Dun Ringill, Scotland

On the east coast of the Strathaird peninsula, on the road to Elgol, Isle of Skye, this Iron Age broch-like structure is situated on a rocky promontory. Ringill descends from the Gaelic meaning "point of the ravine.

 

In the ninth century, the MacKinnons refortified this iron-age fortress and it remained the clan seat for at least three centuries. Apart from the stunning coastal location with outstanding views across Loch Slapin in the shadow of Blaven (a Cuillin outlier), what is remarkable about this dun is the doorway, which is largely intact. It is also easy to make out the castle grounds by following adjacent the stone wall. 

 

To get to Dun Ringill take the Elgol road from Broadford. This is a stunning single track road that takes you through the small hamlet of Torrin and around the head of Loch Slapin. On a good days the view of Blaven are quite outstanding, this is one of the outliers of the Black Cuillin mountain range and regarded as one of the finest mountain scrambles in Britain. When the mist comes in over the mountains, or in wintry conditions caution is needed as this is a serious and unforgiving mountain. Finally, on the north side of Loch Slapin, right under Blaven, you rise up from the small fish farm high into the peninsula, then drop sharply into Kilmarie. At the foot of the hill over a small bridge, turn immediately left towards the sign-posted Kilmarie graveyard. Park at or near the graveyard, and from here you can scour the area for the duns, cairns, and even a stone circle. To get to Dun Ringill cross the small footbridge and follow the small and narrow path with the shoreline to your right, and in about a mile you will find Dun Ringill.

 

The location was written into song by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull who used to live nearby: