Whitegate Broch
An atmospheric Iron Age broch perched on a Caithness headland, offering dramatic sea views and a powerful sense of Scotland’s ancient past.
Perched on a dramatic coastal headland near Keiss in Caithness, Whitegate Broch is a well-preserved Iron Age tower that offers a rare glimpse into ancient Scottish life. Built between the 2nd and 3rd century BC, its massive stone walls rise above the sea, surrounded by sweeping views and a sense of deep history. The broch’s circular chamber, thick walls, and stone features hint at a complex past of habitation, defense, and ritual. Accessible via a coastal path, it’s a quiet, atmospheric site perfect for history lovers and those seeking a connection with Scotland’s prehistoric past.
A brief summary to Whitegate broch
- Wick, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing; the coastal path can be muddy and exposed to wind and rain.
- Visit in clear weather for the best views and photography; the broch and surrounding cliffs are especially striking in good light.
- Combine your visit with Keiss Broch and Keiss Castle for a full prehistoric and historic walk along the coast.
- Bring binoculars to spot seabirds and marine life along the cliffs and in the sea below.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Keiss
From the village of Keiss, follow the coastal path northeast along the shore towards Keiss Castle. Whitegate Broch is about 1.5 km along this path, passing Keiss Broch en route. The walk takes roughly 25–35 minutes on a well-defined but sometimes muddy and uneven track; sturdy footwear is essential, especially in wet weather.
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By car to Keiss
Drive to Keiss village from Wick (about 8 km) or from the A9 via the B875. Park in the village or at the small lay-bys near the coastal path access points. From there, walk the coastal path to the broch as described. The road is suitable for standard vehicles, but the final approach is on foot.
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Public transport to Wick
Reach Wick by train or long-distance bus, then take a local taxi or a short bus ride to Keiss. From Keiss, follow the coastal path to Whitegate Broch. Public transport options are limited, so check local timetables in advance, especially outside peak season.
Whitegate broch location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Whitegate broch
Ancient Stone Sentinel by the Sea
Standing on a rugged headland northeast of Keiss, Whitegate Broch is one of Caithness’s most evocative Iron Age remains. Dating from roughly the 2nd to 3rd century BC, this broch was built as a multi-storey stone tower, its massive walls rising from a rocky promontory that drops steeply to the North Sea. The structure’s defensive position, high above the waves, speaks to the strategic thinking of its builders, who chose a site with commanding views over the surrounding coastline and sea lanes. Though now roofless and open to the sky, the broch’s core survives impressively, with walls still standing several metres high and an interior chamber that gives a clear sense of its original scale and strength.Architecture and Daily Life
The broch is a classic example of a solid-based tower, with walls around 5 metres thick and an internal diameter of about 8 metres. Inside, visitors can see stone features such as tanks set into the floor and a drain leading out towards a nearby burn, suggesting careful planning for water management and daily living. When excavated in the late 19th century, finds like a hatchet, quern stones for grinding grain, pottery, a jet bracelet, and fragments of a wooden dish revealed a community engaged in farming, craft, and trade. These objects, though now lost or dispersed, paint a picture of a self-sufficient settlement where people lived, stored food, and possibly held rituals within the broch’s thick-walled chamber.Brochs in the Caithness Landscape
Whitegate is one of several brochs clustered around Keiss, reflecting the dense prehistoric settlement of this part of Caithness. Nearby, Keiss Broch and other ancient sites form a network of Iron Age structures that once dominated the coastal landscape. Brochs were more than just defensive strongholds; they were centres of community life, symbols of status, and possibly places with spiritual or ceremonial significance. The presence of multiple brochs in such a small area suggests a complex social and political landscape, where clans or extended families maintained their own fortified towers while sharing resources and trade routes across the region.Atmosphere and the Modern Visitor
Today, Whitegate Broch is a quiet, windswept site that rewards a slow, thoughtful visit. The broch sits exposed to the elements, with the sound of the sea and seabirds filling the air, and the ever-changing light playing across its ancient stones. There are no modern reconstructions or interpretive buildings, so the experience is raw and authentic, letting the imagination fill in the gaps. The surrounding landscape – cliffs, grassy slopes, and distant views over the sea – enhances the sense of stepping back in time, making it a powerful place for reflection on Scotland’s deep past.Access and Practicalities
The broch is reached on foot via a coastal path from Keiss, which follows the shoreline and passes other historic features including Keiss Broch and the dramatic clifftop Keiss Castle. The walk is straightforward but can be muddy or slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is recommended. There are no formal visitor facilities at the site itself, but nearby Keiss offers basic amenities, and the wider Caithness coast is well served by roads and public transport. The broch is freely accessible, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the region’s prehistoric heritage without a fixed schedule or budget.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
