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the Degree Confluence Project
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United Kingdom : Scotland

2.7 km (1.7 miles) NW of Backies, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Approx. altitude: 123 m (403 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 58°S 176°E

Accuracy: 88 m (288 ft)
Quality: good

Click on any of the images for the full-sized picture.

#2: John in deep bracken close to road #3: Heather blanket on way down from road #4: Looking from road from the North East.  58°N 4°W is 500 metres away, in centre of picture #5: 58°N 4°W #6: View from South East (St Andrews X marks the spot) #7: St Andrews X marks the spot #8: View from confluence point towards North East

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  58°N 4°W (visit #11)  

#1: Golspie burn

(visited by Hamish Goldie-Scot and John Goldie-Scot)

31-Aug-2009 -- Just 36 hours in Helmsdale, based at the delightful Bridge Hotel (www.bridgehotel.net), was enough time for some hill walking, some trout fishing, some panning for gold, AND a visit to confluence point 58°N 4°W. Just 25 km away, the round trip from Helmsdale to the confluence point and back could be done in under two hours ... if one is not tempted to spend more time walking the surrounding hills.

Driving south down the A9, we took the first right turn to Backies, soon after passing (on our left) the entrance to Dunrobin Castle. Some previous visit reports had suggested (incorrectly as it turned out) that the confluence point was to the north of Golspie burn. It was actually about 50 metres to the south west of the burn, exactly as shown on the OS map. So it would have been easier to have continued up the road turned left over the bridge, and then to have cut back on the south side. Still, it was only a 500 metre walk, albeit through some slightly boggy terrain, and crossing the burn before we found the spot and marked it, temporarily, with a saltire. What a beautiful area....

For those unable, or not wanting, to drive, there is also the option of taking the train, with Dunrobin Castle Railway Station only about a 4.5 km walk from the confluence point.

Coordinator's Note: Would any future visitors please *ignore* the comments from this visitor regarding the position of the CP. Ordnance Survey use the OSGB datum level we use WGS84. The CP in fact does lie to the NORTH of the stream, as the OSGB position for 58-04 is to the South and West of that for WGS84 at this location. Further information can be found here.


 All pictures
#1: Golspie burn
#2: John in deep bracken close to road
#3: Heather blanket on way down from road
#4: Looking from road from the North East. 58°N 4°W is 500 metres away, in centre of picture
#5: 58°N 4°W
#6: View from South East (St Andrews X marks the spot)
#7: St Andrews X marks the spot
#8: View from confluence point towards North East
ALL: All pictures on one page