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Reidhlean na Cloiche

Downs, Moorland in Caithness

Scotland

Reidhlean na Cloiche

Badryrie Wood A rare fragment of native woodland in the Caithness peatlands. The trees are predominantly birch. The trees are protected from grazing animals by a fence which the Caithness Field Club erected some years ago.
Badryrie Wood Credit: david glass

Reidhlean na Cloiche, also known as Caithness Downs or Moorland, is a vast and picturesque landscape located in Caithness, Scotland. Spanning approximately 200 square miles, it is characterized by its rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and scattered rock formations.

The area is mostly made up of peat bogs, which have been formed over thousands of years and provide a unique habitat for various flora and fauna. The moorland is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, mountain hares, and various bird species, such as curlews and golden plovers.

Reidhlean na Cloiche offers breathtaking views, with its rugged terrain and panoramic vistas stretching out as far as the eye can see. The landscape is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including standing stones and burial cairns, which provide a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Due to its remote location, the area is largely untouched by human development, allowing visitors to experience a sense of tranquility and solitude. Hiking and nature enthusiasts are drawn to Reidhlean na Cloiche for its extensive network of trails, which offer opportunities for exploration and wildlife spotting. The moorland is also popular among birdwatchers, who come to witness the impressive displays of birdlife during the breeding season.

Overall, Reidhlean na Cloiche, Caithness Downs, is a captivating and unspoiled landscape that showcases the beauty of Scotland's natural heritage.

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Reidhlean na Cloiche Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.371123/-3.3444828 or Grid Reference ND2143. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Badryrie Wood A rare fragment of native woodland in the Caithness peatlands. The trees are predominantly birch. The trees are protected from grazing animals by a fence which the Caithness Field Club erected some years ago.
Badryrie Wood
A rare fragment of native woodland in the Caithness peatlands. The trees are predominantly birch. The trees are protected from grazing animals by a fence which the Caithness Field Club erected some years ago.
The Road to Badryrie The track to the abandoned crofting township of Badryrie.
The Road to Badryrie
The track to the abandoned crofting township of Badryrie.
Boanbean Crofthouse The abandoned crofthouse of Boanbean, once the home of a whisky distiller.
Boanbean Crofthouse
The abandoned crofthouse of Boanbean, once the home of a whisky distiller.
The Badryrie track Since the crofts were abandoned this track has started to revert to bog. It is often flooded and hard to follow. As usual with old tracks on peatland, the former drainage ditches on either side are quite a hazard.
The Badryrie track
Since the crofts were abandoned this track has started to revert to bog. It is often flooded and hard to follow. As usual with old tracks on peatland, the former drainage ditches on either side are quite a hazard.
The Badryrie track Since the crofts were abandoned this track has started to revert to bog. It is often flooded and hard to follow. As usual with old tracks on peatland, the former drainage ditches on either side are quite a hazard.
The Badryrie track
Since the crofts were abandoned this track has started to revert to bog. It is often flooded and hard to follow. As usual with old tracks on peatland, the former drainage ditches on either side are quite a hazard.
Track to Badryrie Here the track is boggy and difficult to make out. In others sections it is quite clear.
Track to Badryrie
Here the track is boggy and difficult to make out. In others sections it is quite clear.
Stone Dyke by the Allt-nan-Scaraig This ruined stone dyke appears to form the southern boundary of a small enclosure. It is a relic of agricultural activity in this remote location in distant times.
Stone Dyke by the Allt-nan-Scaraig
This ruined stone dyke appears to form the southern boundary of a small enclosure. It is a relic of agricultural activity in this remote location in distant times.
Munsary cottage Looking onto Munsary cottage from the track up to Ballachly with the remains of a Broch to the left and Noss head lighthouse in the distance.
Munsary cottage
Looking onto Munsary cottage from the track up to Ballachly with the remains of a Broch to the left and Noss head lighthouse in the distance.
Lower Badryrie The abandoned crofting settlement of Lower Badryrie.
Lower Badryrie
The abandoned crofting settlement of Lower Badryrie.
Byre at Lower Badryrie A byre in the abandoned crofting township of Badryrie, with flagstone stall dividers known as 'hallans'. A cruck slot (for supporting the roof) can be seen on the left hand wall.
Byre at Lower Badryrie
A byre in the abandoned crofting township of Badryrie, with flagstone stall dividers known as 'hallans'. A cruck slot (for supporting the roof) can be seen on the left hand wall.
Upper Badryrie The abandoned crofting township of Upper Badryrie.
Upper Badryrie
The abandoned crofting township of Upper Badryrie.
Allt Buaile nan Gillean A burn runs through here trying to drain the vast area of peaty moorland.
Allt Buaile nan Gillean
A burn runs through here trying to drain the vast area of peaty moorland.
Munsary Remains of a farm. Beyond is a large area of peat bog which is now a protected area of the Flow Country.
Munsary
Remains of a farm. Beyond is a large area of peat bog which is now a protected area of the Flow Country.
Information board, Munsary Cottage At the end of the 5km track from Loch Stemster. The board explains the work of Plantlife <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.plantlife.org.uk/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.plantlife.org.uk/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> , an organisation working to protect wild plants and their habitats.
Information board, Munsary Cottage
At the end of the 5km track from Loch Stemster. The board explains the work of Plantlife LinkExternal link , an organisation working to protect wild plants and their habitats.
Bog, Munsary A lot of the bog here is actually easy to walk across, however some of it is not. This is one of the more reasonable bits. Going out was easy, but my return journey seemed to encounter all the nasty stuff.
Bog, Munsary
A lot of the bog here is actually easy to walk across, however some of it is not. This is one of the more reasonable bits. Going out was easy, but my return journey seemed to encounter all the nasty stuff.
Bog, Munsary A closer view of the wetland plants in the bogs by Munsary Cottage. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1993023">ND2144 : Bog, Munsary</a>
Bog, Munsary
A closer view of the wetland plants in the bogs by Munsary Cottage. ND2144 : Bog, Munsary
Sheep fank, Airigh Mhòr A square stell. There is some reasonable ground beside the Allt-nan-Scaraig and there would have been shielings here, their names caught by the Ordnance Survey.
Sheep fank, Airigh Mhòr
A square stell. There is some reasonable ground beside the Allt-nan-Scaraig and there would have been shielings here, their names caught by the Ordnance Survey.
Moorland, Allt an Donais Rough peaty moorland on gently sloping ground south of Munsary.
Moorland, Allt an Donais
Rough peaty moorland on gently sloping ground south of Munsary.
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Reidhlean na Cloiche is located at Grid Ref: ND2143 (Lat: 58.371123, Lng: -3.3444828)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///boater.bigger.dreamers. Near Dunbeath, Highland

Nearby Locations

Bad na h-Earba Reidhlean na Cloiche

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