Distance 12.8 miles/20.8 km

For further details, see jogt.org.uk/stages/

The area around Helmsdale is rich in early Christian sites, with dedications to Donan, Peter, Rectair, Ninian, Ernan, and Iain/John. Lying at the mouth of the Strath of Kildonan, it was a natural meeting point for travellers coming South across the moors from the Caithness coast, from the inland communities of Broubster, Shurrery and Dorrrery and from Kildonan itself. They would then follow the coast to all points South. It shares with Spittal the distinction of having a chapel and hostel/hospital. Here they are dedicated to John the Baptist and, along with a holy well, were situated where the current Free Church Manse is, near the station.

A possible diversion: following the river inland, the Kilphedir Broch is apr four miles/6.4km upriver, the Kilphedir Burn joins the Helmsdale River twelve miles/20.8 km upriver. Phedir is a corruption of Peter. Kinbrace railway station is apr eighteen miles/29 km upriver and it is possible to take the morning train from Thurso to Kinbrace, walk from there to Helmsdale station, passing through Kildonan, and take the evening train back to Thurso. (see Braid 2 for a description) On the way, you will pass a section of the river going through an area called Achahemisgach on the East side and Learabail on the opposite bank. The East side of the river has a rock with a cross carved on it. The adjacent wood is called Coille Chil Mer or ‘the wood of the cell of Mary’.

The Highland Council archaeology service chart all known sites on what is commonly referred to as 'the HER map'. This can be found at her.highland.gov.uk/map and the following map references refer to this map. The various sites around Helmsdale are:

St Peter’s Chapel   MHG9539 Kilphedir Burn   MHG9852/5; MHG9900

Kilphedir   MHG11531, 13166, 19368   Kilearnan Hill   MHG9878/9; 17876

St Ernan’s Chapel and Cemetery   MHG9970   St Donan’s Chair   MHG9969

St John the Baptist Well, Chapel and Hospital   MHG10118   MHG 10119

Holy Well, Glen Loth   MHG10208   St Iain’s (?John) Chapel, Gartmore   MHG10165

St Ninian’s Chapel and Cemetery, Navidale   MHG10290, MHG45522, MHG45523

St Rect’s Chapel, Navidale   MHG10136 (Rect=Rectair/Reet)

For further information on Helmsdale, see www.helmsdale.org and https://timespan.org.uk