We have an extensive path network in our local area. There are many routes to choose from, with something for everyone. Enjoy the fresh air, the healthy exercise, the stunning scenery and the wonderful wildlife. Please be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Code.
There is a spectacular coastal walk through the croftlands of Drumbuie, Duirinish and Port an Eòrna, where you can see species-rich grasslands associated with the traditional crofting system as well as having the chance of spotting an elusive otter along the shoreline.
At Lochalsh Woodland Walks there is a network of paths through the old policy woodland surrounding Lochalsh House (now the Balmacara Estate office). Here there is a mix of exotic and native tree species as well as mature collections of large-leaved rhododendrons, and of course wonderful views across Loch Alsh to Skye.
A good portion of the path network is suitable for mountain bikes, but these routes are dual purpose so where the path is narrow please give way to walkers. It’s also possible to combine some of the off-road routes with the quiet back roads to make some wonderful circuits, although the gradients can be quite challenging.
Make someone aware of your plans and have appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and the terrain. A small rucksack containing a local map, a mobile phone, some waterproofs, sun protection, a drink, a snack and a basic first aid kit is highly recommended.
The Walk Highlands website offers suggestions on short and easy or long and strenuous routes. They’re graded, have clear directions and offer a map that you can print out.
Forestry and Land Scotland have also produced a leaflet that covers some of the routes that can be found on the local path network.
On Balmacara Estate, the National Trust for Scotland looks after and maintains more than 16 miles of the local path network. We have coastal walks through crofting land that offer stunning views of Applecross and Skye, and routes that pass through woodland, moorland and open hillside. There’s Scotland’s rainforest to explore and a coral beach to enjoy. Here are some of the highlights of our path network:
Walks here
Kyle of Lochalsh to Balmacara Square
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Distance
- 3 miles (5km)
- Facilities
- Car park; tearoom; toilets; dog friendly
LOCHALSH WOODLAND WALKS
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Distance
- ½–1½ miles (600m–2km)
- Facilities
- Car park; dog friendly
Balmacara Square to Loch Achaidh na h-Inich
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Distance
- 3 miles (4.8km)
- Facilities
- Car park; café at start; dog friendly
Crofting and Coastline circuit from Duirinish
- Difficulty
- Moderate (with one short strenuous section)
- Distance
- 2 miles (3km)
- Facilities
- Car park; café near start; dog friendly
Coral beach
- Difficulty
- Moderate (double the distance for a return trip)
- Distance
- ½ mile (600m)
- Facilities
- Car park; dog friendly
Lochalsh Woodland Walks: The sheltered Lochalsh woodland by the shores of Loch Alsh is where exotic and native plants come together. Bamboo, rhododendrons and ferns grow beside oak, pine and rowan. There’s a variety of routes, loops and trails within the woodland walks, which are signposted from the A87. The steep ground between the gravel paths and the main drive is linked by a series of steps offering shorter and longer circuits for the more able.
Kyle of Lochalsh to Balmacara Square: This route provides striking views over Skye and Loch Alsh and crosses through a variety of habitats that include woodland, moorland and the open hill. Although the path never climbs above 200m, it does in places have the feel of a remote upland walk. The terrain is undulating and the path can be narrow, steep, rough and rocky in places. There are options to extend the walk through to Plockton or Kirkton. With some advance planning, it’s possible to catch the train from Plockton to Kyle (or vice versa) and return by foot or on bike using the local path network.
Balmacara Square to Loch Achaidh na h-Inich: This linear route, a patchwork of moorland, loch and Celtic rainforest, takes you into the heart of the Coille Mhòr. This woodland is a classic temperate Celtic rainforest, rich and diverse in plant and lichen species. The path crosses undulating ground and in places is rather steep and narrow. This route can be turned into a circuit or combined with other routes in the path network to walk or cycle from Plockton to Kyle (or vice versa).
Duirinish Station – Port an Eorna – Drumbuie circuit: Enjoy spectacular sea views, traditional crofting landscapes and species-rich meadows, hear vibrant birdsong and possibly even spot an otter off the shore. The majority of this route is on narrow gravel paths or minor roads, with a short grassy section that can be muddy after rain. There’s one rough section where a short scramble and a keen sense of balance are required to cross the rocky shore and ascend onto the headland.
Coral beach: This is a short walk to a beautiful and secluded coral beach, a great location for a paddle and a picnic. The start of the route follows a croft access track, which can be muddy and wet after rain. After passing through the field gate, the gravel and stone path curves gently and continues slightly downhill, emerging at a final rocky descent to the beach itself.
Walking in Scotland
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