Balmacara to Kyle of Lochalsh

LOCHALSH: KYLE AND PLOCKTON AREAS


Summary :	A linear walk along a signed path which links Balmacara and Kyle of Lochalsh. The return can be made by bus (timetable permitting).
Terrain :	There is a path throughout but the going is fairly rough and boggy at times.
Grade :		Distance :	4.5km/2.75 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	1.5 - 2 hours
Start :	Old Forestry Commission campsite, Balmacara	Grid ref :	NG762272
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh	Ascent :	183m
GPS Route/ Waypoints :	Open this walk in QUO 2 Tell me more Open this walk in GPX format (compatible with Memory map etc)	Open this walk in Google Earth Tell me more Open all walks in Google Earth Tell me more
Pronunciation and meaning :	Press play button to listen Tell me more
Public Transport :	There is a reasonable bus service along the A87, served by both Citilink and Rapson's buses.[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

1. Take the first left turning for Balmacara Square from the A87(T) if approaching from Kyle of Lochalsh, or the second Balmacara Square turning on the right if approaching from Dornie. Just a hundred metres up this road you should see a wooden footpath sign pointing off to the left into the trees; it is possible to park by the entrance to the old Forestry Commission Campsite just beyond on the other side of the road (taking care not to block it). Return to the footpath sign (marked Kyle of Lochalsh 3 miles and Scalpaidh Burn 2 miles) and head up the path.

2. The path cuts through the trees and then across an open area just a short distance above the main road, before entering more woodland. The trees are mostly conifers at first but there are more native trees further on. When a junction is reached, don't take the main left fork but instead fork right uphill (there is a National Trust for Scotland marker post). The path now heads further uphill and away from the noise of the road. After some distance the trees are left behind (cross the stile) and an open moorland section follows.

3. The path remains easy to follow and crosses several more stiles, but the going is very boggy in places. Compensation is provided by fine views up Loch Duich and across the narrows to Skye; further on, there is a first glimpse of the Skye bridge. After a couple of kilometres the path slants downhill into a pretty little valley containing the Scalpaidh Burn. There is a four way signpost in this valley; our route continues straight ahead (marked Kyle of Lochalsh - 1 mile).

4. From here the way lies along an old made pathway through some fine oak and birch woodland. It loses height at first before climbing once more and coming clear of the trees. There is another open section, with pylons just left of the path, and on the final rise there is a fine view of Kyle of Lochalsh, backed by the Skye Bridge and, if it's clear, the Cuillin. The path now descents to enter Kyle past Glenview bed and breakfast. Continue down the street which joins up with Langlands Terrace just where it joins the main road. The centre of Kyle is along the road ahead.

5. If you have had enough, catch a bus back along the A87 to the turn-off for Balmacara. Otherwise, or if you haven't checked the timetable, the best return is back the way you came, which obviously doubles the stated time and distance for the walk.

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Route profile

View Accommodation for this area:
Kintail hotels
Kintail B&B
Kyle of Lochalsh & Plockton self catering cottages
Kintail hostels
Kintail campsites