Achavanich

Settlement in Caithness

Scotland

Achavanich

Achavanich is a small rural area located in the county of Caithness, in the northernmost part of mainland Scotland. Situated about 4 miles southeast of the town of Halkirk, Achavanich is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical significance.

The area is characterized by rolling hills, picturesque lochs, and vast open landscapes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. The nearby Loch Stemster offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

One of the prominent features of Achavanich is the Achavanich Standing Stones, a prehistoric monument consisting of four large stones arranged in a rectangular pattern. These stones are believed to date back to the Neolithic era, around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago, and have attracted archaeologists and historians from around the world.

In addition to its ancient history, Achavanich is also home to a small community of residents who enjoy a peaceful and close-knit lifestyle. Although amenities are limited, the town of Halkirk provides nearby access to shops, schools, and other services.

Overall, Achavanich offers a unique blend of natural beauty, archaeological significance, and a tranquil rural lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to delve into Scotland's ancient past.

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Achavanich Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.36463/-3.4038242 or Grid Reference ND1742. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Achavanich Standing Stones

Wonderful display of a circle of aligned standing stones with their edges facing inwards.

Glen Breaden

"The Road to Nowhere"

This track to Munsary Cottage affectionately holds this title. It leads to the margins of the famous Flow Country.

Glen Breaden

Loch Rangag

Under threatening skies the loch looked isolated.

Glen Breaden

Ford on Loop Burn, Caithness

The ford lies on a path which runs between the A9 and Loch Ruard. The remains of a footbridge can be seen on either side of the burn.

Claire Pegrum

Footbridge across the Allt Reidhe Mhoir, Caithness

This footbridge is not shown on the 1:25,000 OS map (as viewed on Get-a-map 20/04/12). It is approximately 100m to the east of those shown at grid ref ND159429.

Claire Pegrum

Loch Rangag

A distant Loch Rangag from the A9

John MacKenzie

Ancient stones at Achavanich

Dating back some 4000 years

Peter Moore

Loch Rangag

View from the side of the A9 as it runs towards Thurso. The remains of Greysteil Castle broch are the bump visible on the right of the loch.

Carron K

Part of Achavanich Stone Setting

Looking towards Loch Stemster.

Carron K

Chambered Cairn near Achavanich

Also known as Achkinloch, this photograph is taken from the close-by Achavanich Stone Setting. The chambered cairn is thought to be 1000 years older than the stone setting.

Carron K

Road from Achavanich to Lybster

With part of the Achavanich Stone Setting visible on the left.

Carron K

Standing Stone of Rangag

This grid features little more than a road (the A9) through a bog. At ND1766844921 though, there's an ancient standing stone no more than 150ft from the roadside. Its origins are shrouded in mystery but the locals will eagerly supply numerous versions of its tale on request.

Nick Powell

The standing stones of Stemster

These standing stones, about 36 in number, are set out not in a ring but in a horseshoe shape. They date from a very long time ago as do many other fine stone structures in this county. Loch Stemster is in the background.

Jim Bain

Loch Rangag

Loch Rangag is just over the watershed and its waters run out to the north via the Thurso river.

Jim Bain

By Achavanich

Looking out over much of this square. Land use is mainly grazing land.

Jim Bain

Loch Stemster

A typical Caithness loch with gentle slopes all around. Loch Stemster once fed a meal mill between it and Loch Rangag. When the mill fell into disrepair around the late 1790s maintenance on the sluices was neglected. Over time they failed and the loch lowered itself to the height of the bottom level of the lade, a drop of around 2 metres. The former shoreline can still be seen quite clearly in places. Looking out NE towards Badryie

Jim Bain

By Achkinloch

Looking out across the square towards Achkinloch farm below Stemster Hill.

Jim Bain

Stemster standing stones

These standing stones, about 36 in number, are set out not in a ring but in a horseshoe shape. They date from a very long time ago as do many other fine stone structures in this county.

Jim Bain

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Achavanich is located at Grid Ref: ND1742 (Lat: 58.36463, Lng: -3.4038242)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands