They cried like anything to see
such quantities of sand! (xiv)
The geology of the area is very interesting. There is a divide at Strathy beach, to its west the rocks are mostly igneous, granite and quartz, and include some of the oldest rocks on the planet. On the east side is Caithness stone, layered sedimentary rock that is quarried in Caithness and its slabs used as walls, roofing and paving. It has paved the major cities of Scotland, England and further afield. Thurso museum has a superb collection of fossils of ancient fish found amongst it. At Strathy the sea has carved the stone into caves, tunnels and stacks.
There are spectacular seascapes along the
whole coastline which is broken with geos, blowholes, arches, stacks, skerries
and islands. Skerray, Strathy Point and Rubha Bhra at Portskerra are particularly
attractive
places to visit also see the Armadale
walk. A venture up any of the small roads to small townships to the north
of the main road will reward you with stunning sea views.
FARR BEACH at Bettyhill, beautiful among the dunes with rocky outcrops to the sides. Easily accessible from the village it is good for walking, playing and surfing. A huge whale was washed up there two years ago. It is buried in the dunes and its bones will eventually be on show at the museum.
Photograph by courtesy of Mrs. Ethel MacDonald of Armdale
ARMADALE BEACH is now reachable from Armadale
village. Look for the sign that says Aallt Beag Armadale Trust, park in
the village hall carpark and follow the path near the sign. It will take
you past picnic areas, new plantations of trees, down steps in the steepest
part to the burn. There is a pretty wooded area along the burn which you
follow right onto the beach. The bay empties a good bit revealing a huge
expanse of level, golden sand. Two burns run across the sand leaving many
shallow puddles which reflect the sky so you find yourself walking on clouds.
It is a great beach for walking and playing with many rocks to climb on
and pools to look in. It is very good for beachcombing particularly after
a storm. It is good for bathing if you are hardy enough to enter the north
Atlantic. You will probably have the place entirely to yourself.
STRATHY BEACH is reached by parking near
the burial ground and walking down the dune path. The wildflowers here
are wonderful. On the east side of the beach there are many caves and stacks
to explore. There is a tunnel through the rock leading to a further small
beach . The cave on your right immediately after the tunnel is Captain
Ivy's cave. At the back right hand corner of this cave is a big flat rock
with a crack leading to a further hidden cave reputedly once occupied by
the eponymous pirate. It is quite a sprauchle to get
in, not recommended for children under
eight and if you are going to try it ,take protective clothing or a change
of clothes and a torch. There is enjoyable walking and climbing on the
flat rocks where flowers
and seabirds of various kinds are abundant.
The Strathy Burn runs to the sea on the west side of the beach and it is
fascinating to see the mixing of the peaty burn water with the clear sea
water. This is a marvellous beach to walk and to play on but the sea quickly
gets deep so take care if bathing especially with little ones.
MELVICH BEACH is reached from a track from
the main road half way down the village which is well signed. This leads
to a carpark above the dunes. The Halladale river is not so impressive
as the Naver along its
length but it makes a most majestic entry
to the sea sweeping round the sand dunes and a small promontory where the
Bighouse stands. You can walk down to the footbridge then along the river
bank to the shore.
Go round by the tide line and it is a
delightful walk along the beach to the slipway at Melvich pier. The rocks
on the way show evidence of ancient boilings and bubblings. There is a
monument near the pier to
men from the village drowned while fishing
over the years. This is a more exposed beach than the others, very good
for surfing, good for playing on gentler days, but very pleasant for walking
along. A return through the dunes above to the car park makes a very pleasant
short, circular walk. The area round the car park is good for wild-flowers
and butterflies. Seals are often seen off this shore and we once saw a
whale here.
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