Dun Nosebridge, Isle of Islay
Location | East of Bridgend, Islay |
Road | B-Road off A486 |
SatNav | PA44 7PZ |
Dun Nosebridge is an impressive Iron Age hillfort overlooking the river in the Laggan valley. It retains well preserved defensive ramparts on three sides, with a sheer drop on the east side. The ridge on which it has been built gives commanding views in all directions. It would have served as a place of refuge for surrounding settlements, defended by a series of ditches and banks enclosing an area of about 96 feet by 55 feet. A gap in the wall on the north side of the fort served as the main entrance. The unusual name may come from a much later period when Vikings controlled much of the Hebridean Islands, Old Norse 'knaus-borg', meanimng a fort of turf.
Whilst the east side of the fort falls sharply away, providing a natural defence, the other three sides were hand built and would have taken an enormous amount of cooperation and organisation over a long period from the collective local population.
Take the B-road east from the A486 just south of Bridgend to Cluanach which will take you across the Mulindry bridge over the River Laggan. A hundred yards up from the bridge you will find the Old School house and two cottages on your right, where with consideration you can park. Look out from where you park and you will see the hillfort. Walk back towards the bridge where you can pick up the track that will take you across country all the way to the hillfort. A fairly short and very enjoyable walk, but one that requires decent waterproof walking boots, even in summer!