Berriedale, Highland facts for kids
Berriedale (which is Bearghdal in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village on the northeast coast of Caithness, Scotland. It sits right on the A9 road, between the towns of Helmsdale and Lybster. The village is close to the border between Caithness and Sutherland. It is also protected from the strong winds of the North Sea. Berriedale has its own church, which is part of the Church of Scotland.
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What is Berriedale?
Berriedale is known as an estate village. This means it was originally built and owned by a large estate, usually for the workers and their families. Today, it's a quiet place with a rich history.
Where is Berriedale Located?
Berriedale is in the northern part of Scotland. It's a key stop along the A9 road, which is a major route through the country. The village is also the end point for the eighth section of the John o' Groats Trail. This is a long walking path that follows the beautiful Scottish coastline.
The Berriedale Braes
Just south of Berriedale, you'll find a famous part of the A9 road called the Berriedale Braes. A "brae" is a Scottish word for a steep hillside. This part of the road is very steep and winding.
Driving Through the Braes
The road here drops sharply down to cross a river, then climbs steeply up the other side. It goes down and up by 13% over about 1.3 kilometers each way! There are also many sharp turns. In recent years, some of the tightest bends have been made a bit easier for drivers.
Why the Braes are Important
The challenging landscape of the Berriedale Braes actually stopped a railway from being built along this part of the coast. The Far North Line, which connects Inverness to Wick, had to be built further inland. This was because it was too difficult and expensive to build a railway bridge across such a steep and winding area.
A Royal Connection
Berriedale has a surprising link to the British Royal Family. Prince George, Duke of Kent, who was the younger brother of King George VI, sadly died near Berriedale. He was killed in an air crash on August 25, 1942, along with 14 other people. His death certificate lists Berriedale as the place where he passed away.
