Tap O'Noth is an amazing vitrified hillfort located on the summit of the eponymously named hill at 563 metres above sea level. The views extend right down to the coast on a fine day. It is the second highest hillfort in Scotland (exceeded in height only by Ben Griam Beg Fort in Sutherland at 580 metres). Tap O'Noth Fort covers an area of approximately 100 metres by 30 metres and comprises high boulder ramparts which tumble down the sides of the hill to create an imposing site. At different times two forts were built on this site. An interesting aspect of the fort is the extensive vitrification of the rocks which form the ramparts. Some of the photos below illustrate this phenomena which once was considered to be the result of setting fire to wooden palisades during an attack on the fort. However, a more recent explanation based on other sites in the British Isles and Europe is that the rocks were deliberately vitrified in order to strengthen the ramparts. One of the photos below taken from the site sign at the car park shows the areas where the vitrification has occurred. Within the extant ramparts there are areas where housing, perhaps a water cistern and quarry sites have been located. Access is from the pleasant village of Rhyne. Follow the A941 west for 2 kilometres then turn north up a narrow signed lane to reach the car park and first of the various site signs. From here it took me 45 minutes walking (I am a fast walker) to reach the summit going first north then west to circumnavigate the high deer fence and ascent the hill on the track which runs towards the north east then turns towards the summit. There are excellent site signs at the car park and towards the summit.
References: Ralston Ian, Celtic Fortifications, Tempus, Stroud, 2007
Canmore: http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/17169/details/tap+o+noth/>
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