Bad an Nathrach

Wood, Forest in Sutherland

Scotland

Bad an Nathrach

Loch na Seilge Looking down to Loch na Seilge from Ben Stack. — Loch na Seilge Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Bad an Nathrach, also known as Sutherland Wood or Sutherland Forest, is a stunning natural area located in the Scottish Highlands. It covers a vast expanse of land, stretching over rolling hills and valleys, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

The forest is known for its ancient Caledonian pine trees, some of which are centuries old and tower majestically over the landscape. These trees provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including red deer, pine martens, and Scottish wildcats.

Visitors to Bad an Nathrach can explore the network of walking trails that wind through the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. The area is popular with hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers looking to capture the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

In addition to its natural splendor, Bad an Nathrach also holds cultural significance, with several historic sites scattered throughout the forest. These include ancient stone circles, burial cairns, and remnants of old settlements, providing a glimpse into the area's rich history.

Overall, Bad an Nathrach is a peaceful and enchanting destination, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of the Scottish wilderness.

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Bad an Nathrach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.35575/-4.9843871 or Grid Reference NC2544. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch na Seilge

Looking down to Loch na Seilge from Ben Stack.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Track down to the river

Access path to the River Laxford and a footbridge, beyond which rise the steep quartzite slopes towards Arkle's summit ridge.

Gordon Hatton

Upstream along the Laxford

A view upstream along the River Laxford just a short way downstream from where it exits Loch Stack. To the right are the dark cliffs that form the ramparts of Ben Stack.

Gordon Hatton

Footbridge over the River Laxford

The Laxford is a prime salmon river and has a network of good paths on either bank.

Gordon Hatton

Fishing hut by the river

The River Laxford is noted for salmon fishing and has a series of good footpaths on either bank. There's also superior shelter for fishermen, like this riverbank hut.

Gordon Hatton

Estate bridge over the River Laxford

The main approach to Laxford Lodge from the main road. The bridge crosses the river at the point where it leaves Loch Stack.

Gordon Hatton

Shelter from the wind

A view towards Loch Stack on a day with a fierce east wind, enough for a group of three walkers to take shelter on the lee side of the small building that sits right on the grid line.

Gordon Hatton

Upstream from the footbridge

The River Laxford flowing through a short section of deeply cut valley away from the road.

Gordon Hatton

Fern Pool, River Laxford

Here the river widens out and is shallow and slow moving. Fishermen's paths on either side make this a pleasant short excursion from the road.

Gordon Hatton

Lochan Glac na Lann

Small lochan at the roadside, trapped between hills in a narrow defile.

Gordon Hatton

A place to enjoy the river view

Not only are there good footpaths either side of the Laxford River, but there are also several seats where one can admire the view - or maybe fish for salmon.

Gordon Hatton

River and Ben

The River Laxford and the impressive pyramid shaped Ben Stack beyond.

Gordon Hatton

Rounded rocks with semi-detached cottages

The location of the two properties is named Alltnasuileig; they are on the west side of the A838 just north of Ben Stack. In 1996 the cottages were owned by the Duke of Westminster's estate, and probably still are. At that time the farther of them was in use as a holiday let.

Trevor Littlewood

A838 near Laxford Bridge

Steven Brown

River Laxford

With a backdrop of Arkle.

Carron K

Allt Bad na h-Achlaise and Arkle, Sutherland

The Allt Bad na h-Achlaise (watercourse) which is a small tributary to the River Laxford in northwest Sutherland. The mountain in the background is Arkle (787 m, 2582 ft).

Andrew Tryon

Bad na h-Achlaise and Ben Stack, Sutherland

An area of moorland in the far northwest of the Scottish Highlands, near the River Laxford. The area in the immediate vicinity of this photo is identified as the Gaelic 'Bad na h-Achlaise' on Ordnance Survey mapping. The Peak on the right of the horizon is Ben Stack (720 m, 2362 ft).

Andrew Tryon