Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara

LOCHALSH: KYLE AND PLOCKTON AREAS


Summary :	A path through attractive woodland provides an enjoyable return walk from Balmacara, as well as the opportunity to link several other walks.
Terrain :	Well-marked path gives mostly good going but often muddy in places.
Grade :		Distance :	9km/5.5 miles
Bog Factor :		Time :	2 - 3 hours
Start :	Balmacara Square	Grid ref :	NG806284
Map :	View an OS map of the route Buy Explorer 428 - Kyle of Lochalsh	Ascent :	278m
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 :	[Click for timetables - choose Area 4]

Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara no. 1

1. Park in the car park at the south end of Balmacara Square. This is a picturesque spot with several old cottages around a village pond. Part of the old stable block is a National Trust interpretative centre. Begin the walk by heading north along the road to Plockton. After about three hundred metres a track goes off to the right, signed for Achnahinich. Turn right along here, and follow the track for several hundred metres, ignoring other smaller tracks going off to the left. The track fords a stream (there is a footbridge to the left for walkers) and immediately after this bends right; at this point, turn left where there is both a pedestrian gate and stile. There is also a footpath sign here (again, signed Achnahinich) but it is partly obscured by the bushes. (If the main track is followed, and a right turn taken at the next junction, the Balmacara woodland walk will be joined).

Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara no. 2

2. Follow the footpath as it heads through the trees, soon crossing a small footbridge. During a more open section the path heads for a while towards the rocky knoll of Sgurr Beag, before plunging back into the birchwoods. There are good views back towards Loch Duich as the path winds to and fro uphill between the lichen-encrusted trunks. The path is narrow and sometimes muddy but is clear to follow; at one point there is a National Trust marker post. Further on the path climbs out of the trees at last.

Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara no. 3

3. Just as the path deteriorates, a surfaced section is reached across the moor. There are excellent views ahead, both of nearby Loch Achaidh na h-Inich and the distant Applecross and Torridon mountains. Over to the right is the transmitter mast on Plockton Crags - a possible extension to this route. The path now heads downhill towards the loch, soon re-entering birchwoods.

Loch Achaidh na h-Inich from Balmacara no. 4

4. Shortly after passing another footpath sign the path reaches the loch shore, and turns left along it. The tiny, cairn-crowned island that can be seen in the loch is the remains of the crannog. The path skirts the western side of the loch and crosses a sluice gate to reach the tarmac road at the northern shore. At this point, you have reached part of the Plockton Crags route. You can either make that circuit from here before returning to Balmacara if you wish to extend the walk. Otherwise, the best way back is still the way you came.

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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