Bad a' Channain

Downs, Moorland in Caithness

Scotland

Bad a' Channain

Looking South along the Caithness/Sutherland border The Caithness/Sutherland border
Looking South along the Caithness/Sutherland border Credit: Angus Rickman

Bad a' Channain is a remote and rugged area located in Caithness, Scotland. Situated on the northeastern coast of the country, it is characterized by its stunning downs and moorland landscapes. The name "Bad a' Channain" translates to "the clump or thicket of the canons" in Gaelic, reflecting the area's historical ties to religious communities.

The downs of Bad a' Channain are expansive, rolling hills covered in short grasses and heather. These downs provide a picturesque backdrop, with their varying shades of green and purple, stretching as far as the eye can see. The moorland, on the other hand, is characterized by its vast open spaces, dotted with patches of heather, peat bogs, and scattered rock formations.

The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including many species of birds, such as the golden plover and the red-throated diver. The downs and moorland also support a diverse range of plant life, including mosses, lichens, and wildflowers.

Bad a' Channain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The landscape's rugged beauty and sense of isolation make it an ideal location for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.

Visitors to Bad a' Channain should come prepared for changeable weather conditions, as the area is known for its strong winds and unpredictable rainfall. Nonetheless, those who venture to this remote corner of Caithness will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery and a sense of peace and serenity.

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Bad a' Channain Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.344365/-3.8113949 or Grid Reference NC9440. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking South along the Caithness/Sutherland border The Caithness/Sutherland border
Looking South along the Caithness/Sutherland border
The Caithness/Sutherland border
Looking North from Channain Hill towards Slettil Hill
Looking North from Channain Hill towards Slettil Hill
Loch Bad a' Channain
Loch Bad a' Channain
Loch Bad a' Channain from the South
Loch Bad a' Channain from the South
Rough ground and forestry on Channain Hill With the Far North railway line seen crossing above centre.
Rough ground and forestry on Channain Hill
With the Far North railway line seen crossing above centre.
Allt na Claise Mòire Descending from Claise Mhòr in the Channain Forest.
Allt na Claise Mòire
Descending from Claise Mhòr in the Channain Forest.
Entering the South Channain Forest
Entering the South Channain Forest
Area of Pools NW of Cnoc Cròm-Uillt Many of the pools in this area were dry. The grass/heather/moss moorland was tinder-dry.
Area of Pools NW of Cnoc Cròm-Uillt
Many of the pools in this area were dry. The grass/heather/moss moorland was tinder-dry.
Burns Flowing N from Cnoc Cròm-uillt Two tributaries of the Rumsdale water flow down from here. Loch Rumsdale and Loch a' Mhadaidh can be seen in the distance.
Burns Flowing N from Cnoc Cròm-uillt
Two tributaries of the Rumsdale water flow down from here. Loch Rumsdale and Loch a' Mhadaidh can be seen in the distance.
Baledigle Forest ride The old drove road called Ca na Catanach appears as a faint trough running down this clearing.
Baledigle Forest ride
The old drove road called Ca na Catanach appears as a faint trough running down this clearing.
The Ca na Catanach entering Baledigle Forest The old road of Ca na Catanach is faintly marked by a shallow channel in the peat as it enters the forest.
The Ca na Catanach entering Baledigle Forest
The old road of Ca na Catanach is faintly marked by a shallow channel in the peat as it enters the forest.
Mound in Baledigle Forest A mound of unknown origin.
Mound in Baledigle Forest
A mound of unknown origin.
Old Road to Rumsdale The old road crossing the shoulder of Cnoc nan Gall.
Old Road to Rumsdale
The old road crossing the shoulder of Cnoc nan Gall.
Peatlands near Rumsdale Peatlands in the catchment of the Rumsdale Water.
Peatlands near Rumsdale
Peatlands in the catchment of the Rumsdale Water.
The forestry road in the Channain Forest Looking down towards Strath Halladale.
The forestry road in the Channain Forest
Looking down towards Strath Halladale.
Undercut peat in the Channain Forest The forestry in view lies in the adjoining square <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NC9340">NC9340</a>. Beyond that lies the open moorland around Loch Bad a' Channain.
Undercut peat in the Channain Forest
The forestry in view lies in the adjoining square NC9340. Beyond that lies the open moorland around Loch Bad a' Channain.
Climbing out of Strath Halladale towards Channain Hill
Climbing out of Strath Halladale towards Channain Hill
On the slopes of Channain Hill Looking over the Channain Forest. The North Highland railway line can just be seen,winding its way between Altnabreac and Forsinard.
On the slopes of Channain Hill
Looking over the Channain Forest. The North Highland railway line can just be seen,winding its way between Altnabreac and Forsinard.
Show me another place!

Bad a' Channain is located at Grid Ref: NC9440 (Lat: 58.344365, Lng: -3.8113949)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///numeral.fail.egging. Near Forsinard, Highland

Nearby Locations

Bad a' Channain

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