Badcall Bay, Sutherland 1973

Tucked away on the north-west coast of Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, Badcall Bay is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, quiet remoteness, and ancient geological heritage. Located just south of the village of Scourie and easily reached via the scenic A894 road, the bay is part of one of Scotland’s wildest and most peaceful landscapes.

The bay itself is divided between the small crofting settlements of Upper and Lower Badcall. It opens out into the larger Eddrachillis Bay, framed by a scattering of rocky islets that shelter its waters and provide safe anchorage for small boats. With its tranquil loch-like surface and backdrop of distant mountain peaks—including Quinag and Suilven—Badcall Bay feels timeless and untouched.

The area has long been associated with traditional fishing and crofting. In the 19th century, Badcall was home to a salmon station, the remnants of which can still be seen today. In modern times, the bay supports sustainable aquaculture, including salmon farming by Loch Duart, based nearby. Despite these quiet economic pursuits, the region remains largely undeveloped and unspoiled.

Badcall Bay lies within the North West Highlands Geopark, one of the most geologically significant regions in Europe. The rocks here are among the oldest in the world, some over 3 billion years old, and they form a dramatic and rugged landscape carved by ice, wind, and time. Walking through the area is like stepping into a prehistoric world of bare stone and vast skies.