Local Walks around Balmacara
The area is truly a walker’s paradise, not just because of the many famous Munros on our doorstep, but also because of the wonderful coastal walks and woodland trails available nearby. There are some wonderful walks you can do right from our doorstep, not least heading over the road and up through the magical wood of Coille Mhor, our local piece of Celtic rainforest.
Scotland’s rainforest is a rare and endangered habitat. It’s as important as tropical rainforest, but even rarer. The conditions to support this coastal temperate rainforest occur on less than 1% of the globe’s surface. Scotland’s rainforest, also known as Atlantic woodland and Celtic rainforest, is a special kind of woodland, containing trees dripping with lichens and rocks clad with abundant mosses. These native woodlands are found on our west coast where there are high levels of rainfall and relatively mild, year-round temperatures… The Coille Mhòr (Big Wood) above Balmacara Square is one example of these diverse ancient woodlands. The mosaic of habitats has been influenced by generations of crofters as they grazed their animals in the woods. These predominantly oak and birch woodlands have a magical feel, with thick carpets of mosses, colourful fungi and glorious ferns.
The Coille Mhòr is both an SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) for its oakwoods and the internationally important rare lichens it contains. These lichens include the interestingly named Norwegian specklebelly (Pseudocyphellaria norvegica) and abundant old man’s beard (Usnea sp.), which is an indicator of good air quality.”
Coille Mhor and Loch Achnahinidh Loop
Must Do
3-4 hrs, 7.5 miles. This circuit from Balmacara leads through our fantastic lichen covered temperate rainforest, visiting and passing around loch Achnahidih. The return walk passes through a felled former area of forestry and there are some brilliant views. If you want to shorten the loop you can drive round to Loch Achahinidh and walk back to the house or vice versa
Plockton Coral Beach
Top Tip
This short walk to a beautiful and secluded coral beach. It makes a great place to watch for wildlife or just enjoy the fine setting or a sunset. Great for a swim too. Track then good path, with rocky steps down to beach, Takes about 15 mins to walk to the beach. Park at the airfield
Drive then park here and follow signs
Duncraig Castle from Plockton
Highly Recommended
Great short circular walk from Plockton leads through fine coastal woodland with picturesque views across Loch Carron, might spot an otter from the path as they frequent the creek area at the start of the walk Takes about 3 hrs from start to return and is about 7km. If you time it right you can always pick up a train from Duncraig station and return to Plockton station
Loch Scalpaidh
You can walk from the house by turning left and walking up the hill on the road and down the other side, pass some small lochans up the top and then on the way back down look for a layby . there is a sign there so turn left and join the footpath to visit this great freshwater loch which has some good trout fishing. Peaceful and speactacular with bog cotton in spring. You can follow the path all the way to kyle of Lochalsh if feeling adventurous
Park in layby or walk from house
Balmacara to Kyle
A stunning path from Balmacara all the way to Kyle following the a 87. With great views of Kylerhea and Isle of Skye. About 2.5 hrs or 5km along the path
Drumbuie Beach or Loop
This idyllic short walk heads round a beautiful section of coastline, with wonderful views throughout. There is a good chance of seeing seals, otters and sea birds. Drumbuie beach is also good for a sunset swim or a daytime paddle. Drumbuie Beach only is about 15 mins walk or full loop around 1.5 hrs
Stromeferry Wood
A short but enjoyable woodland circuit that gives some fabulous views over Loch Carron and the mountains beyond. There are a number of picnic tables and benches on the route. There are a few steep sections in the woodland with stone and wooden steps. Drive and then walk, loop takes about an hour
Balmacara Woods
Head down to the parking spot at Balmacara mains and follow the signs . A short coastal walk through some interesting forest. 45 mins
Auchtertyre Hill
We have a particular reccomendation for our guests which involves a walk and scramble to Auchtertyre Hill Lochan, up the hill you can see from the front door opposite Coillemore House. It starts on the paths then requires a scramble up the bank to get to the trig point at the top. The lochan is just before the trig point. Its not massively deep but great for a cool off after the exertion of the hill climb and the views are incredible from an almost negative edge natural pool. 7km around 5 hrs roundtrip.
Walk from Coillemore House