Baile an Or is ideal for families and children. It is set in beautiful scenery and you can pan for gold here. There is actually quite a lot of gold, although they are tiny grains. However, some people have collected enough gold to make a wedding ring and other jewellery. Please note that gold panning is no longer free, and a licence MUST be purchased. There are now strict rules regarding where, when, and how you can pan.
DIRECTIONS
♦ From the south of Helmsdale, cross over the bridge there and then immediately turn left and follow the road until you reach a small roundabout. Take the right turn (northwest) and follow this road all the way down through the housing estate and the road will change to single track. Follow this narrow winding road all the way, always keeping to the north side of the river.
♦ You will eventually come to a sharp bend (left) with a signpost in the grassland ahead and an old bridge, also to the left, where the road winds round across a stream. There is a small car parking area on the bend (the flat grass area) and on the other side, near the sign. You can gold pan anywhere from after the bridge northwards to below the waterfall, but not beyond.
♦ Ref: 58.16817°N, 3.85077°W
PROFILE INFO
FIND FREQUENCY: ♦♦♦ – Most people who use the correct panning technique come away with at least a few flakes or granules of gold. Sometimes small nuggets can be found.
CHILDREN: ♦♦♦ – This can be a fun day out for all the family. Note that this location may not be suitable for small children, since the river can be deep in places. Keep an eye on children at all times.
ACCESS: ♦♦♦♦ – Baile an Or is easy to find and parking is next to the river.
TYPE: – Gold panning is done in the stream, so wellington boots are essential.
GOLD PANNING
Panning for gold is only allowed in the stream at Baile an Or between the bridge and below the waterfall. A licence MUST be purchased, and there are strict restrictions on where, when, and for how long you can pan. There is a seasonal shutdown for salmon spawning from late October to late March, during which time no panning is allowed. Panning is only permitted between 8am and 8pm or between sunrise and sunset, whichever is earlier.
Only hand tools are allowed. The use of highbankers or other mechanical methods is strictly prohibited. No digging into riverbanks is allowed to protect the environment and wildlife. These regulations help ensure fairness for all panners and protect the local ecosystem, particularly the salmon.
GEOLOGY
Gold flakes can be found at this location in the burn.
The gravels and sediments of the Kildonan Burn are salted with small concentrations of gold in the form of tiny granular flecks, and the very occasional little nuggets sometimes combined with quartz.
Please note: Gold panning is no longer offered free of charge. A licence is required, and all activities must follow the strict regulations imposed by the Suisgill Estate to ensure the preservation of the environment and fair access to panning opportunities.
The bedrock geology comprises the Kildonan Psammite Formation; psammite and micaceous psammite displayed in metamorphic bedrocks of approximately 542 to 1000 million years ago.
SAFETY
The only real danger is that, in places, the river can be deep. Therefore, keep an eye on children at all times. Always follow panning rules and respect the environment.
EQUIPMENT
To start with, you will need gold pans. However, there is more needed, but all the necessary equipment can be purchased through UK Fossils using our sister site, UKGE.
ACCESS RIGHTS
Scotland’s fossil resource is at risk of abuse and damage, and so we must all safeguard and manage fossil collecting to ensure its survival for future generations. For this reason, it is VITAL you read and adhere to the Scottish Fossil Code for ALL sites in Scotland.
It is important to follow our ‘Code of Conduct’ when collecting fossils or visiting any site. Please also read our ‘Terms and Conditions‘
LINKS
♦ Fossil Discussions
♦ Fossil Articles
♦ Buy Fossils, Tools and Equipment
♦ Buy Crystals, Meteorites, and Artefacts
♦ Join Fossil Hunts
♦ UK Fossils Network
