Stage 8 of the JOGT: Helmsdale to Berrydale

Distance 8.9 miles/14.4 km

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

Please note that the steep slope mentioned at the Ousdale burn is VERY steep and you are advised to stay further up the hillside or even use the A9 for this section.

Berrydale is associated with the 6th century Saint Finbar. The sources suggest that there were two saints of the same name, both associated with Ninian and Whithorn. One was born in Ulster and was educated at Candida Casa. He returned to Ireland, where he taught Columba. In the south, his name becomes Winning, Wynnian, Barr. In the north, his name becomes Fymbar or St Bar. It may have been his psalter that Columba notoriously copied.

The other Finbar may have been born on the banks of the Berrydale Water (Barr’s valley) at a green spot not very far from the high road that runs between Helmsdale and Wick. He trained in the north, possibly at Ninian’s House, Edderton or Fearn - Fearn Abbey. (Other sources suggest that he trained at Whithorn, but this may be a confusion with the Irish Finbar.) He founded a church at Dornoch adjacent to the modern cathedral and also founded a church in Caithness. When Gilbert built his cathedral in Dornoch, he dedicated it to Finbarr although this was later changed to St Gilbert. There seems to have been a strong cult of St Finbarr in the Dornoch area at that time. A royal charter from King David gives the monks based there protection in their travels through Caithness and Orkney.

The name ‘Achvarasdal’, where there is a well-known broch, means Barr’s valley.