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Creag Aigean Sail

Cliff, Slope in Caithness

Scotland

Creag Aigean Sail

The way to Badbea
The way to Badbea Credit: Peter Moore

Creag Aigean Sail is a prominent cliff located in the Caithness region of Scotland. Rising majestically from the coastline, it stands as an imposing feature with its rugged, sheer face overlooking the North Sea. The name "Creag Aigean Sail" translates to "cliff by the sea" in the Gaelic language, perfectly encapsulating its geographical location and defining characteristic.

The cliff is composed of sedimentary rocks, primarily consisting of sandstone and shale layers that have been gradually eroded over millions of years by the relentless force of the sea. This erosion has sculpted the cliff face, resulting in its steep, almost vertical appearance that reaches an impressive height of approximately 150 meters (490 feet) above sea level.

Creag Aigean Sail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the expansive ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. The cliff is a haven for various bird species, providing nesting sites for seabirds such as gannets, fulmars, and puffins. Birdwatchers flock to this location to observe and study these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The cliff's proximity to the North Sea also makes it a popular spot for adventurous climbers and hikers seeking a thrilling outdoor experience. However, caution must be exercised due to the unstable nature of the cliff face and the potential danger posed by erosion and falling rocks.

Overall, Creag Aigean Sail stands as an iconic natural landmark in Caithness, attracting visitors from far and wide who seek to admire its awe-inspiring beauty, witness the diverse birdlife, and revel in the stunning coastal scenery it offers.

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Creag Aigean Sail Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.162453/-3.5404418 or Grid Reference ND0920. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The way to Badbea
The way to Badbea
Badbea: a memory of the Highland Clearances Badbea is a very sad place, a grim reminder us of a disgraceful period in our national history. Badbea is a ruined village on the cliff tops around 5 miles north of Helmsdale, in Caithness. The village was settled in the 18th and 19th centuries during the infamous Highland Clearances. Families were forcibly evicted from their homes in the Straths of Langwell, Ousdale and Berriedale to be replaced by sheep for the profit of the landlords. From 1792 onwards, the displaced families began to arrive in Badbea, a small area of rough, steeply sloping land above the precipitous cliffs of Berriedale overlooking the North Sea. When the families arrived they were given small plots to farm, but had to clear the land, hack out the plots from the steep slopes, and build their own houses from the stones they found. The harshness of life in Badbea can be judged from the fact that, while the men and women were working the land, their livestock, and even their children, were on occasion tethered to rocks or posts to prevent them from being blown over the cliffs into the sea by the ferocious winds. The family plots of land had room for a longhouse, with a byre at one end, and a kitchen garden or kailyard. The rest of the available land could only support a few small vegetable plots and a few cows, pigs and chickens for each family. There was only one horse in the village and thus the soil was ploughed by human effort.
Badbea: a memory of the Highland Clearances
Badbea is a very sad place, a grim reminder us of a disgraceful period in our national history. Badbea is a ruined village on the cliff tops around 5 miles north of Helmsdale, in Caithness. The village was settled in the 18th and 19th centuries during the infamous Highland Clearances. Families were forcibly evicted from their homes in the Straths of Langwell, Ousdale and Berriedale to be replaced by sheep for the profit of the landlords. From 1792 onwards, the displaced families began to arrive in Badbea, a small area of rough, steeply sloping land above the precipitous cliffs of Berriedale overlooking the North Sea. When the families arrived they were given small plots to farm, but had to clear the land, hack out the plots from the steep slopes, and build their own houses from the stones they found. The harshness of life in Badbea can be judged from the fact that, while the men and women were working the land, their livestock, and even their children, were on occasion tethered to rocks or posts to prevent them from being blown over the cliffs into the sea by the ferocious winds. The family plots of land had room for a longhouse, with a byre at one end, and a kitchen garden or kailyard. The rest of the available land could only support a few small vegetable plots and a few cows, pigs and chickens for each family. There was only one horse in the village and thus the soil was ploughed by human effort.
Original bridge by the A9
Original bridge by the A9
Badbea Monument The Badbea Monument.
Badbea Monument
The Badbea Monument.
Trees by the A9 lay-by before the drop into Berriedale
Trees by the A9 lay-by before the drop into Berriedale
Old A9 A loop cut off by modernising the road over the Ord of Caithness.
Old A9
A loop cut off by modernising the road over the Ord of Caithness.
New A9 A modernised part of the road over the Ord of Caithness.
New A9
A modernised part of the road over the Ord of Caithness.
Ousdale A steep sided glen cuts down to the sea. It shelters birch woods.
Ousdale
A steep sided glen cuts down to the sea. It shelters birch woods.
Creagan Mòr Boggy moorland between the A9 and sea on the crossing of the Ord of Caithness.
Creagan Mòr
Boggy moorland between the A9 and sea on the crossing of the Ord of Caithness.
A9 Passing the car park for Badbea on the high level (but close to the coast) crossing of the Ord of Caithness. A sense of dread prevails, Berriedale and its braes are getting closer.
A9
Passing the car park for Badbea on the high level (but close to the coast) crossing of the Ord of Caithness. A sense of dread prevails, Berriedale and its braes are getting closer.
Moorland, Badbea Above high cliffs and beside the A9.
Moorland, Badbea
Above high cliffs and beside the A9.
Road on Inver Hill A loop of rough road between the sea and A9 road.
Road on Inver Hill
A loop of rough road between the sea and A9 road.
Ride, Langwell A gap in the conifers gives a great sense of depth. You can see how much height you are going to lose, and immediately climb again.
Ride, Langwell
A gap in the conifers gives a great sense of depth. You can see how much height you are going to lose, and immediately climb again.
Badbea Monument Monument from 1911, in memory of the inhabitants of Badbea, a Highland clearance village.
Badbea Monument
Monument from 1911, in memory of the inhabitants of Badbea, a Highland clearance village.
Pylon on moorland, Badbea
Pylon on moorland, Badbea
Dunbeath 8 Miles Heading north east on the A9, Badbea.
Dunbeath 8 Miles
Heading north east on the A9, Badbea.
Moorland, Badbea
Moorland, Badbea
Pylon beside the A9
Pylon beside the A9
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Creag Aigean Sail is located at Grid Ref: ND0920 (Lat: 58.162453, Lng: -3.5404418)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///addicted.hang.reclusive. Near Dunbeath, Highland

Nearby Locations

Tràigh Fhada Creag Aigean Sail

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