What can I see at Midhowe Broch?
Midhowe Broch has the remains of an Iron Age stone tower and surrounding buildings beside Eynhallow Sound. You can combine it with nearby Midhowe Cairn. The approach from the roadside car park descends steeply across agricultural ground, with the climb back uphill at the end.
The tower and settlement
Built more than 2,000 years ago, the broch had a substantial wall and ditch on its landward side. Coastal erosion has removed part of the settlement. [2]
The tower survives to about 4.3 metres. Its original height is uncertain, though Historic Environment Scotland suggests it was considerably taller. [1] [2]
Inside the buildings
Inside are stone divisions, a hearth and a spring-fed water tank. The smaller buildings around the tower later became workshops. [2]
The coastal setting
The approach crosses steep agricultural ground, with an uphill return from the shore. [3]
The nearby chambered cairn is much older. It makes an interesting comparison with the broch’s homes and workshops. [1] [3]
Find out more
- Midhowe stalled cairn: the neighbouring brochNess of Brodgar Project
A contextual reference to the broch beside the cairn, rather than a dedicated broch article.
- Midhowe Broch: history and storiesHistoric Environment Scotland
The tower, defences, settlement and internal features.
- Midhowe Broch: plan your visitHistoric Environment Scotland
Visitor information and the coastal approach.
Researched by Stay Rousay. Sources checked .