Best Hikes to Ousdale Burn and Broch Ruins

Tips

Mark Saunders
The picturesque and challenging Ousdale Burn is located in a steep-sided valley on the John O' Groats Trail close to the Ousdale Broch. A head for heights is needed to cross this Burn! This is because the path descends very steeply to reach the Burn - the average downward slope is nearly 60 degrees! The 50 m (164 ft) drop to the Burn is negotiated using 150 steep wooden steps. Undertaking this descent requires care and sure-footedness especially in wet and windy weather. Ousdale Burn is crossed on an 8m-long bridge (just visible in the picture) that was erected in 2018. The John O’ Groats Trail then makes a diagonal ascent of the slope opposite.
- June 7, 2023

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Location: Berriedale And Dunbeath, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom