dun Troddan are several homes used as holiday rentals. It would be an ideal place to spend some time.

The road less traveled.