Tap o' Noth

Tap o' Noth is an Iron Age hillfort and archaeological site in Rhynie, Scotland. The fortification spreads across a large area with stone ramparts and many house platforms, suggesting a densely populated past.

The site was founded in the Iron Age and became most active during the early medieval period as a major settlement center. Archaeologists discovered that stone walls were strengthened through intense heating, revealing advanced construction methods used by ancient builders.

The site contains traces of ancient occupation shown through discovered bronze items, glass beads, and pottery. These objects show that people living here traded and communicated with distant places.

A visit requires a walk from the car park with steady climbing to the summit. There is no public transportation, so visitors should arrive by car and allow time for physical effort.

Recent surveys have identified up to 800 dwelling structures arranged in clusters around central buildings. This makes it one of Britain's largest early medieval settlements and reveals a remarkably organized community.

Location: Aberdeenshire

Location: Rhynie

GPS coordinates: 57.35152,-2.85920

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:20