Midhowe Broch

Midhowe Broch is an Iron Age fortified settlement on a coastal promontory in the Orkney Islands with walls approximately 4.5 meters thick and over 4 meters high. The interior contains stone partitions, a water tank fed by a natural spring, and hearths with sockets that once supported cooking equipment.

The settlement was built during the Iron Age as a defensive stronghold and continued to be occupied into the Roman period, as evidenced by bronze artifacts found at the site. Excavations conducted in the 1930s uncovered stone tools and bone implements that documented the extended use of this location.

The structure reveals how people lived through preserved features such as internal water storage and cooking hearths with stone sockets. These functional elements show the daily routines of those who inhabited this settlement.

The site is open year-round and offers clear views of the coast and surrounding islands from its elevated position. Visitors should prepare for changeable weather and bring suitable protective clothing and sturdy footwear.

The name comes from Norse origins and refers to the middle structure among three similar constructions within the same valley. The term howe derives from the Old Norse word haugr meaning hill or burial mound.

Location: Orkney Islands

GPS coordinates: 59.15750,-3.10023

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00