Achairn Burn facts for kids
Achairn Burn, also known as Haster Burn, is an important stream in Scotland. It flows into the Wick River in Caithness, which is part of the Highland area.
The Achairn Burn starts high up on the northern side of the Hill of Toftgunn, which is over 170 meters (about 558 feet) tall. It also gets water from Camster Loch, a lake located about 120 meters (about 394 feet) high. This lake is found between the Hill of Toftgunn and Ballharn Hill. Interestingly, this same area also feeds another large stream that flows into the Wick River, called the Camster/Rowans-Strath Burn.
The Achairn Burn joins the Wick River at a place called Mary Ford. This spot is about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) northeast from where the burn begins. The entire path of Achairn Burn, and all the land that collects water for the Wick River, is completely within Caithness.
The Burn's Journey
From its beginning to where it meets the Wick River, Achairn Burn flows in a shape that looks a bit like a backward "S". It generally flows north first, then turns east and then southeast, before turning north again.
Places Along the Burn
Several small settlements are located along the banks of the Achairn Burn:
- Upper Achairn
- Lower Achairn
- Puldagon
- Haster
Between Upper Achairn and Lower Achairn, the burn receives more water from a smaller stream called Allt Beag-airighe. This name means "Burn of the Small Shieling" in Scottish Gaelic.
Bridges and Roads
In the Puldagon area, a small, single-track road crosses over the burn. This road connects the A882 road, near the Bridge of Haster, with the A99 road in the Thrumster area. The Bridge of Haster itself carries the A882 road. It is located about 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) west of Wick and about one kilometer (about 0.6 miles) south of Mary Ford.
