South Barrule

South Barrule rises to 483 metres in the southern hills and its summit carries the ramparts of a hillfort with the foundations of some eighty round huts inside, one of the largest prehistoric settlements on the island, occupied in the Iron Age and possibly earlier. The climb from the road takes half an hour on a stony path. From the top the whole southern half of the island is laid out, and on clear days three neighbouring countries are visible.

What you actually see

• The hillfort ramparts - the enclosing banks around the summit.
• The hut circles - foundations of some eighty round houses inside the fort.
• The summit view - the southern half of the island laid out below.
• The clear-day view - neighbouring coasts visible across the sea.

When to go

April to October is best for footing and visibility. Cloud sits on the summit often. Winter conditions on the top can be severe.

Honest expectations

The hut circles are low and hard to make out in the heather. The summit is frequently in cloud with no view at all. The path is stony and exposed with no shelter.

Nearby

Cregneash is south, and Glen Maye is northwest.