Castle Varrich
Caisteal Bharraich
A medieval tower ruin on a small hill beside Tongue village, about a 30-minute walk to the top, with views over the Kyle of Tongue and Ben Loyal.
Castle Varrich is believed to have been built around the 14th century, and it may have been a Viking-era stronghold even earlier. It later became a fortress of the Mackay clan chiefs. Today only a two-storey stone tower survives, with metal stairs and a viewing platform added inside. From the trailhead in Tongue village, it is about 1.5 km uphill, crossing a stream and climbing through woodland, roughly one hour return. The slope is gentle, and from the top you can see the whole Kyle of Tongue and the causeway. It is free to visit, but the path is slippery after rain.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kyle of Tongue
- Ben Hope
- Loch Eriboll
- Ceannabeinne Beach
- Sango Bay
- Balnakeil Craft Village
- Balnakeil Church
- Balnakeil Beach