Tràigh Cailliche

Beach in Caithness

Scotland

Tràigh Cailliche

Tràigh Cailliche, also known as the "Beach of the Old Woman" or "Old Wives' Beach," is a stunning coastal area located in Caithness, Scotland. Situated on the country's northeastern coast, this beach stretches over a mile long and is renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance.

The beach is characterized by its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs that surround the area. The sand dunes and machair grasslands add to the picturesque landscape, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Tràigh Cailliche holds great historic importance as it is believed to be the site of an ancient Norse burial ground dating back to the Viking era. Archaeological finds, including Viking grave markers and artifacts, have been discovered in the area, further adding to its allure.

Visitors to Tràigh Cailliche can enjoy a variety of activities. The beach is perfect for leisurely walks, sunbathing, picnicking, and birdwatching. It also offers excellent conditions for water sports such as swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. The beach is surrounded by stunning coastal cliffs, which provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring the rugged terrain.

The beach is easily accessible by road, with nearby parking available. Facilities such as toilets and picnic areas are also provided for visitors' convenience. Tràigh Cailliche offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Caithness.

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Tràigh Cailliche Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.154155/-3.5543573 or Grid Reference ND0819. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The way to Badbea

Peter Moore

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.

Martyn Gorman

Original bridge by the A9

Peter Moore

Badbea Monument

The Badbea Monument.

Donald H Bain

Old A9

A loop cut off by modernising the road over the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

New A9

A modernised part of the road over the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

Ousdale

A steep sided glen cuts down to the sea. It shelters birch woods.

Richard Webb

Creagan MÃ²r

Boggy moorland between the A9 and sea on the crossing of the Ord of Caithness.

Richard Webb

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.

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.

Richard Webb