Badbea

Historic Site and Walk in Caithness

Badbea Clearance Village
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Postdlf

The former clearance village of Badbea is perched on the edge of the cliffs south of Berriedale in a spot with great views over the Moray Firth. The village was settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by families evicted from their homes when the straths of Langwell, Ousdale and Berriedale were cleared for the establishment of sheep farms. According to legend, Badbea was so windswept that those living here had to tether their cattle, hens and even their children to prevent them being blown over the cliffs. One resident, John Sutherland, ‘John Badbea’ has been credited with doing much to help the survival of the community in his role as a preacher, doctor and all-round leader. The last resident left the village in 1911 and a monument to those who lived there was erected by the son of a former inhabitant. Badbea is accessible by foot from a signposted car park on the seaward side of the A9. Good footwear is recommended as the walk can be wet underfoot.

The Badbea appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caithness!

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Visiting Badbea

Duration: 20 minutes

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