Badbea, Caithness

Historic Site and Walk near Caithness

Badbea Clearance Village
Badbea Clearance Village
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Postdlf

Badbea is one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Berriedale, a haunting former clearance village perched dramatically on clifftops overlooking the Moray Firth. Settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by families displaced during the Highland Clearances, Badbea tells a powerful story of survival, hardship, and resilience. Today, its windswept ruins and sweeping coastal views make it one of the most unforgettable historic sites in Caithness.

Often visited on walking tours of Berriedale and the surrounding coastline, the village remains a poignant reminder of the families who lived on this exposed headland. Legend has it that the winds were so fierce residents had to tether livestock-cattle, hens, even children-to stop them being blown over the cliffs. Whether myth or reality, the sense of isolation still hangs in the air.

History and Significance of Badbea Clearance Village

Badbea was settled by families forcibly evicted during the clearances of Langwell, Ousdale, and Berriedale, when landowners replaced tenant communities with vast sheep farms. The families relocated to this marginal strip of clifftop land, where they built stone houses, fished, farmed small plots, and battled relentless coastal winds.

The village's most notable resident, John Sutherland-known as John Badbea-played an essential role in the community's survival. Acting as preacher, healer, and leader, he provided guidance during times of hardship and helped bind the settlement together.

Life here was harsh, and gradually families moved away. By 1911, the last resident had departed, leaving the village to fall into ruin. A monument erected by the son of a former inhabitant now commemorates those who lived and struggled here, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.

Things to See and Do in Badbea Clearance Village

A walk through Badbea offers an evocative journey into Scotland's past. Visitors can follow a path from the small car park to the clifftop settlement, passing dry-stone walls, house remains, and patches of the rugged ground once cultivated by the residents.

The memorial stone stands at the heart of the site and provides context about the families who lived here. Interpretive panels describe the clearances and the daily realities of life at Badbea, enriching the experience with historical insight.

Photography opportunities abound, with wide horizons over the Moray Firth, dramatic coastal geology, and the haunting outlines of ruined homes set against open sky. On a windy day, it’s easy to feel the raw isolation that shaped the community’s story.

How to Get to Badbea Clearance Village

Badbea lies south of Berriedale and is accessible via a signposted car park on the seaward side of the A9. From there, a footpath leads to the village ruins. Visitors arriving by train can travel to Helmsdale or Wick Station and continue by taxi or bus to the nearest point on the A9. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Those flying regionally can use Wick John O'Groats Airport for access to Caithness. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Caithness on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Badbea Clearance Village

  • Best time to visit Badbea: Spring and summer for clearer paths and vibrant coastal scenery.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
  • Opening hours: Open year-round; best visited in daylight.
  • Official website: VisitScotland offers regional information.
  • How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Accessibility: The path can be uneven, wet, and muddy; sturdy footwear essential.
  • Facilities: None on-site; nearest facilities are in nearby villages.
  • Photography tip: Capture the ruined houses against the backdrop of the Moray Firth for powerful compositions.
  • Guided tours: Occasionally offered by local heritage groups.
  • Nearby food options: Options available in Berriedale, Helmsdale, and Dunbeath.

Where to Stay close to Badbea Clearance Village

For exploring the Caithness coastline, Wick makes a convenient base. A welcoming option is Mackays Hotel, known for its comfort and hospitality. Those staying farther south may prefer The Navidale House Hotel, overlooking the coast. Travelers wanting something atmospheric and coastal can choose The Bay Owl Inn, offering accommodation near dramatic scenery.

Is Badbea Clearance Village Worth Visiting?

Yes-Badbea is absolutely worth visiting. Its remote cliffside location, poignant history, and peaceful coastal setting create a deeply memorable experience. For anyone interested in the Highland Clearances or Scotland's rural past, this quiet village offers a uniquely moving encounter with history.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (82)

Ousdale Broch in Berriedale is a well‑preserved Pictish broch set on a dramatic coastal site reachable via a short walk through heather moorland from a small, signposted car park on the A9; the path (part of the John O’Groats Trail) is obvious, largely mud‑free but can be rough in places and is downhill going there and uphill on return, with benches and information panels about the geology, excavations and nearby sites along the route.

Reg
3 months ago
"I found this place so interesting and imagined myself living in the Broch in the Iron Age. A stu ing location. However it is quite a way ( about 15mins) from the carpark down a fairly steep decent and of course an even harder climb back up...."
Graeme Lynch
8 months ago
"Firstly I'd recommend not to follow your sat nav as it takes you to a dirty track. There's a car park 2 miles south on the A9 which is wellsignposted. From the car park it's a small walk, depending on ability, to your destination. An incredible look into the past where you can view a house from over 2300 years ago. The path down is great and there's a few benches if you need to stop. Definitely worth a pit stop...."
Ben Eckersley
10 months ago
"This is a pleasant and fairly short walk to an interesting landmark and a great way to break up a drive up the A9. Easy parking straight off theroad, followed by an attractive walk through heather moorland with great views over the landscape to the sea. The path (part of the John O Groats Trail) takes in several interesting historical features on the way to the main event - a very well preserved Pictish broch, fully enclosed, which you can enter. There are some excellent information panels on the route for those of you who appreciate such a thing. The entire walk is probably about 5km, and will likely take you 15-25 mins each way. Bear in mind it’s downhill all the way there and therefore uphill the entire way back! (Though there are some thoughtfully placed benches if you need a breather). The path is very obvious (no need for a map) and largely mud free, though it’s rough enough in places to demand proper outdoor walking shoes. Largely accessible - two easy to open gates and a stile only if you want to take a detour to the ruined crofting village...."

FAQs for Visiting Badbea Clearance Village

The walk is short but can be wet, uneven, and muddy; sturdy shoes are recommended.
Yes, but close supervision is needed due to the proximity of steep cliffs.
Yes, but they should be kept on a lead for safety.
Yes, interpretive panels provide helpful background on the village and its people.
Often-coastal winds can be strong, so dress accordingly.

Nearby Attractions to Badbea Clearance Village

  • Berriedale Braes: Scenic coastal curves and viewpoints south of the site.
  • Dunbeath Heritage Centre: Insight into local history and folklore.
  • Whaligoe Haven: A dramatic cliff-surrounded harbour reached via the Whaligoe Steps.
  • Duncansby Head: Stunning cliffs and iconic sea stacks near John o' Groats.
  • Castle Sinclair Girnigoe: Atmospheric coastal ruins with deep Sinclair history.

The Badbea appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caithness!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Caithness: 44 km

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