BattlefieldsBattle of Bealach na Bròige
Medieval

Battle of Bealach na Bròige

1490
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of the Pass of the Shoes · Knoydart ambush
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacKenzies
Forces
MacKenzies c.300–500
VS
Victor
MacDonalds of Glengarry
Forces
MacDonalds c.300–500
Outcome
MacKenzie raiding force ambushed and destroyed
The Battle

History & Significance

MacDonalds of Glengarry removed their shoes to approach silently through mountain terrain and ambushed a MacKenzie raiding force in a narrow pass in Knoydart. The engagement is recorded in clan traditions as an example of Highland tactics — the removal of shoes for silent movement through difficult ground gave the pass its name.

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